Pieces of Home

It's funny how you start to romanticize everything.

I mean, really. You spend a few weeks in another country, even if it is western Europe, and part of you seriously starts to believe that the United States of America burps daisies and rainbows.

There are parts of the Dutch culture I love. The waffles. The height. The open air markets. The relaxed and yet intellectual culture. There are parts that I was skeptical about, but am slowly coming to accept. I've been riding my bike everywhere, and today I even bought a pair of leggings.

But then there are the moments where you go completely go insane. There is no Mexican or any Latin American food here. There is literally every other kind of ethnic food you could ever dream of, but forget Mexican. One of my friends made guacamole yesterday, and I nearly died of happiness. I found a random American dollar the other day and literally acted like I'd seen a cute baby. "Awwww! Americaaaa! Coinage that makes logical sennssseee!"

In the main shopping district there is literally a place called "The American Book Store." We went in the other day and almost lost it. They had every magazine ever. The NFL Season Preview. Entertainment Weekly. It was weirdly comforting to see all the trashy publications that you usually see lining the grocery store check-outs. "Oh my God! Maci!" shrieked one of my friends. "She's my favorite Teen Mom!" 


"Uh...you have a favorite?"

I also started listening to VIC radio, Ithaca's internet radio station. Did I EVER listen to it while at Ithaca or in the United States? No. The only time I heard it was when I myself was speaking into the microphone doing the news. Now, I throw it on when I'm hanging around or doing the dishes. And I act like a jerk and critique the newscasters to myself.  "Why would you lead with that story? That was awkward phrasing." And whenever there's dead air or the news or sports bed is too loud, which, well, happens, I instinctually cringe inside.

Tomorrow, I'm heading out to check out some even newer culture, as I take a trek with a few people down to Belgium! I'll keep you updated and maybe even take some pictures. For once.