Things that I Miss and New Things that I Love

I’ve had quite a few people ask me what I miss and what’s new over here that I won’t be able to live without when I return. Even though I’ve only been here a few weeks, it’s easy to come up with a pretty big list, so here goes.

Things that I miss:

1. First and foremost, speaking English! Speaking in English does not stress me out and I like to think that I have a pretty impressive vocabulary that sometimes I enjoy using as an intimidation factor. With French, I don’t get much sadistic joy out of speaking.
2. Potatoes! Nice, hot, spicy potatoes. They’re nowhere. I haven’t had mashed potatoes one time since I’ve been here and I had to go on an intense hunt to find French fries last weekend (a little ironic don’t you think?). Nathalie made roasted potatoes last week and I pretty much ate half of the bowl.
3. Phone and Internet capabilities. Although, let’s be honest—I needed some rehab.
4. My car! Although public transportation is nice, I’m not looking forward to sitting at the bus stop and freezing my butt off in the winter. It’ll be interesting to see how I handle a car after four months. Who wants to go for a ride? P.s. Mom-oil needs to be changed ;)
5. Sheets. There are no sheets on the beds over here. Just a cover sheet for the mattress and a big, fat comforter.
6. Popcorn! Self-explanatory.

Things I’ve fallen in love with:

1. Personal restaurants. I don’t think I’ll ever find a restaurant in the States that I can just sit down in without having to wait because the waiter knows my name. I will also miss the free chocolate cookie things my favorite waiter gives me every time I go there.
2. French. Even though I miss being able to speak in English. I am continually impressed with how effectively I’ve been able to communicate. I’m afraid I’m going to lose that to my overpowering English speaking capabilities.
3. Chocolate and Ice Cream. Words can’t even describe how much better chocolate and ice cream are over here. I’m surprised I haven’t gained an entire other person.
4. My students. Even though I was terrified of most of them at first in that unfamiliar neighborhood, it’s going to be tough to walk away after only three months. I don’t know how teachers do it every year—let their students go. I guess at least there’s the promise of new students next year. I don’t have that luxury with these students—considering they’re a few time zones away.
5. Speculoos. I don’t know what it is, but it’s not peanut butter and it’s delicious.