Comments on: Hello Halifax: You can never go home

By: D. Mark Laing

D. Mark Laing — Thu, 13 May 2010 19:58:47 +0000

What a lovely post, and I’m flattered all to pieces that you’ve used one of my images. I teach at NSCC (film) and I took the shot from the Waterfront Campus because I liked the way the way the windows framed the skyline. The rest is Photoshop — to give it the Christopher Pratt/Alex Colville feel.
Cheers.

By: Glitterati_Duane

Glitterati_Duane — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:57:15 +0000

Great post. I can definitely relate.

By: Thenewcomer

Thenewcomer — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:23:53 +0000

I think I would go stark mad raving crazy if I went back home, which is Tehran. I’d start running through the streets screaming or something. I don’t think I could handle the emotions. In fact, I’m getting all worked up and nervous typing these words.

By: Cheryl Bell

Cheryl Bell — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:38:31 +0000

And, of course, the wonderful curries! Great post, Gail.

By: MrWordsWorth

MrWordsWorth — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:52:30 +0000

Read this early this morning and it has lingered with me all day, how vividly you recount instances of uprooting, displacement. The sense of home is powerful and the trick is to find your constant – that one thing or person that fulfills that need. I’ve never quite felt like this is my home, though I’ve lived here all my life. Sometimes, I’ve thought I’d be more successful, and further ahead, if I had left. Now, the sense of home I know I derive from my SigO. She makes any and ever place I go home.

By: Ashley

Ashley — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:41:21 +0000

Gail,

I am an avid follower of your blogs and have to say that I have never agreed with you more. Although I have never lived ‘far away’, I can relate to the feeling.

I moved to Halifax from Moncton in fall of ’06 for school. I remember going back and thinking ‘this isn’t the same…’. I have learned now that home really is where my heart is, where my family is, and where i am comfortable!!!

By: Shelagh

Shelagh — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:36:09 +0000

Great post! I think that there are some places that do become better than “home” and coming back can be a let down and a difficult experience of adjusting to the new normal. I had that sense of not belonging after a long stay in Greece.
I have also come back from trips and remember feeling overwhelmed in grocery stores, we just have too much! Too many choices, too much stuff. Too much.

By: Bessy N

Bessy N — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:27:12 +0000

hey girl
awesome post. you have so eloquently shared how I’ve felt for months… and it comforts me to know that one day, I will feel (somewhat) integrated again.
thank goddess for technology that allows me to stay connected to so many people and things that I miss about my previous home.. it may not be the same, but it helps!

By: curlyluddite

curlyluddite — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:29:16 +0000

Cannot begin to tell you how much this rings true for me at the moment. Lots of people told me it would be difficult returning home – I even knew myself that it would be – but nothing really prepares you for the utter shock of it. You’ve described the emotions perfectly; it’s a relief to see that I’m not the only one! Thanks.

By: Ted

Ted — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:39:22 +0000

I too have left Halifax several times to live elsewhere, and each time I returned my reaction was the same as yours: the city had not changed. Halifax will always be home, but.