Brian Keith Carvalho

Let’s face it. It’s always plagued Third Culture Kids from time to time. At a date, at a meeting or even an interview – the dreaded – ‘So tell me about yourself. Where are you from?’.  If only the answer could be as clear cut as we wanted it to be.

But Where Are You Really From?

So in the interest of clearing things up, at least on my end, here’s my answer. Don’t worry, I won’t go down the lines of ‘Citizen of the World’. I can’t really claim that given I can still count the countries I’ve visited on my fingers.

I’m from India.
The incredible motherland. The place I’ve grown up owing allegiance to with a pledge that I can still partly recollect. I’m from the country’s smallest state – Goa, though throughout my life I haven’t lived there for more than 30 days at a stretch, my roots live and lie there. I’m also from Bombay Mumbai, where I attended college, have relatives too and made some incredible friendships.

I’m from Oman.
Particularly a small town named Salalah in the Southern state of Dhofar. Born, schooled, fed, brought up and continue to visit the place. It’s earned the title of ‘home town’ from me. The place has influenced my personality quite a bit, particularly its hospitable and kind people. Fun Fact: Salalah and Goa share considerably similar climates owing to which my Dad could never really leave the place once he got there!

I’m from Portugal
Yes this one’s a scoop of news for some who haven’t known it already - on papers I’m a Portuguese national. Owing to both, my grandfather’s lineage and the diplomatic arrangements that arose from Goa being an erstwhile colony of this European sea faring nation. It does worry me that I haven’t visited the country and do not speak the language, but I’m making an honest effort at the latter. I owe it to the country that’s widened my horizons.

So that’s Brian Keith Carvalho for you folks- A Portuguese-Indian born in Oman. 

Do you have a difficult time answering the big ‘from’ question too? I’d love to know how you answer it!