What I Miss About Summer in the USA

There isn’t another place that can do summer quite like the good ol’ USA (sorry, I’m quite biased). As a matter of fact, when someone asks me to describe my ideal summer day in the USA, I see myself driving on a wide open highway, windows down, hair blowing in the winds, and the music blaring. Obviously I’d be singing at the top of my lungs, and I would be in the company of some of the most amazing friends a person could have. Man, I miss those days!

Now that we’re into our third summer out of the country, I miss certain things more than ever.

Family reunions on the lake: It’s been years since I’ve been to a family reunion, but  I have fond memories of the times my family did make the long drive up to Minnesota to enjoy a weekend out on the lake. Cousins playing and not sleeping enough, our mothers making delicious food for the outdoor picnic we’d have at the park, and everyone sharing old stories and memories.

Sun tea: This is a southern thing, but if you’re unfamiliar it’s where you put a bunch of teabags, fruit, and water a in a large glass jug, and let it steep out in the sun. After it’s finished you pop in a few ice cubes and enjoy! Such a sweet, simple thing, but I do miss it.

Spontaneous road trips: Let’s head to the beach (never mind that it’s a 4-8 hour drive)! Stocked with gummy bears, bottled water, and a good music playlist, I could drive forever. There is something therapeutic about driving on the open road and on towards a new adventure.

Fourth of July: The United States loves to celebrate it’s freedom! A month or so before people start wearing their patriotic wardrobe, pinning all sorts of red, white, and blue crafts on pinterest, and firework stands come out of the woodwork.

As you know, I’m a sucker for fireworks. Between all the pretty lights, great food, and patriotic spirit, I miss this day more than any other US national holiday. p.s. I have sparkler photography tutorial here and a firework photography tutorial here if you’re wanting to take your photography skills up a notch and shoot some stellar shots this year!

BBQ’s: There’s nothing that says summer quite like getting out the grill and cooking up a few steaks and summer vegetables (grilled corn on the cob with garlic and butter? I’d pay big bucks for that).

A slush from sonic: As soon as the weather starts to turn warm/ungodly hot, I begin to crave Sonic slushes. Little known fact: my first job ever as a 16 year old, was working at a Sonic Drive-in. I remain loyal to the company; I have yet to find another strawberry lemonade slush as good as Sonic’s. A side of onion rings never hurt anyone either.

Water parks: Apparently this post is going to be one huge resume, because I’ll also voluntarily tell you that during college I was a lifeguard at a water park. I had a complete blast working there for two years, and it wasn’t just because of the tan. Between the lifeguard drills, the smiling faces and shrieking voices of joyful children, and friends I made, it was unforgettable. I’ve enjoyed visiting water parks ever since.

Fireflies: It funny because in Asia fireflies are a gigantic tourist attraction. I always took them for granted, because growing up they were everywhere. I was one of those morbid children who would pull off their little blinking light body part (obviously I’m not a scientist or a bug specialist) and rub them on my shoes so my shoes would glow for the next hour or so.

Now I’m not sure why I told you that. It’s gross.

Sitting out on the porch: I haven’t sat on a porch in over three years. As you probably assume (or maybe you haven’t) Asia doesn’t boast of individual houses or anything remotely similar to a porch. It’s all sky high apartment buildings with enclosed balconies. Tragic really. I missed a good covered porch in which I can sit and watch a good thunderstorm and feel the cool summer breeze on my face. I miss watching the sunsets while drinking that sun tea mentioned above. I miss hanging out in porch chairs talking the day away with loved ones.

Korean summers have a lot to offer too, but I will always be partial to this season in the USA.