I decided the best way to shake my post-Argentina funk would be to list all the things I'm thankful for about the USA, things that can be irritating about Argentina:
*Here, the toilets have sufficient water pressure that you can toss your toilet paper in the bowl rather than into a trash can.
*Many places in the US are now non-smoking.
*Here, I am allowed to blog at work. In Argentina, I can't access my blog from Internet cafes anywhere.
*Most restaurants here don't have a separate charge for silverware/plates and extras such as butter for your rolls.
*Fitted bed sheets. None of the beds we slept on had fitted bottom sheets. This means when you wake up in the morning, chances are you're lying on the bare mattress because the sheet has shifted or come entirely off the bed during the night.
Unfortunately, that's all I can think of right now.
I'm sure if I lived in Argentina or stayed for longer I'd find many more items for the list, but right now, all I can think about are the $3 bottles of magnificent wine sold in the supermarkets, the friendly people and sense of community, the flan with dulce de leche, and the grand bustle of Buenos Aires life.
So much for that little useful exercise.
Hang in there, Jen. We're happy you're back. Another thing to add to your list -- being with all of your great co-workers who love you and missed you.