Bagels and Coffee

I have at last moved into my apartment for the year, and I’m thrilled to say that I have two lovely roommates who are doing graduate degrees as well. Classes are in full swing, and I've been so busy that I haven't had much time for anything but reading, finishing my next set of graduate school applications, and the usual amount of procrastination. I've been meeting lots of new people, but I still find myself thinking of home, and all of the people I miss there. But I do have a few tricks up my sleeve to combat that sort of thing, and plan on putting them all to use while I'm here, and especially leading up to Thanksgiving!

Here is my first bit of travel advice for you all: Sense memory is both your worst enemy and your greatest ally when battling homesickness. Try to avoid it where it can hurt you and take full advantage of it where it will help you.

For me sense memory either triggers or soothes away homesickness through the craving of or eating of food, respectively. Usually homesickness is brought on due to Europe’s distinct lack of decent Mexican food. Until recently I would merely attempt to combat this with chocolate—which is admittedly much better here—but I have now discovered a much more comforting combination.

Bagels, coffee and I go way back. It all got started when my sisters and I would go with our Mom to work in Coeur d’Alene during the summers and, inevitably, would be just enough behind schedule that we needed to grab breakfast on the run. This tradition of ours has continued for many years: on early morning trips with my Dad back down to college, or as a quick breakfast before a day of running errands with the family. This summer it was my breakfast of choice on (devastatingly) early mornings before class. It is because of the latter instance that I got to know the awesome girl who connected me with her brother and sister-in-law who live here in Cork. So, as sappy as it sounds, I love bagels and coffee because of the people I’m with when I’m either buying them or eating them. I’ve found a great place for bagels here near the main campus, and it’s been a great comfort to me since I’ve been here.

This brings me to my second bit of traveling advice for this post: when in a new city/country where you don’t know many people, find yourself a coffee shop that you like and claim it as your own.

My coffee shop was easy to find as, in the manner of most of Cork’s buildings, it is painted a neon color and is within a reasonable walking distance. The place made a great impression on me the first time I went in, as they gave me a cup of coffee despite the fact that I was about a euro short that morning. It has become a place of refuge after early morning Latin classes and a place to prepare mentally for long evening seminars. Before I met many people, it was also a great way to get my “people fix" for the day. However, there are always those days when even food and the familiar comfort of “my coffee shop” won’t quite cut it, and that's when I bring in the big guns.

Third bit of travel advice: No matter how old you are, make sure you have a consistent means of communicating with your parents.

I come from a big family and even though at home it feels like we can't get a minute to ourselves, I think I can speak for everyone when I say we miss the noise and chaos when we aren't together. It can even be difficult to do homework without the background noise my family usually provides. Thus, it has been crucial to have internet in order to Skype home. One of the first things I did when I arrived was get internet, and I think I can honestly say that I've spoken with a family member everyday. I seriously wish I could hug the people who invented Skype--there's truly nothing better than actually seeing the person you're talking with and I think it's helped me immensely.

Despite being a bit homesick, I'm still thrilled to be living abroad again. I'm also very lucky that I have so many people looking out for me here. I have the Spokane connection I've talked about before, but I also have my adopted Aunt and Uncle who live about an hour out of the city, and they've been wonderful as well.

I hope you're all doing well, and I promise to try to not go so long between updates!