Reverse Culture-Shock? Part I

I'm not sure whether it will be a multi-entry blog on the same topic, but I think it might become that, so I titled as Part I.

Some people asked me if I was experiencing reverse-culture shock when we were back in the States for a visit. The answer is kind of a yes and no. I didn't experience major reverse-culture shock. I just don't feel like I was gone long enough (21 months) to really feel that kind of intense shock. But, I did experience some dissonance and had a "new" perspective on America. Here are a few things.

"America is HUGE!" I think it was the first thing that I heard myself saying in my mind. It goes on and on. The houses with lawns, the wide freeways, the open fields, many parks... there is just so much open space! I guess I never really thought much about it when I was living there, but coming from this corner of the world, it completely gave me a new perspective on the size of America, especially since it has only about 1/3 of the population of India.

"It is so darn quiet and Where are all the people?" I have gotten so used to being around so many people on the streets in India that it was kind of eery to see only a handful of people here and there on the streets--especially in residential neighborhoods. However, I also loved the tranquility. Even when we were in cars, it was so quiet! I couldn't help but wonder what some of our friends here would think or do if they were transplanted in the States. I think some people would go "crazy" from the lack of constant stimulation that exists just outside your front door.

"California is beautiful." Did you know how beautiful California is? Some parts of the state are just breath-taking. I don't think I appreciated California and its natural beauty as much as I should have when I lived there. Of course, it also then helped me to understand why my adjustment in India was difficult and I found the environment so harsh. I found myself saying, "No wonder I had culture shock! Dud..." I lived most of my life where natural beauty was around me or it was easily accessible. Even in some parts of India, there are nice parks and open spaces to enjoy the trees and nature. Unfortunately, Siliguri lacks this... I loved being in such a beautiful place.

"People eat a lot of meat!" Our diet here is chicken once or twice a week and the rest of the time, we eat mostly vegetables. I was actually amazed at the selection of different kinds of meat available at the supermarket.... I don't know if we would regret not having done this, but we didn't even touch In-n-Out burger and we shared a junior whopper! But then, we were treated with prime rib and amazing steak so maybe that's why we were not so interested in the burgers? I think we have adapted a lot to the diet here.... but that bean and cheese burrito at Taco Bell, still sounds really good! ;)

"There are so many new car models!" In our corner of the world, if we see a Honda, we think it is a big deal (although I think this will change in the near future). There were so many new car models on the road that we had not seen before. I can't remember the names, but they all kind of had this similar design of futuristic but spacious kind of look. I'm kind of interested to see what new ones we will see next year. Of course, I leaped for joy when I saw our 1994 red Corolla model on the road. It brought some fond memories. For some reason, I didn't see very many Saturns.

I think I'm done with Part I.... there is still more to come.

A quick hello!

This blog will be ultra-short, but I wanted to let everyone who reads know that we are well, enjoying being back, fighting off jet-leg, and surviving the heat with a smile! We definitely feel like both places are our home! When I have a little more time and not dosing off here and there, I will write more about some of my reflections. But, I just wanted to say Thank You to ALL of you for welcoming us back! We are really looking forward to 2009 when we'll get to spend more time with you.

Gosh, I miss Taco Bell's hard shell taco and bean and cheese burrito! ;) Random... I know... hee hee