The Expatriot was (1994-1995) a serialized travel journal by the author of these web pages. During 1994 and 1995, I spent 9 months living in Europe with friends and family. The bulk of my time was spent in Bordeaux, France with host Philippe Billé. He generously gave me a room in his apartment and drove me around southern France on numerous day trips. My account describes these explorations, as well as my self-exploration as I came to terms with being a foreigner.
I was met up in Amsterdam by a close friend, and our three days there are described with the eyes of one having just got off the boat, so to speak.
I also stayed with my sister in El Puerto de Santa Maria, Spain, which is on the south Atlantic coast near Jerez. I describe the Spanish landscape and the peculiar topographic character of some of Andalusia's most scenic villages. A roadtrip north to the Pyrenees is also covered in detail.
A springtime journey to Prague is also covered. I was so charmed by this city that I extended my return date on my roundtrip coach ticket no less than three times. The city's ongoing capitalist naissance can be a palpably felt energy as you walk the streets. Side trips to Cesky Krumlov and Olomouc are also covered.
The series is abruptly cut off just as I begin a side trip to Budapest. A week in Berlin with Florian Cramer is also not covered, due to the fact that the project was never completed. I simply ran out of money, forcing my return to the U.S. My motivation to complete the narrative apparently decided to remain in Europe. At this late date, my memory of these events is sufficiently dim so as to make rehashing them difficult.
Nonetheless, the feedback I received from these texts was sufficiently positive for me to seek a wider audience for them from these web pages. They consist of:
These are long texts; it would be understandable if you did not want to read them on a computer monitor. So be advised that they are also available in postcard-size booklet form of 24 pages each. To obtain them, you need only specify which issue you want and slip $2 into the envelope with your request. Write to the address below.
Since the release of Psrf no. 48, the series continues on, maintained by different authors. We are always looking for good writers who are living abroad. If you are one, you are encouraged to submit.