A conversation with my niece | My Relocation Diaries

Hi, everyone, it's Hadar. And welcome to my Relocation Diaries. Today we have a special episode with my lovely guests here, Amalia, my daughter.

Hello.

And I have a guest, a spontaneous guest that came to visit me this week, and that is Gaia, my niece, my beloved niece. Hi, Gaia. Hi. And, yeah, my sister and my niece and my nephew Ori decided to come within a day's notice. They said it's the summer, we have a week off, we're just getting on a plane and we're coming to see you because we miss you. And you can imagine how happy I was. And now she's here, and I was about to record my Relocation Diaries and I said, hey, why don't I interview you for my Relocation Diaries? Amalia is here because she's directing the episode. She's not moving the microphone. So she's here to make. To monitor everything and to make sure everything's okay and to give us the emotional support.

Yes, of course. What?

And. And the conversation is going to be with Gaia, but if you want to add something, you can.

Okay.

So, first of all. Hi, Gaia. Hi. How are you?

I'm okay.

How is it to be in Barcelona in July?

It's July already.

Yeah, it is.

No, I just realized I've been in summer vacation for a month already.

For a month?

Why?

Since when are you on vacation?

On vacation? Since June 20th.

June 20th. So she's been off since June 20th because she is in high school. Not yet. Middle school?

Yes, it's middle school.

It's not middle school. What is it? It's junior high. Junior high.

Isn't it the same?

No, Junior high is like. I think every country has it different, but for us, junior high is from seventh grade until ninth grade.

So, yes, I'm in junior high.

Junior high. You're going. You're going to be in what grade next year?

Ninth.

Ninth grade.

Oh, my God.

And how old are you, Gaia?

I'm 14.

14? 14 years old. Gaia is my first niece. She made me an auntie. And she was born in 2010. Yes. And I was the happiest aunt in the world. What do you remember from the time you were born?

I remember, of course, everything. Right.

Remember how I held you in my arms for hours? I wouldn't let go of you. And my sister was like, can you. Can you put my. Can you. Can I have my daughter back? I was like, no, I. I think she needs to be in my arms right now. But I can tell you that the first time you slept out of the house was with me. Right, Makes sense. So tell me. Amalia is in the background. All right, so tell me. For those who are only listening to this on the podcast, we are also shooting a video, and Amalia, my daughter, is just making some background noise and in images. Anyway. Gaia.

Yes.

How do you like Barcelona?

I love Barcelona. I love the, like, the location, especially here. Like, there are, like, I'm working, I'm walking on the streets, and there's so many stores, and, like, I love. I just love it.

Like, you. You like the stores?

I like the stores.

You like shopping?

I like shopping.

What about museums, Gaia, what about museums? You join us.

I don't really like.

Like.

Like just walking and see and watching stuff, and, like, it's boring.

Like. Okay, very educational. What's happening here?

It's cool, like, for the, like, few minutes. For first few minutes, but then just, like, you get.

You get the point. And then you want to go out chopping or eat or something.

Something like, active. I prefer, like, something.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. It's been really interesting for us to try to figure out what to do with a teenager in Barcelona who doesn't like museums, but it's been a lot of fun. So it's the second time you're here. Right? Right. What is the difference between the first time you came here and now?

First time we were, like, more exploring the city. Like, we went. What did we do?

What did we do? We walked around a lot.

Yes. Like in Gothic. Yes.

Quarter. Yes.

I went to the Gothic Quarter. And, like, we were just. We were new here.

So, like, it was the first time.

Yeah, it was the first time we wanted to see, like, the whole city.

Yeah. So now we're going to talk a little bit about the fact that you have an aunt, or aunt, however you want to call it, that doesn't live in your city anymore, not even in your country. And for context, I think a lot of the listeners already know this, but when I lived in Tel Aviv, we were living in the same building.

Yeah.

So you were in. On the seventh floor, and I was on the eighth floor, and they were right downstairs from us. What was it like living in the same building?

It was amazing. I loved it so much because, like, every. When I'm bored now. Now when I'm bored, I'm just, like, sitting at home and I'm not doing anything. And when you live in our building, I would just come and I would sometimes do nothing, but with them, with us.

Yeah.

Which is more fun?

I may cry today, but it's okay. Because, you know, like, leaving home is complicated. Wait. But a lot of it has been processed. But I think the hardest thing for us still, to this day is, like, missing the family and missing particularly my sister.

All day.

No, I'm not.

Don't lie.

I don't cry all day often.

It's okay to cry.

It's okay to cry. What was it like when we first told you that we're gonna move?

The first time was when you were here in October. Not October. It was November. And my mom made a mistake of telling us you might move.

And, yeah, we were just, like, just thinking about the idea. We didn't even, like, see how that would be feasible at all. And somehow my sister found out without us telling her properly that this is what we're thinking. And then she told you?

Yeah, and then there was, like, a breakdown. Me and my brother and, like, everyone.

And then we were like, but no, it's not. You know, it's not certain. Don't worry about it.

And then you came back, and I think it was the same day.

No, it took us a week. Like, we came back and then. Yes, because I gave myself a week to decide if we're going to move or not. And within that week, I was, like, going back and forth all the time because home felt so good after, you know, like, a few weeks of not being at home. So I was like, just thinking, oh, this is right. This is home. I don't want to move. And then the next day, I was like, but the opportunity and everything that we've wanted, you know, to explore. So a week later, I told you.

And then, like, we knew you were going to tell us because, like, we were sitting in the. In the living room, and, like, you and Gil were looking at us and like, okay, yeah, you're moving. And it was very sad, and we were very, very sad. But I. I love the fact that you. You're living here. Oh, my God.

Can you say that again, please?

I love the fact that you're living here.

Oh, my God.

You never told me that I never had a chance.

Oh, my God. Because I remember when I first told you that we are probably gonna move, you know, because we were in my room, and I was like. And then you asked me, are you really going to move? Right? And I said, I think so. And then I said, I know it's not gonna. It doesn't feel like it right now, but there are also a lot of advantages of us living there. First, you being able to come here whenever you want.

Well, I need money.

Yeah, Money, money, but. And time, because you also go to school, and you're very busy. You're a very busy student. Amalia in the background in the meantime, like, drinking her bubble tea.

I make it.

Yeah, she made it.

And g.

Yeah. And I said that. And you didn't. Like, you couldn't, I think, see that.

Back then, Because I. Like, why. Why are you going? I mean, how did.

What did you feel when we told you that?

No, I was really. I said I was really sad because I knew I was gonna miss you a lot. Like, and it was hard.

I felt like you were angry.

I was very angry.

Yeah. Yeah.

Like, why are you doing this to me?

I felt like you were feeling like I'm abandoning you.

Feel me? Like this. But I mean, now I'm just. We already came twice, and we're gonna come another time this year, like, so. For sure. If not with my family, I'm gonna come alone.

So.

Yeah.

How is it to stay in touch with us? Because I feel sometimes like. Like, when we're on the phone, you and I, and we talk, we can spend, like, an hour doing, like, ridiculous things. Like, you're cooking, I'm just walking. We're not even talking. We're just, like, spending time cooking is a bit of an exaggeration. Preparing food, and I feel like we can just casually hang out, but we also don't often talk, which I feel like sometimes. Life is passing by so quickly. And then I was like, oh, my God, I haven't talked to Gaia in, like, two weeks. Do you feel that sometimes? I do.

I feel like when you first moved, then we talked, like, almost, like, few times a week. Like, we were really, really trying. And then we do talk, but less than we did when you first move.

Yeah. Why do you think that is?

I think it's, like, we're getting used to it.

It's.

I don't like it. Yeah. I want to talk more, but, like, yeah, we're getting more used to it.

To being up to, like, far away.

Far away from each other. Don't say apart.

Apart. Not apart. Never apart. You're in my heart always. But, um, I think. Yeah, there is something in. In that. But also, like, I think that you need to adjust to this relationship, this new relationship, and I think that we haven't figured out how to do it.

Yes.

You know, with talking regularly. I'm also not a person who likes to talk on the phone. Right. Like, I'm always busy or doing something, and I hate texting and I feel like I haven't managed to properly create long distance relationships that are, you know, maintained properly. But just so you know, it's not because I don't want to call you. It's not because I don't want to call you.

I never thought that.

I know, but sometimes it could feel like, you know, where is she? This lady that used to live here, and she's no longer in my building.

So.

Why do you think we moved?

Okay. I think you wanted, like, to try new stuff. And, like, we also thought, like, we're thinking about moving. And I like this feeling that you can, like, coming to a new, like, new country and living here. It's like an amazing experience. And you wanted to.

To experience and.

Yeah, like. Yeah, that's part of it. Main reason. Yeah.

And the language.

Yeah. Like, it improved Amalia's and Asia's, like, English. I feel like, from what I heard, like, it's very. Also Spanish, but improved a lot.

How's my Spanish?

It's good. I mean, no youth.

How do I say it without insulting you in front of the world?

I mean, you can't speak, like, full sentences, but you can order coffee and, like, talk to the cashiers and, like, talk to people, which is important because I tried to do it with the cashier yesterday. I was like, no, I can't. Do you speak English?

You did learn Spanish?

A little bit, yes, in duolingo. But then duolingo decided to end my strike, so I don't like it anymore.

That's it. You're banning. You're banning duolingo? You're banning duolingo because you forgot to practice one day. Amalia is pretty good with her duolingo.

Yes, I like it.

Yeah.

Do you feel like you're learning Spanish with it?

Yeah.

The good thing is for her, she learns both Spanish and English as she learns Spanish on duolingo. Because English. Because.

The duolingo is like, you know.

Because you have to work with both languages.

Yeah.

Mm.

Are you happy that Gaia is here?

Yes, of course.

What's the question? What were you expecting? Expecting?

She's like, no, she just face. I can't. What do you miss the most about us living there?

Like I said, when you're. When I'm like, I can see whatever I want and.

Yeah.

Talking on the phone is not the same as, like, being next to you and hugging you and, you know. Yes. I feel I miss the fact that I can just see whatever I want.

Yeah. Because I miss, like, those. First of all, I miss dinners at Grandma's house. At my mom's house, like, the Friday dinners. For of all the food.

Why are you saying moms? Grandmas. Like, we also say. Say it in Hebrew, like, what?

Grandmas, Right. We say sa. And I don't say mom, Like, I don't say ima.

No, no. But I mean, not grandpa. Not a grandpa.

I didn't even think about what you were about to say. I don't know. Well, we say, like, when we think of it, like, Grandpa and Grandma. When we think about the house, I think. But when we think about Friday dinners, it's a grandma's. I think that it's. It's grandma. Like, that's her domain. Because with my admiration to my. My dad. He doesn't cook. He helps. It sounds very, like, conventional and traditional, and they, like, they're very equal. It's not like my mom does everything at home, but she's such a great cook.

Yes. I love you miss.

You miss her cooking.

Yeah.

Yeah. What's your. What's the thing you miss the most? Amalia?

Eggplant. And what make.

Stuffed onions. Right? Stuffed onions. Everything.

Fish.

Everything she makes is, like, so good. But. But it's. It's not just the food that I miss. I miss us hanging out together.

Sitting around the table.

Sitting around the table talking.

Yeah.

Talking politics.

Yeah.

I miss that. And just, like, being right. This is basically what you're saying. It's not like we did a lot of things. Went out to restaurants, and we barely. Yeah. Just.

Yeah.

I miss having you around, for sure. I miss hugging you. I miss seeing you with the girls. Like, you know, you being just chilling with the girls, having them, you next to them to talk to, to ask questions, to kind of, like, look at and learn from. So can. Can you just say that thing again about you being happy that we're here?

I love the fact that you're living here.

Yes. Okay.

Thank you.

I have it on.

Really amazing.

I have it on tape. So next time you're like, why did you leave? Not that you do that anymore, but.

No, I mean, sometimes when I. Like when I'm, like, I'm sad, like I'm a teenager, there's a lot of drama, like, around friends and stuff. So, like, every time I'm like, just. When I'm just sad and I'm, like, not doing anything, I really miss just you. Like, when I can just. When I can just hug you and, like.

And talk to me. Talk to you and just process things together.

Yes, exactly.

I mean, I think. I think it's it's always different to have, like, your relationship with your parents versus your relationship with your uncle and aunts. Right. Like, because it's. I'm not your mom.

Exactly.

And we don't have, like, you know, which means that.

What did you say? You're not your mom. You're not my mom, but you are my mom.

Oh.

I mean, it's a different kind of mom, but.

Yeah. All right, Gaia and Amalia, before we wrap up, what is something that you wish for us? Like, third. Our families. Your family? My family. In the next 12 months.

I want to move here.

You want to move here?

I talked about it with mom, bring you here. Like, but, like, with Dad's work right now, it's not very possible. But I would love to move here because I love Barcelona and you're here and, like, the thought about moving is coming. Like, we're thinking about it a lot, and I wish we would be here.

Yeah. And aren't you afraid of the language or going into a new school and, like, starting over and building yourself socially? Like, does it scare you or does it excite you?

It's exciting. I mean, I'd been through something like that when I moved to. When I moved to junior high. Like, I knew one girl and we weren't in touch, like, until seventh grade, and I didn't knew anyone, and I got really socialized very fast.

And so you believe that it's going to be okay?

Yes. Yes.

Amalia, at the end of the school year.

Yeah.

Are you happy with the move?

Yes.

Were you afraid before moving here from, like, starting something new and the new language and everything?

Yeah.

But do you feel like. Yeah.

Yes.

But do you feel that what you were afraid of happened, or was it different?

It's a different. Yeah.

When I left, we said that we're going to try and see each other a lot. And I think it's been, what, it's been six, seven months, and we've already met for three times and we're gonna meet again in August, so. And. And when we spend time, we spend very quality time. Right? So it's not like, quantity, because back home we would spend a lot of time, but maybe it was just like, just hanging out. And now we do things together, we talk a lot.

Time is more like. It's more special together.

I feel the same. I feel the same also with my mom and dad when they were here. It's like, you know, we do things or we did things that we've never done back home, because back home is just like, oh, you see each other on a Friday. You see each other, you know, a few times a week, but that's it. And. And, yeah, it's, like, special time.

Yeah.

All right, Gaia, thank you so much for joining me. It was fun. You were afraid of doing it?

Yeah, it was. Why? I felt like I wasn't gonna be, like, natural. I was gonna be stressed about everything I'm gonna say, and then it won't come out. Good.

Yeah. And what happened that you just decided to.

I don't know. I mean, I didn't just. I didn't decide.

Just, like, you were just in the conversation.

Yeah, it felt more like a conversation than, like, good. Like, we're shooting a video or something.

Right, Right. Which was the purpose. Yeah. Well, thank you so much for being on my podcast, and I love you very much, and I already miss you. Oh.

Oh, my love.

And if you liked it, let us know, and maybe we can do a sequel. I'm kidding. A Part 2 of this conversation in a year. In a year. Yeah, yeah, yeah. What has changed? Okay, Gaia, thank you so much, and I wish us the best time with the time that we have left together here in Barcelona, and that's it. Thank you, everyone. That is my weekly update. Take care. Bye.