Ordinary Wonders: Ramen Noodles
Megan Michels
The Grevel family celebrating one of life’s milestones - graduation
A food you eat daily, a turn of phrase, an object you use and give no thought to. Ordinary. The same old, same old. What’s the big deal? To an exchange student, this everyday thing could be the most remarkable thing on earth. It’s what we call an ordinary wonder.
Since we’ve been in the international exchange game since 1951, we’ve heard countless stories of ordinary wonders. We think those are truly special and can be excellent tools to connect with someone with whom you may feel you have nothing in common—but keeping those stories to ourselves? That doesn’t feel right. That’s why we want to share them with you. Our first ordinary wonder comes to us from a repeat host family: the Grevel family.
The Grevels and their big welcome at the airport for their exchange student, Ana.
The Grevels have hosted four exchange students during their time with YFU. They came from France, Japan, and two from Spain. You may think finding a common factor among these four students is impossible. However, there’s one food that each of them shared a love for: ramen noodles.
No, we’re not talking about the ramen noodles you can buy at a restaurant with egg and all the fixings. Chicken-flavored Maruchan ramen noodles. The kind in a big pack with a flavor packet you can make at home. The ramen noodles countless American college students survived on due to its cost-effectiveness.
Host mom Kristy couldn’t say why they all loved ramen noodles, but “at least it’s cheap.”
All smiles and hugs while exploring the city.
What about you? What were you obsessed with when you studied abroad that everyone thought was normal? What did your student love more than anything while on the program that you did not get the hype about? We want to hear from you! Share your ordinary wonders with us, and we’ll share your story.
A throwback of the Grevels with another of the exchange students they’ve hosted over the years.