All around the world

Fun fact: I actually used this kind of technique to help write my online dating profile on RSVP many years back. I married the girl I met there, so maybe there’s something to it?

The places that shaped me:

The Wirral, England

A small peninsula stuck between Liverpool and Wales. Childhood home, and formative years. Football in the local park until dusk. Sarcasm, calmness, self-deprecating sense of humour, occasional fatalism and a belief in the power of tea as a universal panacea.

Amtrak, United States

If you can call various trains “home”. Aged 21, solo traveling around the country, including a 60 hour journey from Flagstaff to NYC, by way of Chicago. Independence, a love of the road, patience, and a strong automatic preference for adaptation over planning.

Gifu, Japan

Straight out of college, teaching English to Japanese students aged six to eighty-eight. Ten minutes to prepare from scratch each fifty minute lesson for four students, eight times a day, for two years. Getting lost in Japanese towns that had no English signs, and knowing everybody in town who looked like you. The place where I realised I was an extrovert. Thinking on my feet, love of adventure, a strong desire to understand everything, acceptance of things beyond my control, empathy for being different.

Manchester, England

My university town, for four years. College gave me the tools to pursue a career, and working in McDonalds exposed me to people with a different outlook on life. Long lasting friendships, and a strong desire to achieve first class honours. Left a girl to pursue my dreams. Value of money, value of hard work, tendency to coast on ability, strong need to please my mother, tendency toward perfectionism, innate selfishness.

San Francisco, United States

My current home, where I blossomed professionally and married my wife. Exposure to brilliant minds, and shocking inequality. Confronted with my own privilege, and cured of the myth that we live in a meritocracy. Humility, empathy, technical competence, pragmatism.

Brisbane, Australia

I accidentally lived here for five years from 2006. Almost went broke supporting someone who may not have deserved it. Let that go and made my peace with it, then met my future wife. Relaxed, laid back personality, gregariousness, loyalty, comfort of my place within the world.

Melbourne, Australia

A five day span in 2006. The place where I realised I could present whatever persona I wanted to the world, and if I believed it, people would too. No need to be the timid person I thought I once was. Confidence.

Easter Island, Chile

My 30th birthday present from my wife. Completion of a childhood dream. Recognition of extreme good fortune.

Petra, Jordan

Traveling in 2011. The most magnificent edifices I’ve seen. Realisation that I’m small and young and insignificant, as are we all.

What’s your location identity?