And now, the things I've missed over the last 7 months and am excited to get home to.
Coffee - Yes I know I just said that I will miss the coffee in Oz, but this is a different kind of coffee. I miss drip coffee, filter coffee, the kind of coffee that does not need an espresso machine. They don't have that here, all coffee is some form of espresso. So, I can't wait to get back to regular coffee.
Driving - I haven't learned how to drive on the other side of the road. I've done it a few times, but honestly I suck at it, it's like learning how to drive all over again, and I find it an unnecessary skill to master. Ok, actually I haven't really driven in 5 years because I've been in NYC and you don't drive in NYC but STILL, ready to be ABLE to drive if I so choose.
Being in the same time zone...or at the very least the same day as friends and family - It's rough to be in a completely different day than everyone, the novelty has worn off.
Insurance - We have insurance here, but since we're expats and not Australian we don't have Medicare, which is their free national insurance, and it's a PAIN in the ASS. We have to pay for everything up front and then claim it back...and sometimes they don't pay it back, IT'S LAME.
Groceries - Grocery shopping has been such an adventure here. I can't tell you how many times I've gone searching for something that I think is a very common item (remember the pumpkin incident?) only to discover that I can't find it ANYWHERE and I have to end up cooking something else or supplementing one thing for another. And while this makes for more adventurous cooking, I find it annoying at best. I miss big US grocery stores.
My Furniture - We live in a furnished apartment and I MISS MY OWN furniture desperately. I hate seeing cute things in shops and not being able to buy them because I can't figure out how the hell to get them home...SO OVER IT.
Friends and family - I have none of them here, I'm ready to go back to life where I have someone else to talk to besides Dom =)
What do all you expats miss about the home?
T-Minus 12 days until home!
I've been here over seven years and I still miss home. I mean this IS my home now, but aside from my husband, my heart is at home in the US. I relate to much of this post, even after all this time. I hate the time zones and not being able to talk to my friends and family easily or without some major "scheduling" of phone call. I miss those friends and family as well. Phone calls and Facebook only go so far. I've been driving here from day one really and for me it is freedom. I love being able to drive here and then fly back to the US and hop in an American car and go for a spin. I'm sure you'll appreciate that freedom when you get home. I relate to the groceries! I've become resourceful since I've been here when it comes to cooking and making my own pumpkin puree, etc. But I do LOVE American groceries stores. My Aussie husband does too. When we go home we often spend a good hour meadering down aisles stocking up on things that are new or different. I think I miss convenience in general. I miss how 'easy' and consumer friendly the US is. If you need anything you can find it at anytime, i.e. Walmart, etc.
ReplyDeleteI've only just found your blog yesterday, so I've missed most of your journey. But I wish you the best in your journey back home!!