Adventure, exploration, travel! It sounds so glam, doesn’t it?
Moving away from home and embracing a new city is a truly wonderful thing. Meeting new people, experiencing new cultures and learning something new – it takes you out of your comfort zone and makes you grow up as a person.
But we’re all human – homesickness is real. I don’t get it often, but every now and then I think about how much I would love a cozy movie night in with my mom or to wine and dine at my favorite DC restaurants with my best friends 3,662 miles away (but who’s counting?).
But there are a few little things that help keep the pep in my step…
Snail mail
Who doesn’t love gifts and pen pals, am I right? My mom and I send each other little care packages full of silly USA or UK-themed presents.
Exhibit A: A USA-shaped cheese board. It’s the one thing I didn’t realize I needed until I got it. In return, I sent her a little German Christmas market souvenir and a British flag chapstick (it is cold season, after all!).
The sillier the better – it’s all about catching the other person by surprise.
Embrace your traditions
OK, any chance to whip up good American comfort food is fine by me.
Thanksgiving is of course one of the biggest days of the year for us Americans – it just doesn’t feel right to not embrace the holiday even if you are overseas. Don’t even get me started on Halloween!
So, make it a thing wherever you are. Invite your friends over, pop some bubbly! There’s always something to celebrate 🙂
Make your home…homey
Make your home away from home…yours!
Whatever your thing is…fluff on fluff, boho chic, plants and flowers – go crazy. There’s nothing better than coming home after a long, exhausting day and relaxing in your space.
Your home away from home will eventually feel like home 😀
Your go-to treats
Let’s be real, sometimes you crave your family’s homemade banana bread or a sandwich from your favorite cafe back at home.
London has a few American places that I have to visit every now and then… Pinkberry, Chipotle, Dunkin Donuts (for the iced coffee!)… #basic
A little taste of home is what it is. Although it may seem small, it helps me.
Last but not least…Facetime and Skype to the rescue!
Honestly, I don’t think I could have moved abroad if Facetime and Skype didn’t exist. It’s 100% first world problems, but catching up with friends and family – and seeing their beautiful faces – make it so much easier to live so far away.
What helps you when you’re feeling homesick? Tell me your ways!
McK xx
Coffee & Cobblestones 