Hi waves,

I do believe your feelings of Cultural Split are more deep rooted and personal than those of a Military background. We tend to struggle with the loss of belonging to a geographic Location. I'm English, but am I a Tractorboy, a Yokel, a Southerner, an adoptive Yorkshireman (not yet after 25 years)? Everyone is FROM somewhere, it's one of the first questions asked of a new acquaintance. My answer has always been unsatisfactory and long-winded.

Being from nowhere leaves an empty, nagging hole inside. At least I can identify with my Culture, that has never changed. But as a kid, coming back to this Country - and being unceremoniously dumped at boarding school - I found I was far more aware of different Cultures than my peers, and most came from the Melting Pot that is London.

Do I suggest you do as I do with my childhood issues - bottle them up, let them seethe and simmer under the surface for a few more years until they burst forth again?

I do not have anything to offer that is practical.

Dave.