Reverse Culture Shock

Finally I am back with an official blog. After being home from Russia for one week, I have noticed many things that I am no longer used to in the States. First of all, 9 hours is a huge time difference. My internal clock is still not adjusted, and it will take a miracle for me to keep my eyes open to see the ball drop this New Year's.  Second, I went to the mall the other day, and I had to leave. Of course part of it was the craziness of after Christmas sales, but also I wasn't used to so many people constantly asking if I was being helped, in English too! It may seem silly but it is a shock when you can understand everything that everyone around you is saying because it is in English.

I went into NYC with my parents on Wednesday, which was amazing. However, Americans speak louder and more often on public transport than Russians. I had become accustomed to a quiet relaxing ride in St. Pete's, but in America I have to listen to the entire conversation of the obnoxiously loud woman in front of me.  It was great to be in a city atmosphere again.  Little things like this that I used to just ignore or not notice, have  become magnified for me after living in a different culture for 4 months.

Although I am just starting to get used to life back in the USA, I only have a week left before I will be in Heidelberg, Germany. I need to start packing and brushing up on my German!

Until next time...