Skype is the way to battle homesickness

I am a well-traveled person . . . I have lived in Germany before, been away every summer for some internship or program, and I have traveled to many countries around the world for weeks at a time.
Despite being well-traveled, I still get a little homesick . . . . there are some comforts of home that you are just going to miss . . .
Family, friends, holidays (especially thanksgiving, because my mom makes this BOMB sweet-potato pie), and even being able to go grocery shopping on Sunday. (Almost every business is closed on Sundays in Germany)

Usually, I get really homesick while I am traveling. I normally do not have the opportunity to call home because it is expensive and the lines always sound funny, depending on where you are calling from (ex: Central America). Well, this world sure has come a long way in terms of telecommunications, because for 9 euros a month, I can call just about anybody, anytime, anywhere in the world through SKYPE! It is an absolutely amazing program. I am able to talk to my mother on a regular basis (make sure she is sending me money, lol), handle business, and even call my friends for a really reasonable price!

Now, skype does have the potential to be dis-advantageous. I believe that I call the U.S. entirely too much, honestly. It takes away from the "Getting-used-to-your-surroundings" process. Although I am very well adjusted here, I am going to slowly ween myself off of my dependence on calling the states when I get lonely . . . instead, i'm going to go to a bar! (That's what people do here, I do not drink much at all!)

Dont' get me wrong . . . I am doing A TON here in Germany! I have gone to Luxembourg (and spent a lot of money), travelle ddown the Rhein river TWICE this month to visit my old host family (and spent a lot of money), and I am planning trips to Madrid, Milan, and Sarajevo! I know that once I leave Europe, I won't be coming back anytime soon . . . . which is why I am traveling so much (and spending a lot of money)

When the time comes that I must leave this Germany and the many friends I have made . . . . I will use SKYPE to keep in touch!