US Highlights

Our nine days in the good old US of A was a whirlwind, to say the least. After five months abroad, our list of foods we craved had grown long. In particular, Erin had been talking about Kraft mac 'n cheese with cut-up hotdogs for weeks (seriously).

With the chaos of JFK behind us (mostly), we landed in Buffalo excited for some solid home cooking, charcoal-grilled hotdogs and a Sabres game.

In a year when the Sabres are playing their best hockey in years (decades? Ever?), we were fortunate to score a pair of tickets (thanks Mom). And while I am always excited to see the boys in action, I was doubly excited to expose my wife to her first NHL game. "It's so fast," she exclaimed. Yes it is, but no glow puck here.

Anyway, we had a great time with the family in the Queen City and in her fourth visit, I think Erin is starting to understand how Buffalo really is the center of all things.

After four days, we were off to Boca Raton, a different sort of Mecca, where my grandmother Gigi waited with open arms and cracked stone crabs. As always, it was great to see her and wolf down a massive portion of seafood delight. While South Florida is not really my cup of tea, I have no complaints about the meaty, tasty crabs they have down there, especially when they are dipped in a spicy mustard sauce.

Three days later, Manhattan was a lovely counter-balance to Boca's staid culture. Hours after leaving Gigi's apartment, we were noshing yellowtail and jalepenos at with friends Nobu 57 and wandering the hallowed halls of the MOMA (post-$500m renovation).

If there's one thing I really enjoyed about being back in the US, it was eating with impunity. For months, I had looked at every meal as if it could lay me out. Salad? No thanks, I value my intestines. Sushi? Are you kidding? But back home, bring it on.

And so two days later, we departed from JFK, the scene of our arrival only a few days before. Of course, another winter storm was moving through. But this time, the gods (and United Airlines) smiled on us. Right on schedule, we landed in Buenos Aires 10 days after leaving Hong Kong. Talk about culture shock.