Reverse Culture Shock - Final post

I landed in Denver on the evening of September 29th. Drew, Family, and friends aside I definitely experienced some reverse culture shock. And more surprisingly are the things I miss about China, that I miss things at all.

Some things that I had to re-get used to:

Crossing the street. In China you go, whether there are cars/bikes coming or not. Crosswalks aka target practice are to be avoided. The first time someone waved me across, I was taken aback, almost with dusgust, certainly surprise.

Common Courtesy. Not everyone in China lacks this, but in general it is lacking. When you walk thorugh a busy street you just push, and that's acceptable. no apologizing. In stores I'd try to engage the cashier in conversation but would mostly be met with apathy, not surprising with the 15 checkout lanes, each 10 people deep. From the TSA workers who welcomed me at the airport, to the Safeway cashier who happily started me on a club card, so nice.

Spitting. I admit, I did it occasionally. But never inside, or on airplanes (yes this guy across the aisle from me from Dalian to Shanghai spit on the carpeted airplane floor).

Blending in. In China, my favorite part about winter was bundling up so I stood out less. Here, it's nice to do things without the hassle of being a foreigner. Whenever I hear people speaking Mandarin though I run up as close as I can to listen, because I do miss that.

Walking. a 10 minute walk to the store is out. I need 25 minutes for a walk, or bike or car to get to the store. sad. and no open air markets.

Responsibility. For all my complaining, I had a pretty easy way of life in China. I went to work, slept in 4 days during the week, went to bars whenever I could, and swimming in the ocean. Now I'm looking for a job, have much higher bills, etc.

Language. Even as my Chinese got pretty good, anywhere I went communication made things a challenge. So being able to clearly and efficiently communicate exactly what I want to is such a relief. I don't have to get the dictionary out before I go to the store.

Tax. so many pennies!

Clean air. Dalian was a 'clean' city. but even at its best moments there was a dirty haze over everything.

I am so happy to be home. But I wouldn't trade my experiences in China for anything. It may be a few years before I get back to that part of the world. It was a good run China, thanks for the trip, see you around.

Signing Off,
Kate, in the U.S.A.