In my Suitcase…

It usually begins at the start of my last week of holiday in the US, the mental list of what needs to be packed for my return journey to London.  Like most mothers, this list includes a number of small items that the children seem to accumulate (especially when visiting grandparents) as well as the odd larger item, like my son’s guitar, which brings me back to the days of travelling with a stroller (does it go to the gate or not, will it be marked fragile, will it come out with the rest of the luggage, etc, etc). My mental list then progresses to the items that will bring small bites of happiness in the coming months and often prompts outings to exciting places like the local supermarket or drug store.

Seventeen years ago, after my first trip to the States after moving to London, I packed up Shout stain remover, Ziploc bags, Toll House chocolate chips and Twizzlers. I remember thinking, “Am I crazy? I have moved country, succeeded in my career, I am about to marry and start a family and yet these are the things I can't live without?" 17 years on and my suitcase often contains these same items when travelling back across the Atlantic.  In fact, this routine has now become a tradition embraced by my kids who pick their own 'must take home treats’.  The edible items, while by no stretch of the imagination delicacies, are savoured and reserved for the dullest of days at home.  So when yet another exam approaches, I can coax out a smile by producing a batch of home made Toll House chocolate chip cookies.  Even if many of these ingredients are now available at specialist shops in London or even at my local Waitrose, there is something much more exciting about the thought that they came back from the States in my suitcase, as somehow the memories of being on holiday, or our 'other home', make the taste that much sweeter. 

Almost as exciting as our own 'imported' treasures are those of friends.  While sitting at a dinner party of any international expat you are bound to be introduced to something that has been brought from home.  Whether it be a piece of divine parmesan, a French wine, Brazilian sweet or…the list is too long and if I leave out a nationality I will feel guilty so let's just say be sure to taste it all!  Remember, not only is this person sharing something of their culture, but they are sharing one of their carefully chosen suitcase items.

Next time you pack your suitcase remember to choose wisely, savour the taste of home and share with friends!

By Nancy Dickinson

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