I’m beginning to notice that homesickness comes in cycles – at least for me.

When I first arrived in May, life in Korea was exciting – but full of culture shock.

Once the shock wore off, the homesickness set in.

And while that lasted a good couple of weeks, it did eventually fade when life began to settle into a normal routine.

But I’ve come full circle now and AAFES isn’t helping.

AAFES – Army & Air Force Exchange Service: “A-Fees” as we call them is the single provider for anything & everything under the sun while stationed overseas.

Haircuts, gasoline, groceries, high-heeled hooker pumps, pig ears, over-priced DVD’s, food court fast food – you name it, they control it. We’re subject to their selection mercy….and surcharge fees.

And while I’m at it…explain to me why pig sticks are $4.69 at the PX, but only $4.09 at the commissary. Same company, same base – most likely imported in the same box…but NOT the same price.

[stepping off my soap box now]

Which leads me to this…

Gift Card Central.

Gift Card Hell.

Gift Card Rack put right up front at the check out registers for you to see every time you buy something.

Is there a Sonic in Korea?….No.

Is there a Red Lobster on base?….No.

Is there a Cracker Barrel in the ville?….No.

Is there a Carrabba’s serving Momma Mandola’s Spicy Sicilian Chicken Soup (my all-time favorite) with crunchy bread just around the corner from our house to cater to my every whim?….

NO!

THEN WHY FOR THE LOVE OF GOD MUST YOU TORTURE US SO!

…..

Psst…you want to know why?…

…..

Because they think that’s the only gift young soldiers know how to get for parents, siblings & girlfriends back home.

…..

Psst…you want to know something else?…

…..

There is a Chili’s at Osan. There is an Outback in Seoul. Every base has a Starbuck’s and a Subway.

AND THEY DON’T ACCEPT GIFT CARDS!

Apparently gift cards are illegal in Korea – or at least that’s what I was told. But if I got that wrong & there’s another reason why you can’t use them in country, please correct me.

But for now none of that helps the fact that I’m craving a Cherry Limeade, a big-ass bowl of Momma Mandola’s and access to a decent selection of quality clothes that weren’t cut for petite Korean women.

I’m homesick. I’m in gift card hell. And I’ve been battling a migraine for 3 days now.

[but this too shall pass - thank you for indulging my headache-induced tirade]