I've come up with a theory: culture shock will never go away regardless of how long or how many times you've been in that place. I remember during orientation at the Rome Center when we were warned that we will most likely experience culture shock when we return to the U.S. - much like the culture shock we were experiencing at that moment. I just thought, no way! I've lived in the US long enough to not be surprised by anything.
Oh was I wrong! That feeling I got home after four months in Rome was the same feeling I had when I got home for the first time from Madrid this summer. I felt so disoriented, to the point of feeling a bit like a retard. How do I buy a train ticket? Is Damen east or west of Ashland? Are drunk American boys always this obnoxious? Why do chaches still exist? Why do I have so much personal space? Why is everyone moving so fast like time is going to run out? After a week or so, I fell back into the groove and got used to things again. So of course, once I got back to Madrid, I had that same feeling again. It's really a strange thing to go from one world to another within several hours. Thus, my theory also is that if you stay somewhere for more than a month, culture shock will always get you even if you've been where you are now before. Does that make sense? Whatever.
Anyway, I would have to say my first trip back home was a success. It was great seeing everyone and being able to do most of what I wanted to do; although, I'm still pretty sad about not being able to go to Huey's Hot Dogs or Burrito House (sigh). I would like to take this moment to thank everyone who helped me check things off my list, let me crash at their place, invited me to their wonderful bbqs, and bought me a meal and/or a beer or two. I had a great time in Chicago, Vegas, and Tampa. I really enjoyed my vacation because of you wonderful people. Now if only all of you guys could move here with me...
Well, I'll be back for Christmas - I'll be there from the 20th 'til the 3rd - so hope to see you all again.
Oh and speaking of home, what the hell happened to the Sox and the Cubs?!! So much for representin'!
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1 comment:
what about, "thanks to those who let me use their toilet when my sister's was bobo"
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