Culture Shock

Stages of Culture Shock:

1. Honeymoon: Usually lasts a couple of weeks and is full of observations and new discoveries, which are often seen in a romantic light.

2. Homesick: Is just that, missing the "comforts" of home, belongings, culture, etc.

3. Horror: The differences between the old and new culture become apparent and may create unpleasant feelings such as anger, anxiety, disgust, irritation, and/or frustration. This phase is often marked by mood swings without apparent reason.

4. Home: In this phase one grows accustomed to the new culture and develops routines, things become more "normal." One accepts the culture with a positive attitude and negative reactions are reduced. 

As I have traveled quite a bit in the last couple years I feel like I am an expert in this phenomenon they call "culture-shock." I experienced it in Changzhou, and again in Hawaii, and once again in Utah, so I wasn't surprised when I started to, experience "feelings such as anger, anxiety, disgust, irritation and/or frustration" and "mood swings without apparent reason." These feelings are exasperated by the fact that it snowed at least 4 inches yesterday and I have yet to see the sun in Ohio add the fact that I really miss my belongings and you have the perfect recipe for disaster.

After this week...

I would give anything to be in China teaching English.
I would give anything to live in Hawaii.
I would give anything to not spend my weekends alone.
I would give anything to be camping in Moab with my friends from summit.
I would give anything to be close to family and friends.
I would give anything to repel down a canyon
I would give anything to be around people who understand me and think I am funny.
I would give anything to be anywhere but Cleveland.

I know that this is just a phase, I know that I will become more confident at work, I know that I will begin to meet more people, I know that I will get more comfortable with my surroundings and soon Cleveland will become "home"... at least that's my hope.