Adventures Abroad: 13 Curious Questions from My Homesick Cousin
Written on
Chapter 1: The Homesickness Encounter
Have you ever felt the unique sensation of homesickness? It’s a peculiar blend of nostalgia, longing, and an overwhelming craving for your mom’s homemade dishes. The humor often comes from how family reacts when they discover you've spent ten years traveling the globe.
My cousin Jenny, a true gem with a heart full of warmth, exemplifies this. Upon learning about my decade of adventures, her reaction was priceless. After the initial shock wore off, she bombarded me with questions that sparked both laughter and deeper conversations.
Here are the 13 questions my homesick cousin asked regarding my experiences abroad, along with some cherished memories we created together.
- “Is the coffee decent where you are?”
Ah, the essential queries! Coffee, a universal language for adults, was her immediate concern. Jenny seemed to believe that leaving our hometown meant sacrificing our beloved coffee shop. I assured her that coffee is celebrated globally, and in many places, it’s treated as an art form.
- “How do you cope without Mom’s rice congee?”
Jenny’s inquiry carried a hint of despair at the thought of life without our cherished rice congee. I reassured her that while I deeply missed it, the world offers an array of incredible cuisines. From Italian gelato to Vietnamese Pho, the culinary experiences alone were worth the journey.
Photo by cottonbro studio from Pexels
- “So, do you speak, like, ten languages now?”
This question made me smile broadly. I explained to Jenny that while I hadn’t miraculously become fluent in ten languages, I had picked up numerous words and phrases from every country I visited. This led to a spontaneous language lesson that resulted in one of our most amusing exchanges.
- “What do you do when homesickness hits?”
A heartfelt question from my sweet cousin. I admitted that homesickness does strike occasionally, but those feelings are fleeting. I explained how video calls with family and making new friends help immensely. Jenny nodded, stating she’d be on call for any emergency homesickness moments.
- “Do you miss watching local football games?”
Jenny, the sports fanatic, couldn’t imagine life without our local football matches. I told her that sports vary by country, and I had enjoyed rugby in New Zealand, cricket in India, and Muay Thai in Thailand. This sparked a hilarious conversation about cricket rules, and I promised to take her to a match if she ever visited.
- “Don’t you miss the aroma of Grandma’s house during Chinese New Year?”
I admitted that I indeed missed the comforting scents of home during the holidays. Yet, I also cherished experiencing diverse traditions, like Diwali in India and the breathtaking lantern festival in Thailand.
Photo by cottonbro studio from Pexels
- “Do they have Netflix where you are?”
As a self-proclaimed binge-watcher, Jenny was genuinely concerned about my entertainment options. I assured her that not only was Netflix available, but there were also local channels with equally addictive shows.
- “What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten?”
Her curiosity peaked as I shared stories of trying balut in the Philippines, fried silkworms in Thailand, and durian in Malaysia. Jenny swore she’d never stray from her beloved cheeseburger, but I reminded her that adventure often lies just outside of one’s comfort zone—even with food.
- “Do you forget how to drive on the right side of the road?”
This innocent question had me laughing heartily. I explained that adapting to different driving rules can be tricky, but humans are quite adaptable. I confessed that the first time I drove in New Zealand, I might have caused a minor traffic situation.
- “How do you celebrate your birthday without us?”
A touch of sadness crept into her voice with this question. I reassured her that while I missed my family during those times, I celebrated memorable birthdays with new friends and immersed in different cultures. I made it a point to video call my family each year to blow out my birthday candles together.
Photo by cottonbro studio from Pexels
- “Don’t you run out of things to pack?”
This question made me burst into laughter. I explained the magic of minimalism and how living out of a suitcase taught me the difference between ‘want’ and ‘need’. Additionally, the joy of acquiring local clothing and blending in offered a unique experience.
- “How do you make new friends?”
An innocent inquiry that evolved into a profound discussion. I shared how I met people in hostels, coffee shops, and local events, recounting tales of friendships formed on mountaintops, ancient ruins, and slow-moving trains. By the end, she seemed more open to the idea of making friends beyond our hometown.
- “Are you happy?”
Jenny saved her most heartfelt question for last. I could see the genuine concern in her eyes. I answered honestly, sharing that I’ve never felt more alive and enriched. With every new destination, I uncover more about the world and myself.
Through our delightful conversation filled with her innocent, funny, and occasionally bizarre inquiries, I believe Jenny began to grasp my life abroad a little better. Our exchange was a heartwarming mix of laughter, curiosity, learning, and a bond that distance couldn’t diminish.
Exploring the world doesn’t mean abandoning your roots; it simply means expanding your branches. If you ever decide to step into the unknown, prepare for some truly entertaining conversations with your family. Who knows? You might inspire them to embark on their own adventures someday.