... and so it began.

Returning home was a concept that fell far beyond the perception of my reality while I lived abroad. When I alit on familiar soil, reverse culture shock hit me like the slap of a scorned lover. The sting still dogs me.

Taiwan is a Neverland. I was a cardholding member of the Lost Boys finding a comfort in the stability and steady income it provided. The absolute freedom and childish fun was a welcome side effect.

Asia’s polar-opposite society gives foreigners a whole new set of guidelines for social behaviour. Some are lulled into a false sense of comfort. All seem to start out with good intentions, but the bricks are laid one by one, and the road to purgatory is built before they know it.

I was comfortable in my limbo...which was the problem. To break myself away and re-integrate into the 'real world' was a gorgon I dreaded slaying.

Before moving to the Far East, I swung from contract to contract. Nothing was stable and nothing was secure. Moving to a place like Toronto would have been financial suicide. I was desperate to be the one behind the curtain, running my own future.


But, gradually, I have built up a false sense of security. Through small stints at temporary postings, I have bounced around the city getting a feel for this place.

Toronto has is my concrete security blanket and my home, but where it's taking me I'm not sure.

This past year has seen me working in data entry, online reporting and financial work. Jack of all trades.

The world of journalism is quickly falling behind me... I'm not holding my breath.