Weslaco Texas, Rio Grande Valley, Tex-Mex culture, and living abroad in Germany. As an American in Germany, I share how leaving home changed my identity and what it means to truly belong.In this solo episode, I share my personal story of growing up in Weslaco, a small border town in South Texas, and how moving abroad to Munich changed the way I see where I come from.I left home at 18, convinced I would never go back. But after nearly 10 years of living in Germany, my perspective has completely shifted. This episode is a reflection on identity, culture, and what it really means to call a place “home.”I talk about the things I once overlooked—community, culture, and everyday life in the Rio Grande Valley—and why they now mean more to me than ever.I get into:• What it’s like growing up in a small Texas border town• Why leaving your hometown changes how you see it• Tex-Mex culture, food, and identity in South Texas• Community, family, and growing up in the Rio Grande Valley• Living abroad in Germany and redefining “home”• Why distance creates clarity and appreciationThis episode is deeply personal. It’s about leaving, growing, and realizing that where you’re from never really leaves you.If you’ve ever moved away from home, questioned your identity, or felt caught between two places, this conversation will resonate.⏰ CHAPTERS:00:00 Growing Up in Weslaco, Texas03:08 Why I Never Wanted to Go Back05:10 Moving Away & What I Missed10:53 Community, Culture & Tex-Mex Life23:03 Food, Identity & Germany vs Texas36:38 How My Perspective ChangedAbout The Pod AbroadHowdy und Servus, y'all! I'm Paulina. I'm originally from Texas and have been living in Munich, Germany for the last 9+ years. The Pod Abroad shares thoughtful, honest conversations about building a life between cultures.From identity to cultural differences, each episode explores what it means to create a home away from home.Weekly episodes feature a mix of solo reflections and conversations with international guests navigating life across borders.👉 If this episode resonates, please like, comment, and share with someone living abroad or thinking about moving✨ Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday about life abroad, cultural differences, and identity🎧 LISTEN & CONNECTAll platforms → https://linktr.ee/thepodabroadSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/711j4OKApple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcastInstagram → https://instagram.com/thepod.abroadTikTok → https://tiktok.com/@thepodabroadSubstack → https://substack.com/@thepodabroadEmail → [email protected]🎥 CREWVideo, Audio & Music → Tim ter HuurneDesign / Branding → Ali Khazanbeik