Don't get me wrong, I am so happy to be home. Landing in Wichita late Friday night was such a relief, and walking down the ramp to see my boyfriend, best friend, and parents made me happier than words can describe. I finally got a kissy from my big boy Murphy, and laying down in my bed felt like I was floating on a cloud. Not to mention my luggage made it all the way through, and my flights were all on time and manageable. The next morning my mom cooked me a delicious breakfast that included English muffins, hash browns, omelet, bacon, and orange juice. It's truly wonderful to be back.
Things are definitely different here that I am NOT used to. Everything is so BIG--the trash cans, cars, roads, buildings, portions, etc. Carpet feels funny to walk on. It's weird to cook at my house with actual nice kitchen appliances. HDTVs look too 3D and realistic. Everything is so quiet. I feel like I live out in the country, when I definitely live in a city. I've been out to eat with Michael and Rachel, and dear God, everyone is so FAT!! I could not believe it. Oh yeah, I actually have to tip people here. And Americans don't dress so nicely here, but I don't try to judge because I just lived in a country where everyone dressed up in their best Sunday clothes just to go to the grocery. I finally drove my car yesterday, and the experience wasn't bad at all. I was overwhelmed with having to leave (adjust settings, plug in iPod, find phone charger, get dressed, make sure I had everything) when in Italy I would grab my purse and just head out. My smartphone is also too much; I am flooded with text messages from friends, and i apologize for my untimely responses; I am clearly not used to this. I still have yet to walk inside the grocery store, and honestly I think I will be quite overwhelmed. As you can see, I have been quite observant in these differences.
I also didn't realize that the things I missed out on me would come back in full throttle. I went outside to call my outdoor kitty, Misty, only to have her not come and my mom telling me that she hasn't seen her for 3 months and is probably dead. She didn't want to tell me because I was having a great time abroad, but it's so sad to me that I didn't know that August was the last time I would see her. I guess life goes on, and in the Najim family we have dealt with many dead pets, but it's never easy to get used to. Thank God everyone I love is safe and sound, and nothing happened to anybody while I was abroad.
Overall, it has taken some time to get used to everything. I have hardly been back 3 days, but it gets better and better as the days progress. My sleep schedule is pretty much back to normal, and I think my stomach isn't hating me from all the American food like it was on Day 1. I still wake up and think I am in Italy, and that Laura is going come into my room and talk to me, or I'll hear my roommates stirring about. I miss everyone so much, but I know that I will see them in the near future. I still have this thirst for exploration and walking everywhere, and I feel like such a lazy bum since I have gotten back. Reverse culture shock is strange, no doubt, but I know time will help.
Overall, it has taken some time to get used to everything. I have hardly been back 3 days, but it gets better and better as the days progress. My sleep schedule is pretty much back to normal, and I think my stomach isn't hating me from all the American food like it was on Day 1. I still wake up and think I am in Italy, and that Laura is going come into my room and talk to me, or I'll hear my roommates stirring about. I miss everyone so much, but I know that I will see them in the near future. I still have this thirst for exploration and walking everywhere, and I feel like such a lazy bum since I have gotten back. Reverse culture shock is strange, no doubt, but I know time will help.
No pictures today, but one last post, so stay tuned ;)
Ciao!
Ciao!
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