In brief

Catch moments and infuse them with that whiff of cross-cultural identity that makes us mix everything and gives us a brand new perspective while feeding some non-toxic melancholy / nostalgia we’re never really aware of until it hits us!

***

The Slightly Longer Version . . .

The idea of the regular hangout as a safe space (and) home away from home came from real life. Or rather, it snuck up on me as I was living my life and discovered that no matter where I am in the world, I will never feel truly at home unless I have a place (or two) where I can go, do my work, talk to people, hang around and just be. Of all these pubs, bars, coffee houses and cafes at least four have been instrumental in bringing about significant life changes on a personal and professional level.

The idea of the pub as a place where stories are told and shared, regardless of whether they are tall tales or merely a mirror of mundane everyday life solidified after seeing Conor McPherson’s The Weir. I love a story with a good twist, and if there is a sense of horror that is psychological rather than gory, I’m all for it (even as I am shaking and quaking in my proverbial boots).

And so Tales From Your Local Pubs was born as a platform to engage with those from a similar background and of course all those interested in cross-cultural and intercultural identities. The local pub is always a great place to hang out – whether it’s with family, partners or friends – catch up on the latest stories and news, philosophize, have a meal or just be. And if you can look at some art and listen to some music, so much the better.

The pub is a microcosm we choose to belong to, a place where we feel welcome and safe whether we show up with a colleague or neighbor or even on our own. For Adult Cross Culture Kids especially, finding a local place to hang out in can go a long way in creating that home (away from home). And this is exactly what this blog mirrors: a safe space to discuss a variety of subjects that in one way or another lead back to a cross-cultural mindset or even just a theme. It is also a space from which I want to take away the fear and misunderstanding that seems to be perpetuated around the concept of growing up with several cultures at your fingertips.

Using my background in Cultural Studies, Creative Writing and Art, my mission is to help people understand their surroundings – and (a part of) themselves – by bringing things to their attention through consultations, writing, workshops and art. The stance is often critical, somewhat sardonic and sarcastic where words are used but always with the aim to drive the conversation forward. No matter how much we love the culture we have chosen (for however long we engage with it or are a part of it), there is always something that can be improved. And bringing it to the surface – instead of hiding our heads in the sand hoping whatever it is we are hiding from will eventually blow over on its own – enables us to engage in solutions by having an honest look at the problems.

Hopefully these discussions will then lead to some kind of clarity or at least a path of more information and action. All pictures are my own creation, unless otherwise stated, but attention is also given to art that has had an impact on myself or those around me. The content discussed here is family friendly with the goal of understanding each other by asking questions on things that elude us in the countries we are interested in or in the inexplicable ways we catch ourselves (and our loved ones) acting.

All art on these pages is my own – unless otherwise stated – and can be purchased. Please inquire via the contact form.

This is a safe space, so how you identify doesn’t matter as long as you are respectful and kind towards others. This blog aims to unite people in helping them see what we have in common rather than what rips us apart. Instead of assigning blame, the goal is to see how we can bring people together. The motto and driving force of this space is: be curious, be helpful, be kind and don’t force anything on anyone but instead meet them with kindness & understanding.

******

Music makes life so much better, and when it comes from a friend it really does add a certain layer to the feel good factor. Even though this was not written for me or this project, if Tales From Your Local Pubs had a soundtrack, this would very definitely be it. And who knows, maybe (by some miracle we’ll even manage to find Veroniki from Thessaloniki 🙃🙃🙃).