30 April 2004, 15:13
Week 1: Honeymoon Phase
I left Strasbourg exactly a week ago, completely drained of energy and exhausted from a total lack of sleep, ridiculous tp work, and numerous goodbyes. I was looking forward to the change, but expected to be counting down the days until my return to Europe. However, after 11 sleepless hours next to a noticeably un-showered German crew, several Bailey's, and a customs 'glitch,' I was trilled to see my dad (kd in hand)and get out of the airport. That first weekend, I ate out every meal, drove incessantly, and managed to squeeze in more tourist attractions than I could ever hope to see in a year. However, since then, I have mostly been staring at my computer screen, anxiously awaiting new email.
Despite a few fleeting days at the end of September, I was never really homesick. There were things I missed of course, but I never had the desire to drop everything and return home. However, though it is still 2605.16km (1619 miles) away, it feels so much more like home here. It is incredible how many things I missed - things I didn't even realize I missed - North American things.
Things I missed (in a not-so-random order):
- Trucks (sooo sexy!)
- Living by water
- Being able to drive
- Non-smoking sections
- Ice
- Dr. Pepper
- My own bathroom
- Free refills
- Free toilets
- Polite people (would never have admitted to it before, but the French people I met really weren't that nice)
- Hockey Night in Canada (or, the next best thing)
- Not having to watch where I'm walking
- Convenience stores
- Wal~Mart
- Recycling
- Paper towels
- Normal sized ovens and barbeques and fridges
- Salt & vigenar chips
- Swings
- Caesar salad and ranch salad dressing
I know it's only been one week, so my vision is probably a little blurred, but it turns out I actually like this crazy redneck town. It is so much greener than I expected, so very close to the ocean (I know, same thing though), and full of so many friendly people. I am even using a Texas flag as my mouse pad. In fact, I may even go so far as to say that I am falling in love. . .