Thursday, March 25, 2010

Welcome to Atlanta, Reminders From Home

Well, we arrrived safely in Atlanta, Georgia this Tuesday night, and let me just tell you, that it feels SO good to be back in the U. S. of A - and more specfically - the SOUTH!  I didn't realize how much I missed this place until we landed.  It really felt good to be back around familiar things and Southern hospitality.  It even felt great walking outside of the airport - the air is different in the South, maybe?

Little things that were so normal to us when we lived in the States have now increased in value tremendously - everything is cheaper here, people are nicer, the sun shines, and it just feels like home - I never lived in Atlanta - but I believe that living in another part of the world is making me realize how much I love that we get to call America home - no matter where else in the world we may live. 

Now, I love living in Europe - I love the newness of everything we do, I love that we can never complain that we are bored, and I love that we get to share this experience together.  I have traveled all over the world, but the feeling of when that plane's wheels touch down on a US runway, really, nothing can compare.

I want to share an article with you - something that is somehow related to everything I typed - living in different part of the world can be difficult, but it helps to have small reminders of home to help you adjust to your new surroundings - for example, watching US movies/tv when you can is a great escape.  Also, being able to get some type of US food chain, yes, even fast food is now a luxury - it all makes things seem a little bit more bareable on those tough days.

I just read this - Afghanistan military bases have decided to remove "luxuries" like Burger King, Dairy Queen and movie theatres (yes, I use Queen's English now!) from all of their bases.  I understand that this is a war zone and not a resort, but those small things probably really are a luxury for those serving there.  I know the feeling I get when we are on base in the UK shopping - just being able to purchase things from home that I cannot find anywhere else in England makes me still feel somehow "connected". 

Check out the article here