I took my first trip back to America in February since moving here over a year and a half ago. I had heard from other ex-pats to expect some degree of culture shock, so I was gearing up to feel like a foreigner in my own land. No foreigner here!! It only took one good night's sleep for me to hop right back into all of my favorite things! I was in the drive -thru line in my pajamas at 6am at Chick Fil A the very first morning home! Of course, I noticed a few cultural differences, but I was more focused on the conveniences! I couldn't get over the number of choices, options, and available hours to complete tasks! So many things are ordered around making things EASY- and after living in Europe where A LOT of things are inconvenient, it was such a treat!!
I would also like to add that the French men, as a general rule, have horrible manners! I certainly miss all of those Southern Gentlemen whom I completely took for granted. What a beautiful thing it was to have doors held open, have men step to the side to let me pass, as well as just a sense of respect and courtesy- we southern ladies have got a good thing going! I have been elbowed, pushed, and stepped on more times that I can count! Today when a man holds your door, tell him thank you with a little more enthusiasm just for me!
I went back to the US to celebrate the birthdays of two dear friends, but made a quick stop in Birmingham to visit my mom and her wonderful husband, Tommy. She certainly took care of my every need. She scheduled my dermatology, dentist ( they don't clean teeth in France- yuck!!!), and haircut appointments as well as a pampering manicure and pedicure. We shopped until we dropped -buying my favorite groceries, some new clothes, some treats for Henry and Gant, all while stopping regularly to eat the foods I had been craving for over a year. It was a blast!
Here are just a few shots of the trip -
My grocery cart full to the rim of products I cannot buy in France! I travelled with an empty suitcase so I could fill it with all of these goodies!
Panera Hazelnut coffee every single day!
Chick Fil A breakfast!!
Chuy's for Mexican food- they DO NOT do Mexican food in France. At all. I was in hog heaven.
My mom's lovely friends had a little party so I could see all of them in one place-it was such a nice afternoon. Here we are all smiles!
Here I am with my friends in Florida. It is such a unique group of women who have all ended up in Greenville since we all married Greenville guys. We were so blessed to be able to stay for a long weekend at a beautiful house together just catching up, laughing, and relaxing. It was so wonderful! It will have to carry me through until we meet again!
On the way to the airport on Sunday, we stopped in Auburn for lunch at an Auburn grad's favorite spot! Auburn is one cute college town!
My sweet friend Lori from Furman (who lives in Atlanta) came to see me at the airport. We had a great visit before I had to leave. What a beautiful end to such a special visit to see her!
It was a great trip but I was excited to get home to my boys who had been holding down the fort!! Henry loved going through my suitcase the second I walked in the door to find all of those American treasures!
