Thanks America, It’s Been Great.
Saved under Living Abroad, Living in the USA
Tags: America, Leaving
When I look back on my time in the United States, I feel so incredibly lucky to have lived abroad. I think living in a different country makes you grow as a person, especially when you’re in your early twenties, and only just discovering who you are. I’ve learned so much about the world and myself, and although I’m sure I’ll shed a tear tomorrow, there’s heaps of other countries calling my name, and I’m itching to head off on a new adventure.
I’ve had some incredible experiences here, and while I’m trying to leave with dignity (as opposed to being deported for overstaying my visa), it’s hard leaving a place where I’ve done so many amazing things.
In the last two years I’ve:
- Gone Para-sailing in Key West
- Stood on top of the Empire State Building
- Eaten fried chicken and grits in Texas
- Walked barefoot down the walk of fame in Los Angeles (don’t ask)
- Cried at Ground Zero
- Gone swimming with dolphins in Hawaii
- Learned to ski in Vail, Colorado
- Made friends for life in Chicago
- Hopped across the US border to drink margaritas in Mexico
- Screamed my way around the rollercoasters in Universal Studios
- Skinny-dipped in Lake Michigan
- Learned to drive on the wrong side of the road
- Shivered through an endless Chicago winter
- Gambled in Las Vegas
- Experienced Halloween, Thanksgiving and the 4th of July…twice.
- Walked across the Golden Gate Bridge
- Partied in San Diego
- Held a baby alligator in the Everglades in Florida
- Seen the Chicago river turned green for St Patrick’s day
- And been an Au Pair to two extremely cute kids.
As much fun as I’ve had here, all good things must come to an end, and I’m excited to catch up with my family, earn some money and explore Australia.
I’m definitely going to come back to America though. I have a list of things I want to do, including a visit to my host kids, finally seeing the Grand Canyon, taking the tour through Alcatraz, clubbing in New York, visiting friends in Chicago, and a road trip through the southern states.
So America…this isn’t “goodbye.” It’s “see you soon.”
Now I better get back to my packing.
6 Responses to Thanks America, It’s Been Great.
Leave a Reply
Where did I go?
Yes I am still in this world. It’s been a crazy couple of months that’s for sure, and I sort of dropped off the face of the earth for a while there. So where did I go? I started a new job as a travel agent, and of course I completely underestimated exactly how hard [...]
I'm most jealous of thanksgiving and halloween celebrations, must have been AWESOME?
It was indeed. My host mum was an amazing cook and thanksgiving always made me gain 5 pounds. And the Americans really know how to do Halloween!
Some great experiences in the list, some i’ve done and some to do. I quite fancy ‘Eaten fried chicken and grits in Texas’. It’s been a few years since I visited the States and still have to try grits!
Love the blog, kind regards, Si
ps I’d love you to take part in our Picture The World Project http://www.thedepartureboard.com/picture-the-world-project
Thanks Si. I’ll have a look at the site now
Stacey recently posted..The Best Beaches on The Big Island, Hawaii
Great list of things to do in the U.S. Glad you enjoyed your time here. Did you win in Vegas?
I didn’t come close to winning! I need to go back with some more money hehe. Vegas is amazing though, I had so much fun!
Stacey recently posted..Photo of the Week: An Alley in Melbourne