Back in the USA

So I have been back in the US for about two weeks and I think I have been really lucky concerning my level of reverse culture shock. When I was in Estonia, I was frightened that upon my arrival to the States I would lock myself in my room and not come out for a couple of days, but luckily, that hasn't been the case.

What really helped me cope with culture shock have been the people I have met. For instance, one day while at my local cafe drinking my third cup of coffee I started chatting with an old woman, who apparently had lived in Germany for several years. It was interesting talking with her about the similarities and differences between habits of Germans and Estonians like the pride they take in their baby carriages something we both found fascinating. I also think I have run into the only Russian family in Salisbury. Ironically, I have been following their art for several years without noticing that many their paintings have buildings from St. Petersburg, their hometown, incorporated within them (the painting has Our Lady of Kazan as the brim of the woman's hat). I know I've been really fortunate in meeting these people and many others who I can talk to about my experiences living abroad.

There have been other things like I have been cooking an Eastern European treat once a week. So far I've dabbled in pastry recipes that remind me of those in the local bakery back in Tartu. I also came home to a whole book shelf full of Russian and Eastern European literature as a birthday gift.

I mean, it hasn't been all kicks and giggles. When I got off my plane in GSO, I immediately missed the way Estonians dressed, how composed they seem, and how quiet they were. But, hey, I am in America so I just have to deal with it. So as you guys come home, my advice if you are having reverse-culture shock is just to talk it out with someone and I am sure you'll find your own ways of coping. Plus, as we all know, Skype is amazing.