God Bless the USA

As we finish our last week of class and prepare for our 3 weeks of open-ended travel, I wouldn't say I'm necessarily ready to come home, but I am excited to be back in the U.S. of A. Here's the top 10 thing I miss about home (in no particular order): 

1. My truck. A weekend of smelly metros made this one even more true.  Windows down, Lady A on repeat. Can't even handle how amazing that will feel after 3 months without sitting behind a wheel. 

2. Being able to wear Nike shorts and a T-shirt and not be judged by well-dressed Europeans. Joke's on you guys because I'm way more comfortable than any of you. 

3. My family. I haven't seen this cheesy grin in too long, and also they're going on a fun family vaycay to Gulf Shores sans me. I'll be on a beach in Italy, so I guess I can't complain too much.

4. Cowboy boots. Would I be wearing these in the 115 degree Texas heat? Probably not, but I miss my go-to option, which has been temporarily replaced by my well-loved Rainbows while in Europe. 

5. Sweet tea. I lied about the no particular order. This tops off the list, without a doubt. While the €2 Arizona peach tea from the Maastricht train station has fed my addiction as best it can, I'm hoping McAlister's has managed to stay in business without me. 

*At this point I feel obligated to mention that until I was at least 17 I wanted nothing more than to leave Texas. HA. Please see items 1, 4, and 5.  

6. AIR. CONDITIONING. Attention, Europeans: it's time to get up to speed with this beautiful invention.

7. Baylor University. I know we all feel like this in the summer, but I am so ready to hear the Pat Neff bells and spend my life in Cashion again. 

8. Free water with ice. Also free bread and chips before meals. Which leads me to... 

9. Chuy's, Snuffer's, Cheddar's, Panera, McAlister's, Cane's. The list goes on, but mostly tortilla chips. I love food. Sorry I'm truly not sorry. 

10. Blue Bell ice cream. This one speaks for itself.

Only one more paper stands between me and 20 days in the UK and Italy- life here is pretty wonderful, and I can't wait for the amazing things I have left to see, but I am so grateful to have these things to go home to.