Cavin' It

So this reverse culture shock thing. It's a sneaky little monster. It's only day one, and I have been surprised by so many little things that bug me out. Sometimes, it's totally in your face, and you get so overwhelmed by things like lights, colors, noises, and for me, things that are fast (like cars and people walking fast and fast service at restaurants). That part hasn't been fun so far - I was quickly overwhelmed landing in Atlanta less than 48 hours after being on the surfbreak at Matapalo. But let's skip the serious stuff for now.

Wanna hear some funny culture shock moments that I've already had? First, before I left the airport, upon realizing I could now flush toilet paper, I got distracted and then almost fell into the toilet with surprise when it flushed itself. Ah, automatic things. That's something I forgot about. Then, I almost burned myself with hot water in the sink. Forgot that the left side is hot.....And speaking of hot - I am mesmerized by this whole electric stove thing. It gets hot WITHOUT FIRE. I don't have to carry around a lighter and dodge gas fireballs every time I wanna cook. I also couldn't bring myself to use the microwave this morning, and I'm still hand washing my dishes. Too many appliances all at once. I gotta ease my way back into it! Haha. Last - have you ever realized how SMALL dimes are!? They seem so fragile compared to chunky colones coins!!

The day is still young too. I've got plans for a manicure later, and I just know I'll do something like try to speak Spanish to the Asian ladies - in my mind, anyone at this point who doesn't understand me, doesn't understand me because I'm not speaking Spanish. I'm also going to get sushi. I struggled with the large menu at Cracker Barrel last night, so maybe I'll handle having a choice it better this time.

It's been nice to have my crew back too!! Mom met me at the airport, and then Gracie and Alex were waiting on the porch for me when we pulled in the parking lot. Of course, they stormed downstairs and bombarded me with hugs. Once upstairs, they had also made a "Welcome Home" sign, accompanied with a bottle of White Zin. The night (and wee hours of the morning) were spent giggling, catching up, and giving each other a hard time. Just what I needed after a long day. Good friends truly make everything better. 

Let's see how this whole, functioning in a normal society goes for me today. I've gotta evolve from the cavewoman I have become. :)