Week Eight: Becoming at Home Abroad

Can you believe it’s already been two months? It’s wild to think I’ve now officially spent more time living outside of Toronto, Ontario, or even Canada than I ever have before. It’s uncharted territory for me but also incredibly rewarding. I’ve been navigating new challenges, embracing unfamiliar rhythms, and finding comfort in the unexpected.

I had a lot of expectations coming into this trip, but also a whole set of surprises. That’s been part of the growth—learning to face things as they come, leaning on my support system back home, and trusting new people here to guide me along the way. That mix of familiarity and discovery has made the experience rich and layered in ways I didn’t anticipate.

Thank you for following along with these updates—whether you’ve read one or all of them (they’re all on the site if you want to catch up!). It’s been cool to document the week-to-week as a living journal. But now, I feel like I’m transitioning from “traveling” to “living.” And that’s a big shift.

When you travel, you’re often chasing novelty—restaurants, day trips, sights. You’re out of your routine, but it’s short-term, and you know you’ll be home soon. That homesickness, when it hits, is softened by the knowledge that the comforts of your own space are just around the corner. But this isn’t a vacation. This is my life now, and I’m learning to make space for both routine and growth.

That said, there’s a rhythm forming. I’ve figured out how to get to and from the office, carved out time for workouts, and mapped out the city’s different neighborhoods. I’ve discovered where to get good groceries, and I know where to go when I just want something simple and familiar. Even my body is adjusting—the heat, the humidity, and the ever-present 25+ degree weather. I’m sweating less, and honestly, the sun feels good on my skin.

Of course, there are things I miss. Beaches, for one. I assumed they’d be more accessible here, but in Georgetown, they’re more scenic than swimmable. Travel within South America is also surprisingly expensive—flying from Toronto to a Caribbean country is often cheaper than from here to a neighboring country. That was unexpected and probably tied to logistics, infrastructure, and demand.

Another surprise? Prices. I assumed things would be cheaper here, and while some basics are, imported goods are often just as expensive—or more so—than back home. There’s no Amazon in Guyana, so getting stuff delivered usually means routing it through the U.S. or a nearby country and paying a premium. It’s made me more thoughtful about what I need versus what’s just “nice to have.”

In a way, it’s refreshing. People here are incredibly resourceful. There’s a real “make do with what you’ve got” mindset that’s helping me understand the immigrant mentality on a deeper level. It’s given me a whole new perspective on what many families—including my own—have gone through when starting over in a new place. That blend of unfamiliar and familiar, new and nostalgic, feels powerful.

It’s also been comforting to see aspects of my identity reflected here. There’s a strong Canadian presence—lots of people with family in Toronto—and the Indian diaspora is woven into the culture in visible and subtle ways. From the music on the streets to the names of foods, it all feels familiar, even as I’m thousands of kilometers from home.

What’s Good, What’s Tough, and What’s Next

🤠 The Good: I’ve been feeling a lot more self-sufficient lately. I did a solo photography walk to get shots for the blog and Instagram. I’ve explored new food spots and grocery stores. I’m building routines and finding joy in the small things. That feeling of accomplishment and independence is real.

😱 The Challenge: Taxis and garbage—two things I’ve mentioned before, but they’re ongoing annoyances. Waiting 30–45 minutes for a cab or seeing trash piled up feels like something that doesn’t have to be this way. It’s a reminder that infrastructure shapes daily experience in huge ways.

😎 What’s Next: We’re getting close to rolling out our branding work internally and externally at the organization. It’s been a long process, but I’m excited to finally get it out in the world and hear what people think. Fingers crossed it lands well!

Thanks again for reading—see you in the next one.