Back in America

So, I have been back in the US for nine days. I honestly haven't had much time to really think about my Osterreich semester or even share it with my family and friends, since i have been at work almost every waking moment.
Today I went to K-mart. From the moment pulled into the parking lot, I got major I-miss-Europa pains. Let me explain:
1. I was driving (my new van, by the way). I was driving. No walking 30 minutes to a train station, no waiting for trains, no bus, no tickets. Just me behind the wheel.
2. It was a gigantic parking lot. It struck me that i don't remember ever seeing a parking lot of considerable size except a coupls somwhat small ones in Ireland.
3. Fat people. I know that sounds horrible. But it is true. Supposedly Osterreich is one of the heaviest countries in Europe, but I still don't remember seeing that many overweight people.
4. Annoying intercom systems.
5. People sprechend Englisch.
6. Signs in English. Loud signs, big signs, bright signs. Advertisement overkill.
7. The toy aisle was scary. I am afraid of what little boys are playing with these days in America - where are the innocent playmobiles and blocks and books that they had in the Gaming toy store? Oh, and Barbie dolls and an overabundance of pink in the little girl aisle.
8. It is HUGE! Everything is big. And there is so much of everything on the shelvee. I felt lost in it.
9. Messy. Messy shelves, half-opened packages, messy floors, disorganization.

I know, I am kind of being ridiculous, I was only in Europe 4 months. I have been in America for 20 years. I shouldn't have been that shocked. But, it really was just really weird.

Some other things that have shocked me/I miss about Austria/reasons I am glad to be back in America:

Wind. I forgot about Oklahoma wind. I only remember there being any kind of wind once, and that was on top of book mountain the night we climbed it in the wee hours just before flying home.

American currency. The first time I checked somebody out at work, I didn't even think about it. And then the next person I checked out asked for change for a five, and I automatically started digging in the change...and then I realized that I was back in America, where there are 1 dollar bills!

The roads are really wide. And, yes, Katie Hess: YELLOW LINES!

Cowboys. Men that dress like men, alleluia. I was getting really tired of the men of my own generation in Europe who all dressed like girls.

Pick-up trucks. I saw exactly one in all of Europe. I am glad to see dirty farm trucks with rubber boots and tool boxes in the back.

American cheeses don't count as cheese.

11x14 paper.

Still get a little jumbled when I say excuse me: pardon moi, scuzzi, and entschuldigen all try to come out.

Lack of acoustics. I miss high ceilings. I miss being able to hear myself sing. I miss being able to play my violin in a room that resonated. It sounds so much worse in carpeted rooms.

I miss the little Austrian roadside shrines.

Semmels. Do I miss them?

I had nuttella without Caitlin and Liz. It almost seemed wrong to eat it without them.

My Austrian bed. Feather pillow, duvet.


I feel like I have just woken up from a dream. A really sweet dream. And now I am back to reality. Things look strange, yet strangely familiar.

Honestly, I am a little frustrated at a) my utter inability to convey my experience to people interested in hearing about it, and b) people being rather disinterested. I mean, everyone seems interested at first, and demands that i tell them all about Austria, but soon they change the subject. I understand that they get bored, and I am not a good story teller anyway, but still, I want to share.

I am really really glad to be home again, home home, home in Ameria. I missed my family a whole lot while I was there. There was far too much growing up and changing without my seeing it.

My semester in Austria is continuing to unfold, and i realize now that I will continue to reap the benefits for years to come. Although, no doubt, my family and friends are going to be real sick and tired of hearing me say "Oh, I was there." and starting every other sentence with "In Austria.....".

Back in America