Have you ever felt left out because you were different and all you wanted to do was shout into the void about how we’re all actually very alike hoping someone would hear you and really listen? Have you ever felt the opposite? Feeling like the people around you took you as one of them and you wanted to point out how vastly different you were from everyone in the room? Well, the latter describes my time in Thailand as an adult and the former my childhood in America. Confused yet? Please don’t be. I wonder if most third-culture kids feel this way.
It would be facile to say my looks were what simply what set me apart from folks in the room, but it was definitely a huge part of it. And when I moved to Thailand and looked like everyone else (for the most part, take away the American fashion choices and the 30 “extra” pounds I was carrying, and I could semi-pass as a native Thai woman), Thais assumed I knew the language and culture as well as they did just by looking at me.
In Between is a narrative non-fiction memoir about being rejected as an American in America and rejected as Thai in Thailand. And how both worlds are so much a part of me that I refuse to have one without the other. Growing up, when people asked where I was from, I exclaimed New York City loud and proud, and when the inevitable follow up question – Where are you really from – came, I said I was born in Bangkok. But honestly, after living in Thailand so long, when people still ask me where I’m from, I say Thailand. When they ask how my English is so good, I say because I grew up in New York. Sure, it’s exhausting, but it’s worth it to spotlight my differences because hiding them only makes folks more ignorant to the fact that we actually are more alike than different and once we’re able to accept that, perhaps there will be more understanding. We could all use a little more patience and understanding with each other.
Maybe one day my opinion will change, but for now, that’s what it is.
The above photo should be of my book. In Between – East to West and back East Again, which was the original title.
About the Author
Born in Bangkok, Annie was only 14 months old when her family immigrated to Queens, New York. She’s lived in Florence, Italy; Los Angeles; and as a native expatriate in Bangkok, Thailand with a couple of stints in Yangon, Myanmar. She currently lives in Maryland with her amazing husband and their adorable cat.
“I recently hired Annie to take care of my cat while I was away during the holiday season. I was impressed by how available and flexible she was in terms of scheduling. But what really stood out to me was the extra care and attention she gave to my cat. Despite my cat’s tendency to hide and be a little shy, Annie was able to coax her out and even play with her. This was above and beyond what I had asked for, as I had only needed her to check on food and water. Additionally, Annie sent multiple pictures during each visit, which really helped to put my mind at ease and assure me of my cat’s safety, health, and wellbeing. Overall, I was extremely happy with the service provided by Annie and would highly recommend her to anyone in need of a responsible and caring cat sitter.” – Mitchell
“Annie was amazing! I always hate having to leave my cat, but I felt so much better knowing Annie was there. Our cat absolutely loved her and Annie took great care of her. She sent plenty of photos and updates so I always knew how she was doing. She was incredibly respectful while staying in our apartment as well. We will definitely be using Annie again in the future!” – Amalia
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