To be honest, I had similar feelings when going back to Malaysia and Hong Kong in October. They're countries intrinsically linked to my past, present and future and, arguably, chunks of my heart are left there every time we return to see family. But there's a cognitive dissonance between how I remember and romanticise it and how it is: the distressing comments about my body that I rarely directly experience in the UK; the difference in how progressive the countries are and aren't.
Beautifully written, Riza! Sending hugs <3
Thanks Sumedha!
Really enjoyed this, Riza!
To be honest, I had similar feelings when going back to Malaysia and Hong Kong in October. They're countries intrinsically linked to my past, present and future and, arguably, chunks of my heart are left there every time we return to see family. But there's a cognitive dissonance between how I remember and romanticise it and how it is: the distressing comments about my body that I rarely directly experience in the UK; the difference in how progressive the countries are and aren't.
These feelings can be hard to admit out loud but it's there. Glad it resonated. Thanks for the comment, Michelle!