Before moving to the Netherlands, I knew I'd fight bouts of home-sickness. While I anticipated missing my loved ones, I didn't put much thought in to missing my California creature-comforts. To be honest, the transition has been quite okay, but in the 4 months here, I've missed these things the most. And if you're visiting from California, you might miss these things, too.
1) Quality Mexican Food - there is no polite way to say this. I've only encountered Dutch abominations of Mexican food. Someone please prove me wrong here. I am dying for carne asada, re-fried beans and fish tacos. (Update - JP read this and wants to remedy this grievance, I'll let you know how it goes).
2) Quality Hot Sauce - I didn't realize how good I had it in California. I could always rely on Trader Joe's, Mother's or even a basic supermarket for a vast selection of hot-sauces to compliment whatever I was eating. My palate grew accustomed to pizza only being pizza if it had Trader Joe's Habanero Sauce poured over it. Eggs weren't eggs without a healthy dose of Cholula. My first trip to Albert Heijn involved hoarding and sampling every selection of hot sauce available. To my dismay, they all taste like spicy vinegar :(. Someone from CA, please send me hot sauce.
Our friend from the UK was sweet enough to bring these over to me. If anyone is reading, please send more!
3) Aimlessly driving for relaxation/entertainment - The day I turned 16, I got my driver's license. After that, I drove almost every day. While I certainly don't miss the absurd rush hour traffic, and bikes are a great way to get around, I do miss the open road - whether it's a short trip to the beach or driving the span of the golden state, driving for fun was, well, fun.
4) Acai bowls - for obvious reasons. The whole organic/fresh-pressed craze must fly under the radar here. Or, perhaps there's a hole in the market I should be taking advantage of. Nekter, if you're listening, I volunteer as tribute to open your first Dutch location.
Nekter, I miss you.
5) The Desert - while I love the lush and green climate here in Dordrecht and appreciate the beach, mountains, foothills and forests of California, I really, really miss the desert. Nothing compares to the paradoxical vastness that is somehow so empty and so alive at the same time.
Frolicking in Pioneer Town last year with my great friend Sarah (photo c/o Sarah)
6) Sandals + Sun-dresses - The average temperature in my home city is around 25 degrees (77 Fahrenheit). I basically lived in sun dresses, shorts, t-shirts and sandals. Now it's more like tank tops under sweaters under scarfs and under jackets. Sometime I even wear leggings under my jeans, it's really cute. Anytime I wake up to blue skies, I cross my fingers it's warm enough for bare legs. I've had a 0% success rate.
I anticipate growing/updating this list as time goes on, but this is good for now. What do you miss most about home? What would be in your ideal care package?