The A-Z of awesome: C

C is for Crisps.

Well, what else was it going to be? I can't remember my first packet of crisps, but by that same token I can't remember a time when I didn't eat crisps. I clearly remember getting 2 packets from the kitchen and hiding one by my side as I walked past my parents, hoping they wouldn't notice. One of the best things about university was that I was in complete charge of my own crisp stocks, and there was rarely a time when there were no crisps. Even during the times with little money, there was always enough money for crisps. And I don't just mean tescos own, I mean a proper selection of potato chips. Different flavours, different shapes, different textures. They are so varied, and that is why they are the finest of all snacks.

It is without doubt the main thing I miss about home. In Bosnia, and Eastern Europe in general, the crisp selection is generally pitiful. You have salted crisps, and paprika crisps, and thats pretty much it 80% of the time. No variation in size and shape, and very little flavour variation. Just standard size and shape, salted or paprika. I miss walking into a corner shop, even the worst little corner shop, and spending a long time sizing up the crisp selection. Even in the lamest shops, you'll at least have your standard walkers flavours, some french fries, quavers, wotsits, hula hoops, some walkers max if your lucky, and of course mccoys. You can't beat a good packet of steak McCoys.

You seriously can't beat a good packet of steak McCoys. Especially a pack with a healthy dose of topping. And even better, a good packet of steak Roysters, with a health dose of topping. Oh christ I miss crisps.

The very first thing I do when I get home, as soon as I'm in the airport, is going to be to head to the shop, and buy a crisp selection. Some cheese and onion french fries. Salt and vinegar hula hoops. Salted squares. And of course, some steak McCoys/Roysters.