An American Thanksgiving in Canada

Instead of home in Texas, an Asian food court just off the UBC (University of British Columbia) campus.

Instead of my parents and brother, a fellow postdoc, PB from Germany.

Instead of turkey and stuffing, three items (drunken chicken, Chinese cabbage, and broccoli with rice) for $5.75.

Instead of a slice of pumpkin pie, a pint of Canadian beer.

Instead of a warm snooze afterward, a cold bike ride back to the apartment.

Here I am in Vancouver, B.C., a million miles from home, on the third Thursday in November. I sit at my laptop, think of all I love south of me, embrace them in my thoughts, and wonder, What am I doing here? Do all expats feel this way?