Top Ten Things to Miss List

So why have I been missing in action lately?  I'd liked to say that it's because of I've traversed the Atlantic Ocean in two weeks in a row.  But seeing that the Internet is global and I have access wherever I go, that still doesn't seem like a good enough excuse.

But yes, I went back home to visit for the first time in six months.  I spent twelve days visiting friends and family and enjoying the comforts of being in my own culture.  I knew that I was going to experience culture shock once I arrived to the States, but I didn't expect forgetting about so many social norms.  

Ten minutes after I stepped of the plane, I unnerved a man when I invaded his personal space stepping onto an escalator.  I had forgotten about the invisible bubble we Americans carry around with us.  (They're popped all the time in Spain.)  I also did other things such as stiffed a waiter since I'm not used to leaving tips anymore, and I nearly left trash on the tables at every sit-down, fast-food restaurant I went to.  I also talked myself into a beer-break in the middle of shopping at Target and then remembered all the legality that goes into consuming one beer in the US.  Target doesn't even sell alcohol on its shelves let alone at its food stand.

But there were several aspects of home that I welcomingly embraced without a second thought.  With my friends and family being the assumed number one, here are the top ten things that I missed about home:

 1.  My clothes dryer:

Hanging my clothes out to dry when it's cloudy and/or humid can take days.  It can be a week-long process.  I've never had to plan my outfits in advance like this before.

2.  Central heating and A/C:

This winter was the coldest warmest season I've ever experienced.  50°F and humid everywhere...even my living room.  The 100°F+ summer will be interesting...

 3.  My car

Spanish shoes and I don't always get along.  I've ruined three pairs from all of the walking I do.  (The laces on these boots lasted for a grand total of four days.)

4.  Steak
I avoided all forms of pig when I was home.

5.  Free refills
I'm tired of savoring every last drop of Coca-Cola.

6.  Not being asked if I'm Russian when I speak
Apparently I have quite the accent when I speak Spanish

7.  Being the only blond within a fifty-mile radius
Spanish men are not always subtle.  Actually, they never are.

8.  Good quality peanut butter 

There is only one true peanut butter, JIF, and it doesn't exist in Europe.

9.  My little buddies

Before I went home, I had nightmares that my cats didn't recognize me.  Luckily they're fat enough that they'll love anyone who gives them food.

10.  Being surrounded by familiar faces again









Unfortunately I couldn't pack any of these things into my suitcase (except for the JIF--I've already eaten 1 of the 2.8 lbs I brought back).  But I it just gives me something to look forward to when I go back home to visit again.

But I'm curious now, to you other/former/future expats, what do/did/would you miss most from back home?