Guest post: Jenni Austria Germany

Today's guest post comes from the lovely Jenni of Jenni Austria Germany. 

A graduate of OSU, our friendly neighbor to the north, Jenni now lives in Germany teaching English.

She loves all things involving food [especially sweets], travel, and Beyonce. 

So of course we are friends.

If you don't already read her blog [which you should], go do it now!

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What an American Abroad Misses Most

As someone who has spent the majority of the past few years living abroad (first in Austria, then in Germany), I've learned a thing or two about separation anxiety.  Sure, it's rough leaving behind loved ones, friends, pets, familiarity, etc.  Saying goodbye to your favorite TV shows can take a heavy toll on a person's emotional well-being, too (watching American TV online in Germany is darn near impossible).  And not being able to speak English on a regular basis has caused me my fair share meltdowns -- believe me.  

But when my mom tells me, "I'm sending you a care package soon.  What things do you miss most right now?", my answers never usually vary from month to month.  Today I thought I'd share some of the easiest/best items to send to someone across the pond -- you never know when this kind of stuff might come in handy.  Any American friends abroad will love you for it, trust me!  And any European friends you might know might appreciate it, too -- who knows?  Especially if they're looking to gain a few lbs. and/or increase their risk of heart attack.

1.  Quaker Rice Snacks

These things weigh almost nothing, which is ideal for senders trying to cut down on costs (unfortunately, customs/shipping charges can be OUTRAGEOUSLY high - a package my mom once sent me totaled $55!).  If the recipient of this package doesn't appreciate these Quaker treats, ask him or her to send 'em on over to me.  I happen to know someone who can consume one of these bags in a single sitting. ........

2.  Pop Tarts

These come in boxes or in packs of two (which my mom usually sends since they're more care-package-friendly).  And while there are, of course, several flavors to choose from.....all I have to say is: brown. sugar. cinnamon.  

3.  Magazines

Despite my attempts to seem like an intelligent person, let me be the first to say that I enjoy celeb gossip just as much as the next E!News addict.  Americans abroad eat these up like candy.  And if they don't, then they're not real Americans.

4.  Books in English

From my experiences in Austria and Germany, books in English are somewhat hard to come by.  Bigger European cities should have English bookstores, but that's by no means a given.  Take it from me, someone who spent a summer in Italy circa 2008 trying desperately to track down an English version of Breaking Dawn. 

5.  Sugary Cereal

Most European countries' food/drug laws prohibit crack-cocaine-like-cereals from being sold in stores, on account of...well, have you read their sugar content?  This means that Americans abroad must settle for eating bland cereal (think:corn flakes) day-in....day-out...and day-in again.  Cue 'Hard-knock Life' from the Annie soundtrack.  I'm out.