Stepping off the plane and into the busy streets of Cairo, Lana Rabie felt a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. An architect who had spent most of her life in Paris, Lana had always considered the city her home—a place of study and cultural experiences. Yet, as she faced the familiar yet foreign landscape of Egypt, Lana was met with a profound question: Where do I truly belong? For individuals like Rabie, returning to a homeland after years abroad is more than just a physical journey; it is an emotional and psychological challenge. Having lived in Paris, she is deeply shaped by the cultural and intellectual richness of her adopted city, while her Egyptian heritage remains a distant but intrinsic part of her identity. This tension between two worlds often leads to an ongoing struggle to fit in and find a sense of belonging, as she navigates the expectations and values of both cultures. Reflecting on her experience, Lana shared, “I’ve been living in Paris for quite some time, and the thing I’ve noticed the most about myself is that the more I live abroad, the more I don’t feel…
