Since we’ve all been here for about a week and a half, we’ve obviously been learning a lot about Chinese culture and broadened our horizons because of it. But something occurred over the past couple of days: we got a big craving for the good ‘ol USA.

It’s been happening on and off since the weekend, but I think the group collectively decided we needed to experience American life when we all went to Burger King a few days ago while at the Expo. We all went and got our burgers, sat down on some benches, and practically swallowed our meals. It was delicious. The taste of processed “flame-broiled” meat and sodium-loaded french fries gave me one of the more satisfying belches I’ve had in a long time.

Eating fast food isn’t the only way to deal with homesickness. One major difference between Eastern and Western culture is that Asians tend to value being a part of a group and a collective. Americans typically tend to value the individual more. I have definitely been working up an appetite for some alone time since we got here. But it had only hit me in the past few days, of course. I decided to give myself the space I needed and listened to my Ipod in my room last night… alone! It seems to be just what I needed.

I’m sure moments such as these will be happening again, and that’s ok, because it’s important to give yourself a little taste of home. Besides, blue is a color of bad luck over here.