ENGLISH: Culture clash or merger?

Rule: You regard your own culture as everythings measure
Exception: When you lower your guard and experience a new culture

This is my fourth autumn back in Sweden so I should be used to it. My problem is of course that during the years I have been used to going back every now and then to Ireland. I have spent weeks there, working as well as renewing the friendship of my new Irish friends. But since November last year the door seems to have been closed.I have received job offers, too many actually, but they have always clashed with something so I have had to turn them down.During this time Ireland has insisted on keeping on changing, referendums have come and gone, the taoiseach has resigned and a new one has sworn the oath - the uninvitable flooding now affects new areas. And I am not there. The world keeps on turning - not regarding my presence at all.It is a pity (and maybe a blessing) that we cannot be at two places at the same time. We have to make choices all the time. In the Narnia-books the Lion always cautions the children about aksing what could have happened had they made another choice. The choices we do make are the ones that matter.I have made my choice but a part of me is yearning to go back.