Duck feeding last year in my hometown.
I've been feeling so home sick lately. Why is it that we really don't know what we have until it leaves us? I thought I'd share some things I miss about this place.
1// Bikes- In Germany, it was so easy to get around without a car, which was why I always put off getting my license. I rode my bike everywhere; to the town, to work, to go shopping....it was wonderful. Now I can't get around at all. Everything is so far away, and the streets aren't as bike friendly as they are in Germany. I got my driver's permit the other day, and now I'm getting ready to take some Driver's Ed courses soon. I sort of feel like I've lost a big chunk of my freedom. It's an adjustment, to say the least.
2// Fresh Food- In Bamberg, Germans went grocery shopping several times a week. Everything was so close by and it was easy to get fresh food whenever the mood would strike. It was nice to be able to buy local fruits and veggies, without being afraid of chemicals and such in our food. Of course, here in America it's also possible to buy fresh, organic food. However, where we live right now, the nearest Whole Foods or Trader Joe's is about an hour away, which makes it terribly inconvenient to get there as easily as we used to. Greg and I try to make trips there every week and a half or so.
3// Sundays Off- On Sundays, practically all stores and businesses except for some restaurants are closed in Germany. This forced us to take it easy one day of the week, to relax and be with family. I'm still getting used to the fact that everything is always open here, which is awesome, but I still liked not having the option but to enjoy the people I love on Sundays. Greg and I came to the agreement that we would still take Sundays off as often as possible. We stay home, go for walks, take Ginger to the park - anything but spend money.
4// Family- I miss my family so much. I can't wait for them to come visit us, hopefully this Christmas. My little brother and sister have never been to the States, so I'm sure they'll be very excited.
5// Recycling Laws- I love to recycle, you guys. In Germany, it's mandatory. People who don't recycle in Germany get fined. When we got here, I couldn't believe how hard it was to find a recycling center! Luckily, we found one...but I still can't believe it!
6// Reusable bags- If you didn't bring your own bags to the grocery store, you would have to buy a plastic bag! Admittedly, this was a little annoying for me at first, because I'm terribly forgetful and would always leave my canvas bags at home. After some time though, I got used to it and appreciated it. You don't see plastic bags hanging off trees in Germany.
Side Note: I obviously love America. There are so many things I love about the States, things that you could never find in Germany, but I think there are always those little things you take for granted in the places you call home!
xxx Sabrina
I think that it is important to appreciate each place for what it has to offer, but that doesn't mean that it has everything. I think that the US could definitely take a few ques from Europe. I hope the homesickness is quieting down. I'm sure it's hard.
ReplyDeleteRachel, I totally agree. There are pros and cons to every place. The homesickness is definitely quieting down, it's just that sometimes it hits me out of nowhere, which is something I think everyone experiences! Thank you :-)
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