Deserting the Empire
What happens to New Yorkers abroad? It’s an interesting question, considering that New York City is known for attracting people from around the world. For those of us who left/leave, I discovered that the assumptions about my hometown are as varied as the distances they reach.
I’ve always said that when you grow up in New York City you either stay forever, or leave (repeatedly). I have been in the latter camp since I turned 18; my curiosity was aflame with imagining what the other parts of the country and the world were like, and why people chose to come to New York City.
My life of travel and passion for Other eventually took me to Norway. It was there that I had a meeting with some clients in Oslo that would later become the inspiration for “Deserting the Empire,” my first essay with Narratively.
Enjoy.