Quite honestly, the reverse culture shock has been very mild for me. However, I’d say the mellowness of Stage Five is probably a rarity and only true because I’m currently at a remarkably responsibility-free point in life. I quit my job to study abroad and don’t begin school for another two months, so all I have to do now that I’ve returned is…exist.
It’s beautiful and stress-free, which might explain why my transition wasn’t particularly rough. That being said, there have been elements of reverse culture shock that I simply cannot ignore.
For one…I’m far TOO comfortable with sleeping in random places and plane delays. Traveling home took two days and I slept overnight in the San Francisco airport after a flight cancellation, but I can honestly say I didn’t feel the tiniest bit upset. I just rolled with it. It was normal to me somehow.
Another thing…ohhhh the amenities! And I’m astounded by the free water, the rules and regulations (that people actually follow), the fact that the grocery stores don’t smell bad… I have yet to chill out about these luxuries.
One tough adjustment was actually responding to people on my cell phone. We went for 6 weeks without being able to call or text people, so there was little to no need to have your phone on you at all. The problem is, I’ve been leaving my phone behind and returning to 10 missed calls from my mom. Never. Good.
All in all, Stage Five for me is mostly just missing Italy. I miss the 3-hour meals. I miss the warm nights under the stars. I miss the wine. I miss spending more moments with friends and less with technology.
I guess this means I’ll just have to go back.
With love,
Kenzie
It’s beautiful and stress-free, which might explain why my transition wasn’t particularly rough. That being said, there have been elements of reverse culture shock that I simply cannot ignore.
For one…I’m far TOO comfortable with sleeping in random places and plane delays. Traveling home took two days and I slept overnight in the San Francisco airport after a flight cancellation, but I can honestly say I didn’t feel the tiniest bit upset. I just rolled with it. It was normal to me somehow.
Another thing…ohhhh the amenities! And I’m astounded by the free water, the rules and regulations (that people actually follow), the fact that the grocery stores don’t smell bad… I have yet to chill out about these luxuries.
One tough adjustment was actually responding to people on my cell phone. We went for 6 weeks without being able to call or text people, so there was little to no need to have your phone on you at all. The problem is, I’ve been leaving my phone behind and returning to 10 missed calls from my mom. Never. Good.
All in all, Stage Five for me is mostly just missing Italy. I miss the 3-hour meals. I miss the warm nights under the stars. I miss the wine. I miss spending more moments with friends and less with technology.
I guess this means I’ll just have to go back.
With love,
Kenzie