A Brief Visit to the U.S.A.

For those of you who haven’t heard, I made a quick 7 day trip to Michigan in September.  It was kind of a big deal since I had not been back to the States in the over 4 years that I have been living in Germany.  I had not seen my oldest daughter, Sierra in 2 years.

The trip ended up feeling like it was both too short and too long all at the same time.  Let me explain.  It was not nearly enough time with my daughter, or my other loved ones and friends.  Although I really did manage to visit with many important people in my life, there were plenty of those that I was unable to connect with.  Busy schedules, and distance were mostly to blame for the missed visits, and that can’t really be helped.  We were so busy meeting with people that I didn’t get as much one on one time as I would have liked with Sierra.

It felt like too long of a visit because I missed my husband terribly. I also missed Jack, Newt and Binxy cat.  This was the first time that we had been apart since we married!  7 days was far too long apart!

So, what was it like you ask?  In general, it all felt very weird. I didn’t realize that four years would make such a difference. It all seemed super loud to my ears.  I think this comes down to my being able to understand everything that is being said, that makes it very difficult to tune everything out. And of course, everyone knows that Americans tend to be rather loud. In Germany, I am often blissfully unaware of the back ground noise, since it is all in German and I just block it out. Another thing, It was odd seeing all the plastic bags being used at stores. That is not done here in Germany, everyone carries reusable bags. It was also strange to throw all the trash into a single bin without separating it into various recycling bins.  Whenever we went out to eat (which was everyday!) it was odd to see giant glasses of water brought to the table, and the water smelled and tasted like a swimming pool. Here in Germany, and many other places in Europe, you pay for water, and it is often carbonated. The large sizes for drinks also seemed surprising.  I realize I grew up in the States, and at one time these things were all normal to me.  Now they strike me as odd, or different. Oh and lets not forget the weird American bathroom stalls.  Seriously, can we not just close the creepy gaps?  Why are they built so people can make eye contact with me while I am trying to pee, it’s weird, it needs to be fixed.  For those that are unaware of what I am talking about, in Germany, toilet stalls have doors without gaps.  They are much more private, so you don’t have strangers watching you while using the toilet!

The thing that really felt different, and was actually very upsetting was the constant tension I felt when out in public.  People just seemed so rude, and ready to argue or fight.  We ate out twice each day, and at all but two restaurants there was a “Karen” or a male equivalent of said Karen complaining about something, usually the wait time.  If not complaining about the wait time, they were making snide comments about people wearing masks.   All of these complainers were speaking loud enough for everyone around them to hear them.  People were also jackasses in the airport, same loud, complaining, generally rude, aggressive behaviour.  Now for those of you that are unaware, I was visiting Michigan.  This is supposedly a place full of friendly people with Midwestern manners.  It seems that is a thing of the past, and that makes me quite sad.

On a positive note I did manage to eat Mexican food 3 times, had a great Midwestern breakfast, I had some Detroit style pizza, I scarfed a box of Krispy Kreme donuts, I also managed to have both Scooperman ice cream and some Blue Moon ice cream. We also had some homemade eggplant parmigiana made by my Aunt Doris, it was delicious. Other than friends and family, the food from Michigan is what I do miss here in Germany.

All, in all it was a good trip.  I am glad for the time that I got to spend with everyone and for all of the great meals we had too.

But, I am very happy to be home, in Germany.

How about you?  Have you lived far away from “home” and gone back for a visit?  How did it feel to you, still like home, or no longer the same?  I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section!