As I’m getting ready to return to the States, I have a hard time knowing what to call it. Am I going home? Or am I leaving home? It feels the most accurate to say I’m going home December 5th and in 5 months I’ll be coming back home. Thailand is no longer a “foreign” country to me; I no longer feel like a visitor.

One of my friends who is half way through a stint abroad posted a list of things she will miss when she returns to the States, and things she is looking forward to. Here is mine.

What I will miss
My neighbors and other Thai friends who have become like family to me
Speaking Thai
Thai food! Pad thai, som tam, spicy curries, sticky rice….
Cheap, cheap prices
Isaan worship
Thai fruit (can’t beat it anywhere, I’m convinced)
Sunny days, every day

What I am looking forward to
Seeing friends whose lives I know about only through their blogs
Being able to blend in!
Christmas sights, sounds, smells, tastes
Whole wheat bread
Cheese!
Driving my own car
Sleeping in a real bed
Carpeted floors
Watching TV (in English)
Not sweating through my clothes on a regular basis
Freedom from mosquitos!
Non-contagious pets
Soy lattes
Having (and using) an oven, microwave, toaster

Okay, so right now the second list is longer, but I’m guessing that once I get to the States I’ll discover many more things I miss about Bangkok!

17 days and counting…