(I got back from the States last Saturday. This post is late of a week, but hey, life gets in the way sometimes.)
This trip to the States was the best trip ever.
Can I even begin to describe how depressed I felt the first few days back in Lyon? Seeing my grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles after such a long time was wonderful. Every single one of our 15 days was fun.
When I'm in the States I have this strong sense of belonging.
People often ask me, "Where are you from? Which place feels like home to you?"
I don't always know how to answer. I say, "Well, definitely not Kenya, where I was born. I love visiting the States and Argentina, but I've never lived in either of those countries. I've lived in France for almost my whole life. So the logical answer would be that Lyon feels like home, because it is my home."
The thing is, I don't feel French.
In this latest trip to the States, I started identifying what the excited rush I experience every time I step off that plane in the US really is.
It's the sense of home.
Anyway. Here are some of the pics I took. :)
Fall was just beautiful in my grandparents's neighborhood!
After four nights at my grandparent's house, we went to Frederick to visit my Aunt Stephie, my Uncle David and my little cousin Layla for a few days.
This is a vegan sandwich I ate at The Orchard, a restaurant downtown. It had tofu, hummus, and veggies... it was FAB. If, by chance, you ever end up in Frederick, eat at The Orchard.
The park in Frederick was definitely in the Halloween spirit.
A few days later, we left Frederick and drove to Kensington where my Aunt Lesley, my cousins Alex and Stephie (not my Aunt Stephie), and my Uncle Charlie live. Stephie, a great baker, made these really cute cupcakes. She is so creative! I just had to take a picture. Or three. ;)
One night we went out for Ethiopian food.
After Kensington we returned to my grandparent's house. Since they live so close to DC, we had several outings.
We went to the Holocaust Museum,
followed by a cupcake stop. Yes, many cupcakes were involved in this trip.
These last two pics were taken on the 31st, before I went Trick-or-Treating with my cousins.
This is the pumpkin I carved with my grandpa's help. Isn't he cute?
I hope you all have a nice week end!
i spy sprinkles cupcakes! :)) so glad you had a fun time!
ReplyDeleteSprinkles cupcakes are just to-die-for, aren't they? ;)
Deletegreat photos, the food looks amazing, lovely to hear that you had a good time on your holiday :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovey description of your vacation with us. So glad you had a wonderful time. I wish it could happen more often. We love having you and missyou all when you leave. Your pictures are beautiful Thanks so much for writing.
ReplyDeleteThank YOU so much for having us! xx
DeleteFall is such a beautiful time of the years to visit the NE. Your photos capture your feeling for being home. Cupcakes and all. Love the carved pumpkin! Yes, home is where the heart is.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your heart-felt love of family and food.
Susan Joyce
Your comment just made my day. :)
DeleteHi Carmen! That is such a nice post! I love what you wrote for the introduction. It's really insightful. After seeing the photos, you could title it "Home is Where the Food is." We miss you! xoxo
ReplyDeleteIt's funny to realize almost half my pictures are of food! It hadn't occured to me!
DeleteMiss you too xx
Aw, Carm - big hugs to you! I was so glad to get to see you and your mom and Lorenzo! Your trip was fabulous! Come back soon!
ReplyDeleteHopefully, hopefully. It was so fun to see YOU!
DeleteFrederick is so close to where I use to live in the States! It really hasn't changed, you're so lucky to be able to go back there :)
ReplyDeleteIt's so fun to know that you've been there too!
DeleteWow, you took some lovely pictures, I love the colors of Fall, especially in the U.S.A!
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you :)
Deleteall these cupcakes make me hungry! and love the hunted house!! :D
ReplyDeleteIt's not a haunted house, it's just a decorated house...! :D
DeleteI just discovered your lovely blog after you left your kind comment.
ReplyDeleteHow fun is this? While I was reading this post I said to myself.. ey finally someone who feels like me:-)I was born in Italy, my whole family comes from there but I never lived there. I grew up in Spain and now I have been living in Germany for more than 15 years... so what I am? I should say, i am the best example of a European woman:-))))
That's a great title you found for yourself!
DeleteI just discovered your lovely blog after you left your kind comment.
ReplyDeleteHow fun is this? While I was reading this post I said to myself.. ey finally someone who feels like me:-)I was born in Italy, my whole family comes from there but I never lived there. I grew up in Spain and now I have been living in Germany for more than 15 years... so what I am? I should say, i am the best example of a European woman:-))))