There's No Place Like Home

(The pictures are taken from the bridge next to Wernhil Park Mall - where I buy my groceries - just around the corner from Puccini House)

One week from today I'll be home. Before I do the recap of my 10-day adventure, I thought I'd mention how excited I am to get back to the US. Part of me wishes I had more time - I know I could spend another 12 weeks here and still enjoy it, but a big part of me is itching to go home!

A few things in particular really stand out - my housing situation being at the top of the list. I am excited to go back to my parents' "real" house and set myself up in a "real" apartment on campus, and know that any mess in the kitchen is my own! I go back and forth between feeling like a traveling teenager (I carry my shower equipment in a caddy - I'm staying in a hostel after all) and a quasi-legal professional.

I'm excited to see my family and friends. Three months apart isn't all that unusual, but it feels longer here.

I'm excited to feel safe again. I feel a lot more comfortable in the city than I did when I first moved here, but I still get dressed most mornings thinking "How can I minimize my chances of getting mugged?" and putting anything I need to carry to work in a clear plastic shopping bag.

I'm excited to run outside!

I'm excited for extended hours of daylight and summer nights. I'm excited for our garden vegetables and fresh corn on the cob every day. I'm excited to eat my mom's cooking and drink good beer with my brother and sister. I'm excited to tell stories and share pictures of my Namibian escapades.

I'm excited to come home.