Here I am, 2 weeks away from moving back to the U.S, and, while I still have some major reflecting to do, I want to make sure I share everything shooting through my brain right now. I'd like to just say this though: I'm so happy right now, it's annoying. So here we go...
I'll miss:
- Kissing hello- I used to loathe the whole "spend 30 minutes kissing everyone in the office good morning" thing, but now handshakes just feel so awkward and impersonal.
- Local food and the compulsive eating that I write off as a "cultural experience".
- Eating soup- I think soup is considered a non-meal in the States (see Seinfeld soup scene). In Mexico however, it's perfectly acceptable to say, "TODAY, I'll have some soup!". I like that.
- Feeling like a cool American- People here call me a "gringa" and it's kinda grown on me! Now that I'm moving back to the States, I'm back to my status as a Latina and my gringa card will be stripped away. Damn it.
- Mexican Doritos-They kick American Dorito's cheesy ass. I think there's more cheese powder involved..
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| While I contend that Mexican Doritos reign supreme, I hear this is something we're doing in the U.S now. I'm amused. But mostly just proud. |
- The word fatal- Do you understand how awesome it is to say that something is fatal? "I feel FATAL." "This tamale is FATAL." "That outfit is FATAL." I love the angst. I love the drama.
- The word empalagar-Answer me this: Have you ever heard of the word cloy? The concept of eating "too much sweetness". I haven't ever had that happen. How can you have TOO much? I love discussing this word with Mexicans who sometimes use it after eating like, 2 cookies...
- Poverty- I actually don't know if it's is a good thing that I won't be faced with this on a daily basis moving forward. In Mexico, when you're eating, walking, at a bar, or even in your car, you can expect that at least 3 people will implore your help. The truly devastating thing is how frequently these come from little kids or elderly women. It's so constant, you couldn't possibly give money to everyone that asks. When my parents were here for a week, they spend about $50 in handouts alone. It's hard to see it every day and I'm glad I won't have to anymore, but I hope I don't lose a grip on these issues when I get back to the States.
- The Metrobus- You already know
- Water deprivation- Having to pay for water at restaurants, having to buy a huge jug every week, knowing the city cuts it off during long holidays. It's just a stupid problem to have.
- Pollution
- Gas availability
- Not being able to throw toilet paper in the toilet- You understand.
I'm excited for:
- Hip hop everything.
- Seeing people of more racial backgrounds.
- A job at Google and life in San Francisco
- Greek Yogurt- I missed this so much, I learned how to make my own.
- Sunchips, sweet potato fries, mac and cheese, Costco sheet cake, must I go on?
- Running- I started my fitness journey by running my first 5K while in Mexico and am excited to see what's in store once I live in the U.S again.
- Taking risks in America- The last time I lived there, I was in college and only took strategic and safe steps. That's all well and good but I think I've grown up and learned to just let myself be happy. If you just let it, life will treat you well.
