I’m so excited to be heading home for two weeks to enjoy America’s Independence Day with family and friends! Here are the things I’m looking toward to most when I’m home.
1. Time with my kids: I can’t wait to sit around the bonfire with them on the beach and just chat about things, listen to them play their music and hear their laughter. Time with family is very special and we often take it for granted.
2. Fresh air and blue sky: The air “quality” in the Delhi area is some of the worst in the world. As a result, the sky is almost always white and smokey. Even when I venture out of the city, there is always a layer of smog close to the ground. It’s sad and I hope someday India will take steps to fix the problem.
3. Ozzie: My sister has been watching my dog and I can’t wait to run with him on the beach and feel his puppy kisses on my face!! He’s a loyal companion and I’ve really missed him!
4. Time with friends: I have a full agenda of great friends to see while I’m home. I’m so blessed to have so many great people in my life!
5. Hamburgers: Even if you can find a decent burger in India, it’s made with Mutton. Mutton is lamb meat, and it’s nothing like a good lean hamburger. Plus the other ingredients are equally important and it’s hard to find fresh buns, a quality onion, American mustard, etc. So I’m craving an American style bacon cheeseburger, grilled!!
6. Cool temperatures: I’ve been in India for 6 months now and the lowest temperature so far was about 60 degrees. That was a real cold spell and many Indians were bundled up in coats and scarves. The high has been up to 116 and the average temperature is around 100. I can’t wait to feel the moderate coastal temperatures when I’m home!
7. English: Even though most people here speak some English it is still hard to communicate. The accents and slang make it a constant challenge, and many people don’t speak any English. I’m enjoying learning Hindi, so it is getting a little easier.
8. Not being a minority: Everywhere I go here I’m glared at, stared at, misunderstood or judged for the color of my skin. They even charge foreigners more for goods and services. It feels strange to be a minority and has made me more empathetic to those in my shoes.
9. Driving and riding my motorcycle: It is against our company policy to drive over here because it’s quite dangerous. I miss the freedom to just jump in my car or on my bike and get the hell out of dodge. It’s strange to always be chauffeured around everywhere you go.
10. America: I’ve never been more proud to be an American! Yes, we have our issues, but we have freedoms that other countries only dream about. We have clean drinking water and sound infrastructure. We can open a business, vote, and walk down the street in relative safety. We can (and do) criticize our government and take a stand against corruption. I can’t wait to see ‘Ole Glory flying high in the land of the free and the home of the brave!
