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
I am always really shocked at the portion sizes Stateside. Small talk surprises me for a while too. I also tend to start off speaking German to people in shops for the first day or two. Funnily enough, there is a German Bundeswehr/NATO outpost in my hometown, so there are plenty of German speakers around.
Oh my god, this is a funny list, and I can understand each and every one of them! I think the biggest one for me is the 24/7 grocery shopping concept–if you need sugar at 7:50 on Saturday night, it’s not too late!
The coin thing finally happened to me on my last trip to the states–I really like 1€ and 2€ coins now, the fact that the US does not have a functional $1 coin is very annoying now.
Going back to Austria last summer after being in the US for three years, I remember being shocked about the nasty hot stores and public transportation. I was not used to that anymore.
Oh so true! Well, I haven’t yet looked for $2 coins, but other things strike me: the total absence of grafitti, the abysmal condition of the roads (well, compared to the Swiss autobahns… it’s not too far off from the French highways, though), and the existence of HUGE, non-underground parking lots.
I relate to all of those, plus:
1. Why is everyone so loud?
2. Why does television suck so bad?
3. Why doesn’t anyone say “feck” anymore?
4. Why is Tetley considered tea?
5. Oh my god, do we have to watch basketball AGAIN?!
Fun list!
Driving on the wrong side of the road.
The sun moving the wrong way in the sky.
The seasons.
The inability to walk anywhere useful.
The nasal accents.
The delicioous bagels.
Mmmmm…. bagels! Can’t wait to have one of those.
This is a great list; I have to admit, though, I’m rather looking forward to eavesdropping with ease 🙂
Wide, wide roads. And why, why do people drive so slowly in the left lane?