America

Yes! We made it back, and I could not think of a better song than "America" by Neil Diamond from the movie "The Jazz Singer." First of all, if you do not like Neil, then you are un-American. Just saying. And who does not want that sparkly shirt? Seriously. So we are back for the month. Have to celebrate my oldest's birthday and get him driving lessons. Though he will not be able to drive in Switzerland, it is the thought that counts right? And we will be celebrating Independence Day with family. Always a plus in my book.

Do I like living in Switzerland? Yes, who wouldn't? The views outside my house are spectacular! I hike the hills of the Alps or the vineyards most every week. I have met great friends. I am in the land of chocolate, which is a major food group in the food pyramid for me. However, there are a few things that I definitely miss about the U.S.

First and foremost, I miss toilet seats in public restrooms. Not that I use them or anything. I can squat with the best of them. I have great quad muscles. Really it is the potential to need one along with a half roll of toilet paper covering it that I miss. Sometimes, toilet seats are extremely necessary.

Two, Super Target. Where else can I pick up a sweater and a carton of ice cream at the same time? And then have an eye appointment with the eye doc? That was my Monday.

 

Three, a large grocery store that has great shopping hours. My local store in the States is Cub Foods. Does that picture say open 24 hours? Why yes it does. I do not have to get my weekend things on Friday because I inevitably forget on a Saturday at 5 that the store is closed until Monday. What are the Cub Stores, like 25,000 square feet of shopping? Total food heaven!

 

Four, a mall. Any mall really that has the regular 200 stores in it. We do not have a mall in Switzerland, only small shops. But sometimes a girl just needs a mall. I happen to live in the area that contains the largest mall in the U.S, Mall of America. Four miles of shopping nirvana on 3 levels. Oh yes, and it has an amusement park in the center. And a movie theater, a comedy club, a hotel, and like 10 coffee shops. My other major food group.

 

Five, DSW - Designer Shoe Warehouse. Because sometimes a girl just needs a fifth pair of black shoes.



So not too many things. Well my friends and neighbors are naturally on the list too. I do have a few of those. And I will be visiting them, and all of these places several times before we return. My credit card is going to get a workout!