Americans Who Lived Abroad, Tell Us The Things You Were Excited To Experience When You Moved Back

Jen Shiori Adams
·1-min read

Living abroad is a great experience. You get to learn about another country's culture, see the historic sites, and perhaps pick up some of the language along the way.

Animated rat gazes at the lit Eiffel Tower from a rooftop, evoking a sense of wonder and magic in a nighttime Parisian setting
Pixar / Via giphy.com

Depending on where you're living though, you might find yourself a little homesick for the mundane things you never thought twice about growing up. By the time you get back to The States, it's not uncommon to feel excited about being home.

Chewbacca and an older man in a spaceship say, "Chewie, we're home," in a scene from a sci-fi movie
Lucasfilm / Via giphy.com

For example, I lived in Rome in 2017. I had the time of my life eating fresh pasta, drinking cheap wine, and taking in every single view there was.

A man and woman ride a scooter together on a bridge, both smiling, in a classic film scene
Filmin / Paramount / Via giphy.com

All that to say, I really missed being able to order a large (yes, large) iced coffee to go, walking around with it as I please in public and whatnot. As great as Italian espressos and cappuccinos are, there were times when I just wanted to enjoy an iced beverage. For the most part, they did not have free ice (or large sizes) there.

Iced coffee in a glass with milk swirling, placed on a napkin with almonds nearby and a rustic background
Daria Khoroshavina / Via giphy.com

Now it's your turn. I'm curious, what were you most excited to experience when you came home from living abroad? Let me know in the comments! Or, if you would like to stay anonymous, feel free to fill out this Google form.

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