It's time for a change. What until recently was Across the Pond - An Expat in Vienna and L.A. is now simply Across the Pond. With the new title come a new subtitle and a new focus. In short, I am done comparing, done with exploring "the gap between Europe and the U.S., the differences in culture, lifestyle, and politics". I simply want to concentrate on where I am now.
Since my family and I moved back to Southern California from Europe six months ago Vienna, Austria, and the Old World have been getting smaller in my rear view mirror. The images from years lived on another continent are being replaced by more immediate impressions. L.A. has a way of doing that to people - at least to those who are not repelled by its fragmented and forgetful nature. If we love L.A. it commands our undivided attention. (For more on this see my earlier post When Europe Disappears.)
Going forth Across the Pond will focus on life in L.A. and what shapes it. Expect posts about the people, places, and events which make Southern California my favorite corner of the world, about the goings-on in Washington and Sacramento which influence or even determine how we live (and, of course, about my family's travels near and far).
Cutting out Austria as a focal point does not mean that I will forget where I came from. I spent almost four decades living in Europe and little more than one in the U.S. The emotional ties to family and friends across the pond, to Innsbruck, Vienna, and the mountains of the Tyrol remain strong. My perspective on all things American will always be that of an immigrant - which, in a sense, is a very American perspective.
Since my family and I moved back to Southern California from Europe six months ago Vienna, Austria, and the Old World have been getting smaller in my rear view mirror. The images from years lived on another continent are being replaced by more immediate impressions. L.A. has a way of doing that to people - at least to those who are not repelled by its fragmented and forgetful nature. If we love L.A. it commands our undivided attention. (For more on this see my earlier post When Europe Disappears.)
Going forth Across the Pond will focus on life in L.A. and what shapes it. Expect posts about the people, places, and events which make Southern California my favorite corner of the world, about the goings-on in Washington and Sacramento which influence or even determine how we live (and, of course, about my family's travels near and far).
Cutting out Austria as a focal point does not mean that I will forget where I came from. I spent almost four decades living in Europe and little more than one in the U.S. The emotional ties to family and friends across the pond, to Innsbruck, Vienna, and the mountains of the Tyrol remain strong. My perspective on all things American will always be that of an immigrant - which, in a sense, is a very American perspective.
Comments
Congratulations on seeing clearly the direction you want to take these pages. While I'll miss your musings on Austria as I continue to adjust to life here, I know it's the right move for you. And, of course, I look forward to hearing your take on places I used to know so well.
It seems to me a very positive step for you to takes. Here's to the future!
Lorraine
Sounds like a great direction to take the blog. Will you be posting more photos?
Being from the Midwest, I've always had mixed feelings about LA culture. I'm looking forward to your stories/thoughts, so I can move past what I'm sure are many incorrect stereotypes.
Good luck on your new journey!
-Mark
I appreciate your support and yes, I do plan on posting more pictures. Thank you for the encouragement from Texas, Salzburg, and Penang!
Christina