Familia

After the initial charm wears off, being in a foreign country, living with a family who are in fact strangers, and being presented with different and sometimes unappetising cuisine ceases to be difficult and simply starts to be banal and irritating. When you give up independence, privacy, and the delightful aspects of your personality most evident in English, you are left with what? Yes there are green hills bathed in gold at sunset (or some other analog, depending on the topography,) yes there are the moments of fluidity in the language when you hear yourself speak eloquently of your mother or how you everyone should have health care. But there comes a time when nothing is lovely or special, not even your electric shower in the morning. This week I wanted pizza, candy bars, and corona. Anything familiar to counter what can only be described as malaise.