"I love the idea I've lived in the same place all my life", was a statement I heard on the radio this morning that absolutely screamed out at me. It was said by Ian McMillan, a most interesting British poet, who was appearing this morning on that wonderful BBC Radio 4 programme, Desert Island Discs.
McMillan was born in the small Yorkshire village of Darfield, close to the town of Barnsley in 1956, making him one year older than me. He is Poet In Residence at both the English National Opera and of his beloved Barnsley football club.
I was struck by his comment about his attachment to the place where he was born and the fact that he has lived there all of his life. His experience dramatically differs from mine, having had homes in New York, Amsterdam, Brussels and Prague. And having spent extended periods in Washington DC, New Delhi as well as other places. In spite of my nomadic lifestyle, I find myself admiring people who remain attached to their hometowns.
Is is a failure or a strength to remain in the same home all one's life? This is a question that I have often asked myself. I must confess to really admire the likes of McMillan, who is so emotionally attached to his birthplace. I have deeply fond memories of the home where I was brought up from birth until I was 19 years old, at 48 Pangbourne Drive, Stanmore in North London. I also have a deep affection for London and Great Britain. It's easy to find expats who speak badly of the place from where they come. You will never hear a negative word from me.
I consider Prague to be my home. I have lived here now for four years where I have a lovely flat surrounded by my treasured belongings. In spite of not speaking the language, often struggling to really understand the Czech psyche, and always feeling distinctly British, this really is my home. And yet there was something so warm and attractive in McMillan's commment on the radio this morning. I wonder why.
Everyone needs somewhere they call home, but that doesn't mean you need to have been born there. In Israel, where you live, many people come from somewhere else, including your parents. And yet your parents, along with many others, passionately see Israel as their home. I beleive that it's important to know where you come from and to have pride in it, while it is equally necessary to feel content and happy in the place that you live.
As for me, Prague is a beautiful city. I came here with a wife with whom I had plannned to establish a family home filled with love and joy. It is with very much regret that this didn't work out. But I decided to stay, and have made friends here, enjoy the rich cultural life that this city has to offer, and generally feel comfortable. And I am involved with the Jewish community.
So I am not complaining. But I must confess to harbour real envy for McMillan's love for living all of his 54 years on one place.
Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic
