Adapting

A year ago I was writing about adapting to the local culture, but now it is time to readjust to life in Claremont.

Some parts are easier than others.

• It was great to out for dinner and have as much ice water as we want included in the price of dinner.
• I can turn a knob on the stove and flame appears, no match necessary.
• I don't have to look at my watch before going to a store. Most likely if I am awake, the store is open.
• I can enjoy fresh air while hanging laundry since my neighbors don't smoke.
• I don't have to plan what I am going to say before I go to the store/library/other.
• I can chat with the friendly people working at the grocery store.
• Each day a newspaper in English is delivered to the house.
• Having a car and knowing how to get places.

On the other hand I miss

• the immersion, the differences, the newness of everything. I suppose that would have worn off.
• the break from fund raising
• inexpensive and effective public transportation
• the solitude of my running routes
• digestive biscuits
• festivals!

It is good to unpack and get rid of things we should have not saved in the first place and savor some of the things we did save. It is good to go to the library and run into friends. It is good to cycle to the pool and swim with friends.

I am grateful for the chance to learn to love where I am.

Going home

A group of expat parents were getting together to set up a project for the younger kids at school and put out a request for help.  I could have stayed home and puttered around, but I have been trying to push myself a little bit, and I am so glad I did.

I took the train a few stops and one parent picked me up in her mid-sized SUV.  A car! I didn't even know I missed one.  I don't miss one when they need parking, but they are nice for getting from one place to another, especially uphill.  Plus, there was no worry about parking because we parked in her garage!

Part of Bellaterra, not far from David's workplace

It was not really like the part of Claremont where we live, but more like Claraboya, the homes in the hills.  It was still an odd sensation to look out the window and see someone else's backyard and not another apartment building.

We sat around the dining room table and assembled pieces of the project and chatted about the school, language acquisition, and the usual things.  It was so familiar, so soothing! The fact that everyone else there could speak at least three languages fluently was humbling, but otherwise it was so familiar.

Even though I am very happy where we live I admit to being a little jealous of the house, the car, and the neighborhood.

And even though I have never seriously wanted a La Creuset Dutch oven

I really liked the coffee set we used.

Now I have to decide how much to get involved.  I am considering running a used-book sale as a fundraiser.  It is a bit daunting, but it may happen.  I'll keep you posted.

Looking back, looking forward

I am often asked if I am excited about the year ahead.  I am, but I am also living in the moment, which is filled with to-do lists and not so much excitement.

It is good for me to focus on what I am looking forward to.

• Learning a new language.
• Exploring a new neighborhood.
• Watching Eurovision in Europe.

But it always helps me to think about what I will miss.  Each summer we went to Ithaca I would make a list so when it was time to leave I could pull it out and motivate myself to be happy about returning home.

I will miss

• Trader Joe's - I will miss the products and seeing friends there each time I go.  The people there know me and it feels a bit like walking into a Cheers episode.
• Knowing my way around.
• My stuff - some people are not attached to worldly possessions, but I am.  I like my memorabilia, all my kitchen gadgets, and things I don't need.
• Baseball on the radio