Friday, September 11, 2009

Home! and culture shock...

Today I have handed people money and papers with my left hand touching my right elbow, bowed to someone in thanks and fumbled with a fork. Oh culture shock, you are truly something else. When visiting a country I tend to be very gung ho about getting immersed in the native culture and just going with the flow. However, after so much conscientious integration I tend to feel overwhelmed when returning to my native land. I thought it was intense when I came back from France...this is something else. The biggest thing is that I'm not used to hearing background noise. For so long other people's conversations have just been white noise. All of a sudden I can understand everything they say (I really wasn't missing anything). Today I made a trip to CVS, the library, the post office and police headquarters (for a new criminal background check). CVS, a pharmacy/convenience store, was baffling. I didn't choose the brand that I could understand the most packaging on, oh no! I got to compare things. I understood the sale signs. There was even small talk made at the register. The whole experience was bizarre and surreal. The library was overwhelming, I ended up getting flustered and grabbing just ONE book before fleeing. For anyone who knows me, even just by reading this blog you know that I rarely walk out of a bookstore with one book let alone a library where it is free. Obviously, I am not in my right mind.

On the other hand, some things are absolutely lovely and not overwhelming at all. For instance, last night for dinner we had Colombian take-out. Where else in the world can you do that outside of Columbia? NO WHERE. Well, maybe Texas or California but still. Also, I have been gorging on Cabot's lactose free cheddar cheese. Last night I had 2 pieces of cheese for dessert. My Mom half-halfheartedly suggested that I at least eat them on crackers but I just wanted the cheese. I had cheesy bread and cucumber salad for lunch. I foresee myself eating a lot of cheese while I'm home. Perhaps I shall figure out how to bring a block with me to Korea. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Tomorrow I think I'm going to some sort of art exhibit on the east end and shopping with my Mom. I'm not entirely sure what the details on any of this entails, I am just going with whatever she suggests. Enjoying time with my family is lovely. I have no idea how I'm going to keep myself occupied while I get visa paperwork. I asked my Mom what I used to do when I was home and she laughed and we both said "homework" though I also did lots of research (though that counts as homework in a way). I forgot my GRE book in Korea so I can't even study that. At the moment I'm too restless and discombobulated to even want to read. I'm going to blame it on jet lag and set myself goals or something for the rest of the week.

More soon! I have far too much time on my hands!

5 comments:

Salsa Boy said...

Got your GRE book right here. So let me know if you want any questions read to you.

I'm scared of going home and knowing what everyone is saying. I like the way it is here. HELLO ALEX's FAMILY!!!!

missing your daughter,

Salsa Boy

Rachel S said...

You did manage to blog less than 4 days after arriving (better than you thought would happen!).

Ah yes, culture shock! Another hard part is for the people around you to realize what is going on with you. And just about the time you get acclimated, you'll be off somewhere again. Welcome back to America and thanks for the greeting on my blog.

Alex said...

Actually Mister Salsa Boy if you read me the serial number thingy on the back I can access all of the online exercises...

Less than 4 days Aunt Rachel! I did it in less than 1 full day! :-p

Josh said...

omg! you left the library with ONLY one book!?!?!?!? I cannot remember such a strange occurance

Alex said...

Indeed, it was a very strange occurrence!