Nostalgia

About a month an a half left here.  It's going so fast.  I vacillate between desperately wanting to be home in Minnesota and blinking back tears because I'm so sad to be leaving.  So what am I going to miss about Venezuela?

1. My friends and colleagues from the Embassy community.  Hands down, this has been the best part of my experience here.
2. Chacao market - both the vendors there who have been so friendly, wonderful, and kind to all of us gringas and the outings with the girls that make getting up so early worth every minute!
3. El Ávila, the beautiful, serene, endlessly green mountain that lines the north side of Caracas (see below).
4. Breathtaking views from almost anywhere in Caracas, but especially from the Embassy and Valle Arriba.
5.  Caribbean beaches just a short drive away.
6.  Venezuelan food, particularly arepas, quesillo, aguacate con palmito, empanadas, pepitos, jugo de parchita, limonada frappe...and Gemma's roti (which is Trini food, of course, but lo conocí en Venezuela, so it will always be somewhat Venezuelan to me!).
7.  Hablando español todos los días (no cuenta lo que hablamos en casa porque es más espanglish que nada).
8. The weather in Caracas, which is perfect 95% of the time (and is even beautiful when it rains).
9.  Having a housekeeper who has helped us retain a certain amount of domestic bliss by taking care of many of the chores that we would otherwise (maybe...probably...almost certainly...) fight about.
10.  VIP movie theaters with their big, comfy recliners - now my favorite way to take in a film.