A wise friend recently suggested an exercise to overcome my heartsickness since leaving Cartagena. She prompted me to think about the things I loved so much about living abroad and what gifts this past year has given me. She then asked me to think about ways to replicate those elements here in my “normal” life in the United States.
I didn’t anticipate maple syrup, seagulls, and frostbite appearing on that list, but that seems to be just what the doctor ordered.
***
My friends in Boston had just transitioned to a new home after living abroad for many years. Their place is cozy, warm, and vaguely reminiscent of the freshman year dorm room Roxanne and I shared (namely for the pashminas and post-it notes). I poured my gloomy self into their hands and gave them creative license to mold me into a happy American again.
First, they called in the Swiss, who came with buckets of melted Gruyere, a potato gratin, gallons of white wine, and a small (but deadly) bottle of something called Kirsch. The night ended with unexpected rounds of rum and discussions of Venezuelan elections.
America: +1, Switzerland: +1, Venezuela: 0 (great rum, but Chavez won)
We rented a car bright and early the next morning and set off for the Great Outdoors. After escaping the deranged passive-aggressive circus that is driving in Boston, we found ourselves snaking through orange forests. We crossed the border to New Hampshire and discovered a quiet beach town filled with homes we’ll probably never afford, but very much enjoyed staring at. At some point, there was a twinmarriage proposal.
(Let me explain: in addition to being a “let’s re-learn to love America” initiative, this weekend marks the 8 year anniversary of my friendship with Roxanne, whom I now simply refer to as twin, because we’re basically the same soul in two bodies.)
America: +2, Greece: +1
From that lovely beach town, we continued north to the woods, into a very different America. We passed “BREAK FOR MOOSE!” signs that were not sarcastic. We saw dozens of tractor supply shops. And of course, we stopped at the first roadside Maple Stuff stand we came across. We stocked up on candies, popcorn, and syrup, and chatted with friendly New Hampshirites.
With maple candies melting in our mouths, we continued farther north toward the blue mountains looming in the distance. The kind owners of the maple stand told us that the most scenic route to follow would be the Kancamagus trail. I remember scrunching up my nose in disgust at the name, imagining some contagious toe fungus. I wrote the name down in my journal with a reminder to later look up “who/what was Kancamagus??” The answer, courtesy of GORP:
Kancamagus (The Fearless One), grandson of Passaconaway, succeeded his uncle, Wonalancet, around 1684 as third and final Sagamon of the Penacook Confederacy. Kancamagus tried to keep peace between the Penacook and pioneering whites, until aggravated English harassments brought war and bloodshed.
Sorry for the nose-scrunch, Fearless One.
“Fearless” seems to be a theme in New Hampshire. The state motto is “Live Free or Die.” I got the sense that gun rights were a big thing (although one could argue that that’s a more fearful mentality). Political messages were displayed boldly, on the roadsides or on the radio. I may not have agreed with all (or much (or any)) of it, but I appreciate their passion for politics.
America: +3 for freedom of speech, -1 for the sign that says “Some village in Kenya has lost its IDIOT: Obama!” That’s just tasteless.
Finally, as the sun was starting to dip in the sky, we reached the tentative goal of this road trip: Mt. Washington. I’d been feeling like I need to climb a mountain lately, to conquer a summit, to prove something to myself about myself. So, we scaled the beast… in a car. Still counts.
The eight-mile ascent brought us somewhere between the Arctic and Iceland.

Freezing at the summit of Mt. Washington! (Credit to Roxanne Krystalli of Stories of Conflict and Love)
After (literally) running from our rental car to the summit for a photo and subsequently losing feeling in our digits, we high-tailed it to the nearest diner and warmed our bellies with chili, bacon-covered potato skins, and poutine. I casually noticed that we were surrounded by handsome French-speaking men wearing scruffy beards and hiking gear. Thank you, Canada, for the poutine and for the view.
Canada: +5
***
I didn’t actually keep a tally of points for the USA, nor was this weekend any sort of competition. It was a reprieve from missing Colombia, a breath of fresh fall air, and a barrels of laughs with great friends. There is beauty where you seek it, and fun where you make it. Like my friend Mark recently told me, “The grass is greener where you water it.”
Time to start tending the garden.
… I just decided to add these places to my list of TO GO new year’s resolutions. These beautiful maple forests and waves deserve a top 3 place! Thank you for these impressions 🙂
I’m so glad to hear that, Caroline! I honestly never knew New Hampshire (and particularly Mount Washington) was so beautiful until I took this impromptu road trip. It blew me away. Definitely aim for autumn. 🙂
Awesome post! Enjoy those maple candies. Also, I thought the twin proposal so was cute!!! 🙂
*was so
see what happens when you get so excited to post a comment you just click the button instead of proofreading? Sigh.
Haha thank you vyvacious! It was a really fun memory.
Wow! Such a lovely place. Your photos makes me miss hiking and autumn foliage..
You have such a great sense of humor! I love Vermont and New Hampshire too. That’s where Tyler’s from (well Vermont, but they’re so close to each other). I love to go hiking with him, and we’ve scaled several mountains (with our feet!) Enjoyed this post, I love the way to describe things, and how you researched what you thought sounded like “toe fungus”, which is what I’ll always refer to when I hear that name. So I also apologize to the fearless one. O_O
Thanks Paola! It was the first time I really explored New Hampshire, and I loved it. Maybe I’ll put Vermont next on my list.
And at least we’re courteous enough to apologize to the Fearless One. I feel like that might prevent us from being haunted, haha. 😉
You always make everything sound like a wonderful adventure. 🙂 I loved this post so much.
Thanks Ceri, this was definitely an adventure, just in my own backyard this time!
Meghan, I love your post! It came in very handy for me too, as I feel I am in a similar situation. Although I did not change countries, I did move to a small town in Wisconsin and it is hard for me to adjust here after a cosmopolitan (if you can grant that name to St. Louis) place. “The grass is greener where you water it” – I will have it as my personal mantra starting today.
Isn’t that a great mantra? I’ve been repeating it to myself every day. Best of luck with your adjustment/transition. I’ll be eagerly checking out your blog to hear more about it!
Beautiful post! There’s lots to love at home even if it doesn’t seem as adventurous. I wish I treated free time at home the way I approach vacation time. There’s so much within an hour or two here that I’ve never explored.
Thanks Anna! Yes, I need to started viewing the US more like a country I would vacation to. Let me know when we’re having that pie-baking party! 😉
Really enjoyed the pics of autumn foliage; we have nothing like it in South Africa.
I’m glad you liked them. Autumn was one season I really missed being outside of the US last year, so I’m soaking it all in this time around!
Hahaha….LOVE your hiking shoes!!!! Polka dots are always appropriate, even after labor day! OK, wait!! Now didn’t you leave a Columbian love behind as well? Wouldn’t that be a big part of this mourning process or I’m I making that up!!! I kind of jumped in tot he game a little late! TAKE CARE!!! kimi.
I wish I could take credit for those polka dots, but that’s my “twin”! Adorable, no? We both had little ballet flats on, but she was wise enough to also bring big fluffy socks for cold weather at the peak.
And yes, you’re right. A big part of my heartsickness is leaving a great love behind. Breakups suck, regardless of geography. Alas, life goes on.
Loving your post and photos – thanks for sharing! happy friday:)
Thanks Renee! Happy Friday to you as well.
Wow, beautiful fall foliage in New Hampshire! Friends, or should I say “twin” are always great at keeping your spirits high when your heartsickness seems to keep you feeling down. Always one of the best comforts of being home. By the way, great hiking gear – polka dot socks and flats! hehe
Isn’t that a great look? Fashionable and practical! 😉
I don’t know what I’d do without these friends! They are making the transition much easier than it otherwise would be.
Oh boy, my socked-and-polka-dotted feet are now famous. That’s what I get for wearing an outfit like that in public.
It is always lovely to adventure with you, twin, and equally lovely to read about it. I love you!
Everyone loves the look, twin! In fact I think they might have thought those were my feet, before you just outed yourself. 😉
I can’t wait until our next adventure, amor.
Gorgeous photos! I can relate to that feeling of sadness and confusion after leaving a place that was so special. For me it was Uganda.
Thanks, Tobi. Have you written about your experiences in Uganda on your blog? Heading over there now to creep through your archives… 😉
Thanks for coming by, and following me, Meghan!! I have blogged several times about my time in Uganda…So here is the link if you’d like to read about it: http://huntingforbliss.wordpress.com/africa/
Great, I will check it out!
Meghan, I completely enjoyed reading this adventure of yours right in our own backyard! The pictures are beautiful and you look happy 🙂
Listed to your friend Mark–smart guy!
Thanks Kay! It was a great weekend. And yes, Mark has been a valuable spiritual guide since we met in Peru! (I hope he’s reading this).
Those colours of autumn look simply stunning! I haven’t seen the visual change of the season here, but its so evident there. Beautiful! I think when you leave your home to travel there is an expectation that when you return home, some things will have changed, because you have changed. The shock is to find that not much has changed and you begin to ‘mourn’ the adventurous life that was! Beautifully written as always Megan. Thank you!
Thanks Su! Yes, you’re right, it is a mourning process. I’m trying to focus on the positive memories without letting them prevent me from fully enjoying the new ones I should be making. Time heals all, I suppose!