Defining Moments: Where We Begin And End In A Globalized Life

Change is in the air. This month we're redefining things we thought we knew. Where we begin and end. If democracy means we have to live with choices we wouldn't chose. The new social order of virtuality mixed with what many insist is "real life". And if we're signed up for life with a local -- no relocation services, no cost of living allowances -- are we even expats at all?

We're also taking a look at a clever new voice in the blogosphere and a weekend event in Holland meant to create breakthrough action in the lives of its international participants.

+++++ AT expat+HAREM

Global businesswoman Rebecca Self wonders if her mobile career changes the pleasure of travel, or is it a fuller expression of her traveler nature?

In our second expat+HAREM interview, online psychotherapist and Internet media theorist Dr. Leon Tan challenges us with today's "digital diasporas" and the role of mixed reality -- a continuum of virtual to actual life experiences  -- in a globalized life.

A Third Culture Kid had a free-floating perception of herself, but now planted in one spot she's drawing personal borders. Meanwhile after 10-years abroad, a Brit realizes some expats are more equal than others. (Count us as expat type #2.)

Plus, a biculturalist (and 'Turklish' speaker) struggles to make sense of an emerging landscape: Tea Parties in her Missouri neighborhood, and turbans in Istanbul parks...

+++++ AROUND THE WORLD & AROUND THE WEB

In these sketchy, xenophobic times, our favorite new-smart-fresh blog by ex-expat/repat/neopat ML Awanohara starts giving awards to Americans unafraid of 'the other'.

We're charmed by the concept of Seen the Elephant, defined as a desire to seek out amazing sights in far corners of the world, a jaded expression of "been there, done that", and the famous Indian legend of six blind men feeling up a pachyderm.

And if you're a social entrepreneur or intrapreneur in Amsterdam mid-month, expat+HAREM poster Rebecca Self's European Summit for Global Transformation is *the* place to gather for "a weekend to change the world."

+++++ YOUR THOUGHTS

Commenters about last month's burqa piece at National Review include: Zaharr Hayatti, who "detests the idea of a government which insists either TO veil or NOT to veil. This, I would pray, would/could be the woman's choice."

Arriving in Turkey 13 years ago, the ban on head scarves in government institutions seemed "rather primitive" to Kirsten Karahan, "reflecting prejudices against tradition, religion, economic class and gender." Now, the visual arts educator in Ankara says: "I have come to see that the practice contributes so heavily toward the general subjugation of women that it really must be kept out of public life. I don't have research to cite, but I do have personal observations and experiences."

And Catherine Bayar: "Cultures change from the inside, not by having change imposed upon them. It's not just the men who are the imposers of tradition cloaked in piety within the family."

As a global citizen, what are you in the midst of redefining?

Cultural Style Memo With Rose Deniz

The artist and curator Rose Deniz posted on her blog about going to a wedding in Turkey and being the only one who seemed to have not gotten the style memo.

Being out of sync with one's surroundings is a typical experience for expats, multiculturalists, hybrids and global operators. So big news that this weekend I went to a Dutch-Turkish wedding this weekend in the Netherlands and was dressed like half the women there.

The Dutch women, not the Turks.

So, while the Turks tottered around on mossy and uneven patiobricks in their red-soled Louboutins, I was sensible and sporting in my motorcycle boots and wool wrap dress. Plus, walking around in Amsterdam the majority of the shops displayed outfits I'd wear and want to wear. That settles it.

As much as it's hard to keep the focus on a style that actually fits me when I'm surrounded by opposing cultural dress memos/messages, heeding what I truly want to wear is the only answer.

Finding it for sale locally is a different problem.

Co-Hosting Istanbul's First Global Nomad Salon

I'll be coproducing a Global Nomad Salon this June at Istanbul's Four Seasons Sultanahmet along with the Salon founder Dutch-Curacaoan banker Janera Soerel. Introduced by various international friends in 2007, Janera and I quickly found common ground: our shallow roots in many different communities and the urge to find the larger meaning in local issues. Working together long-distance, we are co-producing this cultural entertainment. It's a guided dinner for 20-30 educated, intellectual, opinionated people to discuss concerns of global culture and economics.

The Economist magazine calls the scene at this worldwide series of intellectual dinner parties "jetsetters with a conscience." Pluralism, individualism, universalism are Global Nomad values.

Experts who guide the conversation at their ends of the table will include Serif Kaynar (country managing director of Korn/Ferry) and Nese Gundogan (secretary general of the Turkish Olympic Committee).

Along with an online magazine and members-only social network (Janera.com), founder Janera Soerel, a Dutch Curacaoan banker who lives in Manhattan, launched the Global Nomad Salon series October 2007 in Washington DC, then Rome, the Caribbean and New York City. With local co-hosts, Janera’s events are now spreading across the globe. This summer and fall they will take place in Amsterdam, Paris, Brussels, Dubai, Tuscany and London. The goal is to rouse the Global Nomad community worldwide and strengthen the network of its members, eventually with a GNSalon occurring twice yearly in various countries, events populated by Global Nomads both local and from afar.