Due to the global coronavirus pandemic and all of the travel restrictions, I, like so many other expats in Japan, was unable to go back home this summer.  It was our plan to go home during summer vacation to see family and friends, but we’ll have to wait until next year (if we’re lucky!).  I don’t usually get homesick, but missing this opportunity really made me think about home and everything I miss.

First and foremost, I miss people.  I don’t get to see my friends and familly much, and even though we can video chat and message each other, it’s not the same.  I really want to see everyone.

Second, I miss the city of Chicago.  There are so many fun things to do in the summer back home.  I miss going to baseball games, going to big parks, shopping, and so much more.

Finally, one of the things I miss the most is the food!  I talk about this a lot, but Chicago is well-known for its food.  The number one food that I miss is pizza.  Chicago really does have the best pizza in the world.  

It’s a shame that we weren’t able to go home this summer, but hopefully coronavirus gets better all over the world and we can get back to traveling in 2021.  For now, though, I have pictures like this one (with two former Hello!s teachers) to remind me of home.