We sure ain’t in Holland anymore
japra | Dec 28, 2009 | Comments 15
Somewhere in Houston. Do you know?
I think I’m just about over my jet lag. We’ve been in Texas nearly a week and for the most part I’ve been waking up between 2:45 and 4:30 AM. Last night I managed to stay up past 11pm, so I actually slept until 5:30 this morning. I guess I must be getting old. I used to be able to make these trips and acclimate within a couple of days. This time? Hmmm.
We’ve been eating all our favourite foods (too much), marvelling at the huge stores with all of their inventory (wow), and visiting with family and friends (too short).
Yesterday, we paid a visit to our two storage units to say hello to all of our stuff. I found four bins of photos that we’re going to take back with us. I elected to leave the Christmas decorations for now. I did see the box, but it was so overwhelmingly large that I changed my mind about digging through it.
It’s strange to be back here this time. I guess I’m feeling a little bit of “The Old Me” v. “The New Me”. How do the two versions work together? It’s been nearly three years since we left Houston. Surprisingly, this is the first time I’ve felt a like a visitor. I mean, the place feels familiar, but so much has changed for us. It’s a little weird.
Filed Under: Blog • Expat Life • Featured
About the Author: JaPRA is an expat Texan living in England with her husband (Mr. DJ), their 17-year old daughter (Roxi), and their dog Trudy.
I know what you meaning…I feel the same wen I go to Portugal…
Welcome back!!
Thanks, Sandra. I guess all expats must feel this way! Happy New Year!!
interesting that you feel like a visitor after 3 years. It means you’ve changed/grown and will never be the same, in a good way I think.
Well, I knew things wouldn’t stay the same, but we were really surprised by all of the new construction! It’s amazing how much changes in one year, Christine.
Don’t worry…it feels weird even if you have never left. There are so many changes!
xox
Thanks, Mimsy… There’s been quite a lot of shuffling around of stores, new construction, etc. We were really surprised!
I agree with Mimsy. Somedays I feel like a visitor – things change overnight, it seems.
Is that Greenway Plaza area? See, I stay in one part of town way too much!
Very good, Tena! I have a feeling you and I must have crossed paths at one time or another since you guessed correctly!
Happy New Year!
I think you will beat us back to the NL. We are still waiting on visas. I’m glad you are having a great visit!
Kim, are you still in Houston? I’m sorry we haven’t had a chance to meet yet. I hope to catch up with you on the other side of the pond…
I remember when the ‘old you’ had followers in the teens, you had a little tiny blog and you were still nice to me, even though I was a snot. And now, the ‘new you’ is JUST as nice and can speak an additional language! So.
I’ll try to be just as snotty.
XO
Chris! Happy New Year to you, my friend. Or should I say: Gelukkg nieuw jaar! Hope this year bring you lots of creative energy :-D
I definitely get that “old me” and “new me” feeling and my friends notice it too. Houston looks so impressive! I definitely wouldn’t say no if we were given a chance to live there.
Emm, this was the first time I’ve really felt it. It sure has been great to be back. I think I must have been a little to positive about things because Mr. DJ told me to try to remember what it is like here about 40-degrees hotter… with mosquitoes… and humidity… and allergies ;-)
Ha ha! Yes, I fully expect the smile to get wiped off my face when we go back to South Africa for Xmas next year!!