Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Going to America

First off I'd like to say that it's only since moving to England that I find myself saying America and American. I'd been one of those people who said 'United States' in deference to the other Americas about- central, south, etc. But if you say 'United States' here it makes you look like kind of a twat. (US is okay however.)

Anyway, in less than a week I'll be flying back to the US for my first visit since I moved here 2 years ago. It will be interesting, but not too much so, as most of the people I'd have liked to see have all moved far away from Boise (NATE). Everything is mostly taken care of although there is too much last-minute work for me to possibly finish last-minute. I'm going to have a hard time not bringing work with me - especially as a few of the days I'm on holiday I HAVE set aside for work, just other kinds. (Some conference days, and making some contacts at BSU, which are what's paying for all the plane tickets hotel etc... hey free vacation for a couple days work? OK!)

Ever since last Friday I've been thinking pretty constantly about all the US food I've not had in 2 years or longer. It's not even food I necessarily want or even LIKE. It's just that I've realized that soon, they will be within my grasp, and I COULD have them if I wanted them.

Egg nog!
Beef jerky!
Hot pockets!
Pizza bagels!
Hamburger Helper!
Peanut Butter M&Ms!
Some Dude's Fry Sauce!
Frozen wontons from Winco!
Kraft box macaroni and cheese!
Paul's Market restaurant style salsa!

I don't even LIKE most of that stuff, but I keep THINKING about them. OK, the last two ARE things I like and will probably have when I'm back... although I'll feel a bit guilty about the mac and cheese. But the rest of that stuff, no way.

I'm definitely going to Mongolian BBQ though. Maybe twice.

8 comments:

Travis Erwin said...

No beef jerky in England?

That's it, I'm not going.

Duck said...

Sorry. You're more than welcome to come visit on your way back. Just make a quick stop in good old WV...

Amanda said...

They have beef jerky but it's not too common. It's expensive (for jerky) and about average quality. I don't think most stores would carry any. A health food store might... it isn't something Englanders seem to go for. Plus they've had those cattle disease problems so I suppose there's other demands on the beef supply.

They also don't have Velveeta or Cool Whip (or anything like them). It's real cheese or nothin', and actual whipped heavy cream or spray-can stuff. No cool whip has meant I don't get to make my peanut butter pies... hm, there's an idea.

Design Goddess said...

Why not get a food dehydrator and make your own?! :D

Hope you have a safe journey!

Rocketstar said...

You should check out Chipotle if you haven't already. It's newer than two years... I think

Anonymous said...

Amanda, I am really interested to see your views on Boise two years later. I haven't been back for a solid year now (we will be there in Mid-May if you feel like a return trip in the spring lol) but it had changed so much BEFORE we moved and I am sure it has changed even more since.

No peanut butter pies!!! Insanity!

JM said...

Peanut M&Ms are definitely a must! I also suggest Funyuns (although--they might have them over where you are).

The Egg said...

Oh I could list plenty of American goodies that I was craving after many years in Eastern Europe. Since I'm rather fond of desserts, I was looking forward to cheesecakes and pies. Hungarian pastries were interesting--except for their crepes (palacsintas) Right now I'm addicted to Eggo waffles. Have a safe trip!

Amalgamation - The merging of many things to form one.

What's this blog all about? See the first post
.