My response is usually a blank stare.
What they mean by "home" is usually Australia. I don't blame them. I was raised there... from the ages of 6 to 17 I lived, studied and played in Australia.
But it's not really home. Not to me, anyway.
I think it's a stunningly beautiful country; its unforgiving nature part of that beauty.
But it's not home.
I rarely mention it in conversation, because it gets tricky to explain. It also begs the question, so, is Canada home?
Well... no. Not really.
I love Canada, don't get me wrong. I am having a far better experience here, what with the writing thing, and my awesome geeky friends, and the whole kung fu family thing... the list is endless. I also adore the changing seasons, though summer can take a hike, thank you very much. It's too damned hot right now.
Anyway, if ever we get talking about it - really talking, not the small talk crap that people often do - people seem fascinated by my lack of "home." The truth is, I haven't really found that deep connection with a place that makes it home.
I didn't love my time in Australia. I fell in love with Canada gradually (but was very ready to quit the place in the Harper years).
Both are fine places to live. Neither are really home.
I would be content to live in Canada for the rest of my life, but it's not home.
I don't know where home is. It doesn't really matter to me at present, either. Right now I live and work and play in Canada, and I'm enjoying it very much.
What about you? Where's home for you, or are you like me, a wanderer enjoying their time?
I'm curious.