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It’s a big world out there. Let’s celebrate it | Gareth McGrath

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6 days ago

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I haven’t been home in more than a decade.

It might seem strange to hear that, since I’ve lived in Wilmington for 25 years and this is now my real home.

But by home, I mean the United Kingdom. It’s not that I don’t want to go back or haven’t had opportunities, but either the timing hasn’t been right or we’ve decided or had the opportunity to travel somewhere else.

Sure, I miss seeing my extended family. And eating the food (yes, British food!).

But what I miss the most is just the cultural immersion of being in London, Liverpool, North Wales or even Edinburgh.

From the historic architecture and green landscapes to the accents and pub culture, there’s just something special about experiences that are both familiar but now a bit different.

If you met me, you might not even know I’m English. I’ve lived on this side of the Pond for decades, speak like an American (except for after a few pints), probably dress like one, and share many of the same likes and dislikes as my neighbors here in Wilmington.

More from Gareth McGrath: I was born in England, but here’s why I call Wilmington home now

But while we all might look and sound the same, we’re not − and I think that’s wonderful. Take me, for example. I was born in Lancashire to a mom from Manchester and a dad from Liverpool, and they didn’t share football or religious loyalties. Oh, and now I’m married to a South African who I met in Colorado and we now live in a town that was originally called New Liverpool in a state named after a British monarch. A small world, right?

The mixing pot of cultures and nationalities found in the Port City is one of the reasons I love living here. Even meeting people from different parts of this vast country is a learning experience that I believe makes my life richer.

When you meet someone who is from somewhere else, you learn things. And if you’re like me, you get the bug to visit their home or try their food or local drink.

While national and even local sentiment in some quarters seems to be pushing America inward, to circle the wagons to some degree, I can’t wait to explore and meet people from out there. As the late, great Anthony Bourdain said, we should embrace and celebrate our differences, not shy away from them.

I firmly believe I am a better person because I’ve traveled to new places, met new people and tried to understand and celebrate their cultures − either abroad or in my own Cape Fear backyard. I’m proud to say some of my best friends here in Wilmington are from England, Ireland, France, Quebec, Scotland and even Pittsburgh, Virginia and, yes, North Carolina.

So next time you see me, say hello, and maybe pull up a chair and share a pint.

You might learn something new. I know I will.

But I’m still not going to be sold on grits.

Reporter Gareth McGrath can be reached at GMcGrath@Gannett.com or @GarethMcGrathSN on X/Twitter. This story was produced with financial support from the Green South Foundation and the Prentice Foundation. The USA TODAY Network maintains full editorial control of the work. 

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