Back to the USA
I’ve been home for almost two weeks now, although it feels much longer. There were so many things that struck me as odd once setting foot on U.S. soil. Flying into Newark, I was shocked to be charged 5 dollars to use a luggage cart. The day after I got home, I met a friend for dinner near the mall. It was already 7:30, and I couldn’t believe the amount of cars in the parking lot; what is everyone doing here after seven? Aren’t the stores closed? I found the server to be so friendly, I thought it was cheesy. Why is she so enthusiastic about appetizers? At dinner we were served huge portions and then sent home with doggie bags. While running in my town, instead of passing cows, fields, and rivers, I ran by 611, Starbucks, and Wawa.
I forget words in English, which makes it seem like I’m showing off. I want to speak franglais at every opportuntity, which no one arounds me understands. I miss eating dinner with friends, planting ourselves around the table for hours, and talking.
A big smile came over my face when I saw my post on Anne’s blog, Pret A Voyager, this morning. My city, in the big lights! What perfect timing. Take a look at Verdun in summer on her blog, and be sure to check out her fabulous series highlighting all of the arrondissements in Paris.
Tags: culture shock, guest post, mall, pret à voyager, usa
Welcome home! Oh Wawa….haha. Where in NJ do you live? I’m sure it’s so strange going home. It’s weird for me when I’m home for a week or two also.
I live in NE Philadelphia! I love Wawa, and Trader Joes!
Awwww. I had to admit to a friend yesterday that I have nightmares about returning to South Africa. I wouldn’t ever want ot leave England unless I was going somewhere new! I hope your reverse culture shock subsides and you are soon happy and joyous to be home!
I liked your guest post too! Nice to see La Meuse highlighted =)
Thanks Eileen! How is CAPES?? I have to catch up on your blog!
He Bren, you will get used…..
Orrrr do you want to come live in Holland??
How was the interview btw ??
Bisous and goodluck with ‘getting home’!
Thanks stef. We need to catch up, i’ll call ya from skype!
Welcome home! And I feel your pain with the culture shock…especially the franglish!
I’m glad you made it safely home.
We’re having opposite experiences now – you returning home and me leaving it. Both are rather strange and a bit unsettling and naturally bring up a lot of comparisons. I hope you find a comfy spot for yourself soon with people who make your heart happy. 
I just stumbled across your blog and love it so far. Two months ago I returned from a year in the US (I went to Maine for an exchange year) and I’ve had the same problems since, forgetting German, etc. And I had a slight reversed culture shock and I am still adjusting…
http://www.goinwiththeseasons.blogspot.com/
Ohh I know how you feel! Especially when it comes to forgetting words lol. It’s definitely something to adjust to, but you had a wonderful experience that you will always remember. Plus, you’ve got second homes all over now I bet
I loved going on the adventure with you!
XOXO!!!
p.s. there are many more to come!
Thanks Katharina
Hahaha! “Why is she so enthusiastic about appetizers?”
Your culture shock should probably dissipate quicker coming home than it does going elsewhere.
That’s pretty much how I felt for the first few days whenever I would come home from Sweden. Especially about the stores being open past 7 and people being so warm and friendly.
But I bet you missed Wawa, though.
Welcome Back!!! And I heard WaWa is supposed to be awesome! At least now you can indulge in cheesesteaks and the lobster mac n cheese at Continental