Finding America Abroad

Traveling to a different city every weekend allows me to experience new cultures at a rapid pace. While I am constantly on-the-go, it is nice to find a reminder of home in some of the cities.

1. Guacamole- I'm not sure who told Ireland what guacamole tastes like or how it's made, but they're doing it wrong. When I first arrived, I excitedly ordered guacamole in my chicken wrap and faced disgust with every bite. It took several different restaurants to convince me that guacamole is just terrible everywhere in Ireland and not at specific places. I have a weird obsession with guacamole. I love Chipotle and I miss it in Ireland. My first meals in London and Paris: Chipotle. And I don't even feel guilty after going three months without it. If I can't have my mom's chicken cordon bleu, at least I'm getting guacamole.

2. Firehouses- Growing up with my dad as a firefighter and living across the street from the firehouse, how could they not remind me of home? I always hear the firetruck sirens from my room in Cork and remember the annoying pager that I hear in my bedroom at home because my dad forgets to turn the volume down after he leaves. In London, a firetruck was returning from a fire call and backing into the firehouse. I felt obligated to talk to the firefighters all about my firehouse back home in New Jersey. They asked questions about what the firehouse was like and they were amazed that it was volunteer.

3. Family- The obvious reminder of home on this list was seeing my family in Glasgow, Scotland. The last time I saw them was in March for spring break when I went with my dad and grandma. They constantly asked questions about my family, showed me old pictures and told me stories.

4. Christmas Lights- Now that it is December, there are Christmas lights everywhere. In Cork, Paris and Barcelona, we went to christmas markets that were decorated. They sold ornaments, hats and decorations. It reminded me of how my house is decorated every year for Christmas. It also reminds me that I will be going home soon because I am going home close to Christmas.

While I've gotten a glimpse of home in some of these cities, it doesn't compare. The number one thing I miss about home: bagels and iced coffee. Don't cry, Mom; THAT WAS A JOKE.  I miss my family and friends! And bagels and iced coffee.