Bonding Across Borders: My Family and Friends Abroad

Geographical distance doesn’t always mean a lack of connection. In today's globalized world, maintaining relationships with friends and family living in other countries has become both easier and more common. This article delves into my personal experience of bridging the distance with close loved ones, sharing stories and lessons from my cross-border communication and visits.

Personal Connections Spanning the Globe

For many of us, the journey of friendship and family extends far beyond our immediate surroundings. I am no exception, with several points of connection scattered across international borders.

Early Penpals and a Detroit Adventure

Back in the mid-1970s, I was fortunate enough to have a few penpals in the United States. These friendships were largely sustained through written correspondence, but one visit in 1976 to Detroit stands out vividly. It was a thrilling adventure to meet and forge a bond with the chosen few who were living so far away.

Frequent Visits to Family in Europe

My younger sister, who now resides in Spain after previously living in Ireland, has been a constant in my life. Visiting her has been a highlight of my life, with me making about five trips. Additionally, our family has a cousin in Australia whom we have visited on multiple occasions, combining regular trips with excursions to nearby Japan.

Leisure Travel for Bonding

Beyond family, I also have friends and colleagues scattered across different countries. While these relationships are primarily maintained through digital communication—Facebook, text messages, and WhatsApp—we do make an effort to visit each other when possible. These occasional visits serve as opportunities to strengthen our bonds and keep the connection alive.

Relatives in Europe

While I know of several distant relatives in France, the Netherlands, and Germany, I have no personal interactions with them. Amongst my close acquaintances, I am a unique presence as I am the only one who has emigrated. My ancestors, from 1600 to the present, followed a path of local roots, with no intention to venture far from their communities. I chose a different route, leaving it all behind long ago, and have no plans to move back.

Special Visits for Milestone Events

One significant moment was attending my sister’s wedding when she decided to tie the knot. Such occasions provide a wonderful opportunity for family to come together, bridging the physical distance with joy and shared moments.

A Family Connection in Australia

My cousin, who made the move to Australia, visits us sporadically when funds allow. Unlike the reciprocal nature of my visits to his cousin in Japan, it is always me who is greeted by his visits here in Singapore.

Visiting Holocaust Survivors

A profound and personal journey involves visiting the son of Holocaust survivors in the Czech Republic. This visit occurs annually, or following the pandemic, ensuring that the legacy of those who endured is never forgotten.

The stories of my family and friends around the globe highlight the enduring power of human connection. As technology continues to evolve, the distances between us only seem to grow smaller. These experiences have taught me that, even when miles divide us, shared memories and feelings of kinship can bridge any gap.