Carolina in my mind

By Patawee Promsen

October 8^th, 2017

I never thought I would miss North Carolina this much. When I was there, I only thought of leaving: leaving a small town named Chapel Hill, leaving bad weather in Winter, leaving woods-everywhere, leaving people who broke my heart. But now, living in a bigger town, with more convenience, more buildings, more bus routes on Sundays, bigger university campus, I inevitably miss Chapel Hill and NC so much.

It took me for a while to realize that smaller town makes people closer and makes me happier. I remember going to the Oasis Cafe at Carr Mill Mall on Saturdays listening to those great playlists. I remember having several libraries connected in a short walking distance of main campus. I remember beautiful red Azaleas in Spring. I realize later that I need woods more than buildings. There are not so many parks and gardens here in Bloomington where you can take a walk or go for a run in the morning. There is no walking/running trail near home like those I took while I was in Chapel Hill. I have to admit how much I miss the Homestead Park near home, the beautiful Bolin Creek, also those trails that lead me to the rivers, falls, and chapels. I miss a road trip to Asheville and Blue Ridge Parkway in Fall. So breathtaking and too beautiful to be true. Fall here is beautiful too, but without people whom I could share the beauty with, beauty has less meaning. That's the reason why I also miss hanging out with the nicest people in the world like the NC friends. Now I admit that everything is memorable because of them.

I should not yearn for things that are gone. No one can turn back time. Nothing remains the same. I know. But during this hard time, I can't help thinking back. I can't help having nostalgia. At least knowing I have the sweetest memories in the loveliest place like Chapel Hill home lessens the lonesome.