After the debacle that was December in Keda, I sat in a hotel room in Batumi brooding. The thought of spending Christmas alone was not sitting well with me for several reasons, so I decided to do something about it. On Friday, December 20th, I bought plane tickets back to Chicago and two days later, I was on my way! My parents said that I was the best Christmas present they could have received this holiday season.
Chicago greeted me in typical winter fashion - dreary and cold. Honestly, though, I did not mind; I knew that central heating was waiting for me! I was so happy at the chance to see my parents, my friends, family, my cat, and my dog. Whenever I am away for a long time and come home, I am welcomed by the "greeting committee" or better known as my cat and my dog. I received hugs and kisses from them both.
It is interesting the things one can take for granted living in the United States or the things you would not expect to miss. Central heating, adequate insulation, and double-paned windows definitely made the top of my list as my home in Georgia lacks all of these. Ever since learning that I received the grant, my biggest concern had been centered around the lack of heat indoors and I can say now, almost halfway through this grant, that my biggest complaint is the lack of heat. I have found ways to manage - I have an electric heater that I didn't think worked well before the power outage debacle of December but have since realized that it definitely takes the edge off. I have a mummy sleeping bag which I nestle into every night, under two sets of blankets and while sometimes wearing a lightweight sweater. It works.
I spent one week home, which was not very long for such a long journey, but I am glad that I did it. It was well worth the trip and very much needed!
Chicago greeted me in typical winter fashion - dreary and cold. Honestly, though, I did not mind; I knew that central heating was waiting for me! I was so happy at the chance to see my parents, my friends, family, my cat, and my dog. Whenever I am away for a long time and come home, I am welcomed by the "greeting committee" or better known as my cat and my dog. I received hugs and kisses from them both.
It is interesting the things one can take for granted living in the United States or the things you would not expect to miss. Central heating, adequate insulation, and double-paned windows definitely made the top of my list as my home in Georgia lacks all of these. Ever since learning that I received the grant, my biggest concern had been centered around the lack of heat indoors and I can say now, almost halfway through this grant, that my biggest complaint is the lack of heat. I have found ways to manage - I have an electric heater that I didn't think worked well before the power outage debacle of December but have since realized that it definitely takes the edge off. I have a mummy sleeping bag which I nestle into every night, under two sets of blankets and while sometimes wearing a lightweight sweater. It works.
I spent one week home, which was not very long for such a long journey, but I am glad that I did it. It was well worth the trip and very much needed!
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| Me and my cat, Maxie. |
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