I’m a stranger here myself
Greetings from America! No matter how many times I come back to the US, there are some things that always confuse the crap out of me for the first couple days, leaving me wondering if I really am from here. Depending on how long you are away and how much you integrate into your host country, these things could happen to you, too….
Top 5 symptoms of reverse culture shock
1. You are repeatedly surprised that everyone around you is speaking your language, and you can’t stop eavesdropping (it’s just so gosh darn easy!).
2. You are thoroughly delighted by free refills and free water in restaurants. You are confused when your waiter brings the check, without prompting, half way through the main course.
3. You can’t get over the fact that groceries can be purchased at night and on Sunday.
4. You go up to the coffee counter and order something that costs $2. First, you go into your change purse expecting to find $2 coins. Then, once you have figured out you need bills and proudly procure them, you find out that your $2 coffee actually costs $2.16.
5. Everything, from beverages to people to cars to bottles of ketchup, seems GIGANTIC.
What kind of reverse culture shock do you get? My list is very US-specific; I’d love to also hear what happens to expats from other countries when they return home – are the Swiss confused about how efficient the public transport is? Do Italians jump for joy to rediscover fabulous food?
The title of this post is taken from a fabulously funny book by Bill Bryson
