Coming to America: Part Two

My first trip back to the U.S. in more than two years is quickly approaching. More of what I can't wait for and a bit of what I can do without:

Culinary delights

1. Having a classic Southern breakfast in a diner—eggs, bacon, biscuits, grits, orange juice.

2. Sweetened iced tea that’s NOT from a can and NOT carbonated.

3. Einstein’s honey whole wheat bagels with butter and a cup of Neighborhood Blend decaf

4. Auntie Anne’s jalapeno pretzels

5. Idaho baked potatoes. (Belgians are all about frites. Mashed and baked potatoes aren’t served here, and baking potatoes aren’t sold in the stores or markets so I can’t make them at home.)

Little Things Make a Big Difference

1. Being able to read every sign, form, receipt, flyer, and menu

2. Understanding what people are saying

3. Driving with confidence

4. Hearing Southern accents

5. Seven-day-a -week shopping; stores that don’t close at 7 p.m.

6. English language movies and TV

7. Listening to the radio

8. Celebrating Fourth of July

9. Outdoor pools and air conditioning

10. Reading a daily newspaper

Not looking forward to

1. Lack of public transit

2. Loud music, loud talking, loud everything

3. All the driving and time on the road

4. Living out of a suitcase for five weeks

5. Leaving some of my favorite shoes and purses at home.

June 4, 2007

Comments

[RD]

And I always look forward to the carbonated iced tea in Europe!Seriously, the culinary delights aside, prepare yourself for reverse culture shock. I remember driving on I-35W in Fort Worth just after we returned and being appalled at how many big gaudy fast food restaurant signs lined the interstate. That almost wasn't as bad as seeing the new SUV someone in my family had just bought. I was astounded by how massive it was. I stood my 3-yr-old next to it for a picture, just for effect effect. It was bigger than any family vehicle, or work van, I'd seen in a year.

[Angela]

No baking potatoes?! Gah! That is intolerably cruel. How much longer (after your vacation) must you tolerate such torture?

Enjoy your vacation.

[furiousBall]

There is no mention of Waffle House? ;-)

[Arabella]

I completely, totally agree!

I once spent the Fourth of July on an American military base in Italy. It was such an amazing experience, I was practically crying. I had been so sad at the thought of missing an American Fourth of July celebration, and then there it was, hot dogs, corn on the cob, and all.

[Neil]

You certainly sound excited about this trip! Bring your camera.

[Nance]

Hmm...did you re-read #5 of your last list carefully and note the prepositional phrase at the end? Is that a bit telling?

[Emily]

Just watch out for the information overload. Since you can finally understand everything that is written/said, you will take it in and process it all. I couldn't stop eavesdropping on every one else's conversations last time I was there!

[Peter]

You know Veronica, as a tourist spending 3 weeks driving through Florida way back before 9/11, I enjoyed almost anything on your list (with the exception of the 4th of July, which obviously has no emotional meaning being Belgian myself).

Also, relating to "Leaving some of my favorite shoes and purses at home" proved to be impossible, but I guess that must be gender-associated :-)

[Tera]

Yeah, but you can always buy new purses and shoes at your favorite stores!!! :-)

Oh, and I ALWAYS have a big 4th of July party...my Dutch/Belgian friends even ask me when it's gonna be. And I save fireworks from New Years and we do our very best to make it a huge birthday party celebrating America. Nobody is allowed in if they aren't decked out in red, white, and blue! HAHA Better get planning...it's not too far away!

[Shirl Grrrl]

It's pretty quiet in my neck of the woods... come see!

[Unrepentant Gallivanter]

Also: Coffee in a size LARGER than one-half ounce. Drive-thrus! Target!Food that is NOT Italian! Oh, and ICE that I don't have to spend 20 euros on fish to get - and ice that hasn't been contaminated by said fish. : ) I'm looking foward to Yankee Iced Tea. I can do without the Southern version.

[mamatulip]

Stores close at 7pm in Belgium?

So what happens when, at 11pm on Sunday night, you realize you're out of coffee filters?

[Peter]

@mamatulip: when Belgians run out of coffee filters at 11pm on Sunday night, we go to our favorite night-store, run by migrants and open all night.

They sell anything you can imagine, including alcohol ;-) In a 1 mile area, I can choose between about 30 different night-shops (but then again, this is downtown Antwerp, pop 1 million, not some sleepy suburb)

[TB]

These last two posts have been eye opening to me. Thanks for reminding me of so many things I take for granted.

[littlepurplecow]

There is nothing like the sound of a good ole suuuthern accent. And may you find a Starbucks within ten minutes from your home away from home.

[KDK]

Spending the 4th of July in the US - - you make me jealous! This is my third year in Brussels. Last year's 4th was spent in Rotterdam (I don't like Rotterdam) in a business meeting (with a client I don't like) and eating raw fish (yep, I prefer hotdogs). And this year I'll be spending it in France in a business meeting, and although none of my colleagues are American, at least the company and the food will be better. Isn't funny how little things like seeing the American flag - when you haven't seen one for months - can bring a flood of emotion and patriotism? Maybe you can post us all a picture of the celebrations ... and a couple hot dogs!

[V-Grrrl]

I'll definitely make it a point to post some photos, KDK. Maybe I'll do a photo blog of the trip!

[Amber]

Aww, screw the last things! i am happy for you! have a GREAT time!

:)

[Peace]

I remember after coming home from a long vacation to Italy that I just couldn't wait to have ICE in my tea and soda. I would ask for ice and if I was lucky get one or two very small pieces that dissolved immediately in the hot soda!

It's cool you will be here for the 4th of July. When we were in Italy it was over that holiday. I couldn't wait to see what type of celebration there would be as I LOVE fireworks. When I mentioned that to my husband (a pyrotechnician!!) he looked at me like I was crazy and said "and why would they be celebrating our independence?"

Okay, I'm a dork!