After one year of not being in the States, I was ready to go home. For weeks on end I prepared for the glorious moment when I would be welcomed back into American society by a 'friendly' immigration officer in Cincinnati. Instead, he frowned while processing my paperwork (not a good sign...) and let me in grudgingly.
Small town American greeted me with long lines, cold, cold cold weather and good food. Meals for small armies were prepared at our residences and it was nice to once again have good American food. Typical Christmas stress ensued, last minute shopping, family stress, etc but that's to be expected. I'm also trying to fit in one years worth of visiting in the span of ten days just doesn't work. It doesn't matter how long one has been gone, long visits aren't the answer. In the December 2008 GQ Magazine (a magazine I used to have a standing subscription with when I lived in Florida) there was an article about coming home for the holidays. It stuck me where it hurts. Next Years holidays.....Christmas in Greece (ok, probably not but the idea is nice). My family played excellent hosts (sans excessive chatting about unimportant topics) and lovingly invited my German friend who tagged along into their homes and successfully integrated him and made him a part of the family. Both sides learned invaluable lessons.
I realized that I missed a lot of things about American living, shopping, culture etc but I also was able to identify what I don't miss. At all. After a few days home I missed good bread and good wine among other things.
Our next stop was the greater Baltimore/DC area . In five days I managed to meet with half of my friendship circle...those closest to me made treks across the Mid-Atlantic States to come and visit...even if just for one day. Although 19 months had passed since our last visit...it seemed like only yesterday. True friends are able to pick up like nothing after just such a time...and that made me happy. Learned a few things about friendship actually.
The best conversations, by the way, are done at six am watching the sun come up through the window of the living room.
Delta Airlines...you fail me. MIMI CHANG of Regan National Airport...you are on my permanent list-o-darkness. How dare you LIE TO ME at the airport? Do not tell me that there is a delay due to weather in Cincinnati when you want me to fly to CVG from Dulles! I'm taken aback at your failure to be a decent human being and Delta employee. You didn't even try to reroute me through a thousand possible connections from Washington. EPIC FAIL. Your superiors will be receiving a letter from me.
What's up with this economy? Am I going to be able to find a job in the States? I really would like to.
No comments:
Post a Comment