Back to the Grind

When I've had conversations about what it would be like coming back home after being in Italy for about a month and a half I never really knew what to expect. I knew there would definitely be some reverse culture shock but the extent of it and the specifics were a mystery to me. So landing in Texas Thursday morning with the three hours of sleep mentioned in my last post, proved be an interesting experience.

I think there was a small instances of reverse culture shock while I was walking through the airport. One that sticks out to me was seeing the wine locked up in the airport even though it's technically legal to buy alcohol to buy alcohol at 9 in the morning. A moment I call, "Welcome back to hanging out with the squares".

But I don't think it truly hit me until I was outside. There was something different about the air although I'm not sure how to describe it. The atmosphere is completely different but still held that familiarity which is completely unlike landing in Italy. I think also being in a car felt very strange. Even sitting in the passenger seat felt off. Driving yesterday also felt particularly strange. I definitely had to get used to driving again despite feeling safer with the idea of driving here than in Italy (specifically Napoli). It was almost like having to relearn how to ride a bike in some cases.

The food that isn't homecooked or a main course from a restaurant tasted clearly processed (but homesickness made me enjoy it still) and filled me up faster. Even though I didn't mind the taste, I noticed my stomach had a massive negative response. I will just leave it at that for... Obvious reasons. As for a restaurant experience. The food was good (but the quality also felt distinctly different) and staff was nice. But I never even noticed how quick you're expected to be out the door until I realized that I basically had to finish talking with my friend in the parking lot which I know wouldn't have happened in Italy. That you were really allowed to sit back, talk, relax, and even have great conversations with staff without getting said staff in trouble.

Needless to say, the adjustment period is still very much there.