The funny thing about leaving home is that every time you come back, it somehow feels different. This is my second time returning to the U.S. after living in Spain, and I wasn’t expecting to notice much. I figured it would feel familiar, comfortable, and exactly the way I left it. In many ways, it did. But in other ways, I found myself seeing home through a completely different lens.
Living abroad has a funny way of changing your perspective. You don’t just learn about another country. You also learn about your own. This time around, I have an even greater appreciation for home. Not because one place is better than the other, but because distance has a way of highlighting the little things you never paid attention to before.
The first thing I noticed? Americans are so friendly, seriously! We’re talkative. We smile at strangers. We’ll strike up a conversation while standing in line, waiting for coffee, or shopping in the grocery store. Sometimes it feels like we’ve never met a stranger.
Maybe it’s because I come from “small town, USA,” where conversations happen everywhere. Someone can walk up to your table at a restaurant, ask where you’re from, and before you know it, you’ve discovered you have three mutual friends, your grandparents went to the same church, or you both love college football. Five minutes later, you’ve practically adopted each other. There’s something really special about that openness.
In Spain, people are kind and welcoming once you get to know them, but relationships often take more time to build. Conversations with strangers don’t happen quite as naturally as they do back home. Coming back reminded me how much I appreciate that part of American culture. There’s a warmth that comes from people being willing to talk to just about anyone, and honestly, I missed it more than I realized.
I can’t believe I’m dedicating an entire section of this blog to toilets, but here we are. One of the most random things I noticed almost immediately was the toilets. I know, hear me out. Spanish toilets are generally a bit deeper, while American toilets tend to have a higher water level and feel a little more “up close.” It’s not something I ever thought I’d notice, but after months of living abroad, it immediately stood out. It’s funny how your brain starts cataloging the smallest differences once you’ve lived somewhere else. Things you never would have considered before suddenly become obvious. Who knew toilets would make the list?
That’s what I love most about traveling and living abroad. It’s rarely the landmarks or the bucket list experiences that stick with you the longest. It’s the everyday moments: The habits, the conversations, the grocery stores, the coffee cups, the crosswalks, and even the toilets. Those tiny differences slowly reshape the way you see the world. And when you come home, you realize home hasn’t really changed; you have.
Another thing I noticed was just how patriotic Americans are. The American flag is everywhere. You’ll see it flying in front of homes, hanging on porches, decorating yards, and even on bumper stickers. It’s simply woven into everyday life.
I also didn’t realize I’d miss this living in Spain, but I miss the food loyalty and rewards programs. Think Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, and all those apps that give you points, freebies, or birthday rewards just for being a regular customer. I hadn’t been to Chipotle in almost two years, so imagine my surprise when I opened the app and saw I had a free side of guacamole waiting for me. Naturally, it convinced me to make a Chipotle run. Whether they genuinely missed me or were just trying to lure me back, it worked!
It’s something I rarely noticed in Spain. Most restaurants there are locally owned, family-run businesses rather than large chains with rewards apps and point systems. You go out, enjoy an amazing meal, pay your bill, and that’s the end of the transaction. In the US, though, eating out often feels like a little win-win. You get to enjoy your meal, and at the same time, you’re earning points toward a free drink, a discounted meal, or a surprise reward. It’s a small thing, but it’s fun and makes you feel like you’re getting a little extra out of the experience.
It’s definitely not something that makes Spain worse. In fact, I love supporting local businesses, and that’s one of my favorite parts of living there. But after being away for so long, I forgot how satisfying it is to open an app and discover you’ve earned a free treat. Maybe Chipotle really did miss me… or maybe they just knew exactly how to get me through the door with a free guac reward.
Another thing I noticed after coming home was how much I missed experiencing different types of weather. Before returning to the US, I had been living in Alicante, which is known as one of the sunniest cities in Spain. While it would occasionally rain, it was usually nothing dramatic. It was more like a quick 15 or 20-minute sprinkle, and then, almost like clockwork, the sun would come back out.
Coming home was a completely different experience. There was a beautiful mix of sunny days, but also genuine stormy days. And honestly, I found myself appreciating the storms more than I ever expected. I felt completely immersed in those stormy weather experiences. It’s been those experiences where you just sit back and listen because nature is putting on a show right outside your window.
Growing up in Tennessee, I was lucky enough to experience all four seasons, so I’ve always had an appreciation for the changes that come with each one. But after living in Spain, especially in one of its sunniest cities, I realized how much I had missed those seasonal shifts. There were days when it felt like there were only one or two seasons instead of the full cycle I was used to.
I remember sitting on my back porch, listening to the rain, and realizing how much my perspective had changed. In the past, I might have seen a rainy day as an inconvenience or something that interrupted my plans. Now, I see it as an opportunity to slow down, be present, and appreciate the beauty of a quieter moment.
Sometimes moving abroad changes the way you experience even the smallest things. A rainy day that once felt ordinary suddenly becomes something you look forward to. Living abroad has given me a whole new appreciation for the US and, in a way, a deeper sense of patriotism. I’m not about to paint myself red, white, and blue, but I am genuinely proud of where I come from.
This trip back home has reminded me that I can deeply love Spain while also appreciating the parts of the US that make it feel uniquely like home. The two don’t have to compete. They simply offer different ways of living, and I’m grateful I’ve had the chance to experience both.
Now, excuse me while I continue mentally comparing absolutely everything between Spain and the U.S. Apparently, that’s just who I am now.
Love always,
American Girl Meets World
