You make a very interesting point. I would say I am able to adapt to my surroundings pretty well. At work it is all about databases and SQL. When I am back in my home country, conversations are about the rain. Rain determines how crops fare and how much food is available for the livestock. Trying to describe what I do is a none starter.

The interesting thing is how easy it is to adapt and to also get caught up in the environment you are in. Suddenly the next great framework is the thing that occupies your mind the most. At that moment I am just like any other person in IT. I go home once a year because it keeps me grounded. Makes me realise I have come far but life is a bit slower there and people have genuine smiles but own less.

> people have genuine smiles but own less

That's a great observation. I think it's hard to argue that someone happy in their life is not successful just because they haven't advanced economically.

This Onion article really nails this point: http://www.theonion.com/article/unambitious-loser-with-happy...

> Husmer is unlikely to change at this point, and may in fact remain a good-natured and highly fulfilled layabout for the rest of his life.

Great link. The Onion rarely disappoints.