It’s hard to return home after being out of the country for a period of time. The longer away, the harder the return. This is likely caused by a combination of jet lag and reverse culture shock. It usually rears its ugly head for me when I walk into a large grocery store and see the vast choices of soda, beer and chips that line the long rows. (It’s no wonder we are one of the fattest countries on the planet!)
I’ve been home just over a week and I’ve been to my local Asian grocery store for special spices and veggies and have even ventured into Costco (I know, I know) for my 10 pound bag of organic carrots and a box of organic apples for juicing. I’ve been relatively unscathed while out grocery shopping but seem to be down about a few other things.
In the last week I’ve experienced snow, sleet and heavy winds (this IS APRIL, folks – I’m allowed to be depressed over this, aren’t I???). And I’ve been dealing with jet lag that has consistently rocked me awake at 2, 3 and 4am (save the last 2 mornings) and had me crashing on the couch in the afternoon for an hour or 2 each day. I’ve even found myself annoyed at my own excesses in the form of a closet full of clothes that I haven’t worn in years (here I come, Goodwill!).
In addition, and this is gonna sound ridiculous, I managed to burn the roof of my mouth a week ago. I don’t even know from what but it’s so bad that I’ve been taking Advil and putting Anbesol on it to dull the pain (I’m convinced it was a 3rd degree burn). It’s been a pretty constant ache all week (though I’m feeling better today, thank you very much) that has limited my food intake (not a bad thing, really) but made me slightly agitated to boot.
I used to think getting over jet lag and reverse culture shock could be cured by getting together with friends, pouring over trip images and enjoying foods from the country from which I’ve just returned. But these didn’t seem to help me this time. I’m now thinking it’s a matter of curling up on the couch and waiting for it to pass 🙂
What do you do?
Travel Well!
Beth
Related links:
A Monk Walks onto a Plane
One Way Ticket to Ride
American Travel Ethos
Photo Credit: Beer Aisle – ryaninc
Lulu says
I live in Bangladesh and go back to my hometown of Chicago twice a year. The first time I went to a Target, after about a year of shopping only in the little local markets and the American Commissary, which is slightly larger than a well-stocked 7-11, I literally froze up in the deodorant aisle while trying to find unscented deodorant. Too much choice kind of freaks me out.
It’s different for me, because I only have a limited time in the States, but when I am home I throw myself into American life. I come home with a list of restaurants I have missed, movies I want to see, friends, parties, ballgames, and favorite places.
As for the jet lag, I find that in the summer I can readjust quickly because of the amount of sunshine, but in the winter I am pretty much a slave to it for the first three or four days. I’ve fallen asleep in mid-conversation, and last year managed to sleep through my family’s Christmas dinner while it was happening at the table five feet from the couch where I was sleeping.
Camille says
Hi Beth!
I’ve never burned the roof of my mouth before – ouch! Hope you’re ok! If it doesn’t improve, hopefully you can go see a doctor. I did sunburn my lips last month, and it wasn’t so much painful as just not-so-attractive.
As for jet-lag, I force myself to stay awake all day on my first day back – movies, quick walks around the block, maybe some caffeine – anything to keep the juices flowing until 9 or 10pm (it’s painful, I know), and then I crash. That way my internal clock adjusts pretty much right away and the next day I feel much more refreshed.
Hope that helps, and I also hope you feel better soon!
Beth says
Thanks, Lulu, for making me LOL at the image of you sleeping through Christmas dinner!
And, Camille – you’ve never burned the roof of your mouth? Do you eat pizza? Thanks for the tips, too!
gregorylent says
i leave again, asap …
geogypsy says
I hear you on the returning home conflict. Grocery stores are overwhelming.
I didn’t suffer jet lag on the way to ZA probably because I slept on night flights and had a nice long layover to walk around, even though my feet still swelled up on the last 11 hour flight.
Yet after the return home I wandered around a few days in a daze.
Very much a drag about burning the roof of your mouth.
Hope you’re back on top of life soon.
Noemie says
That’s good to know! Actually this June I’ll be going trough my first reverse culture shock after almost 10 months living in Spain. Ok, it’s not that different from Canada (they got some big stores), but I’m sure I’ll have to reajust to home ;). You guys have some nice tips to manage the jet lag, and I will try not to burn the roof of my mouth… sounds really painful.
jessiev says
i try to move slowly (well, i usually do anyway) and do small things (smaller grocery stores, not the big ones!), and avoid crowds. i have to get used to being AT home before i can get used to being HOME. yes?!
Camille says
Hahaha, yes, ok, I eat pizza and now I think I know what you’re referring to!
I have been to Mexico and the Carribean a few times, and every time I came home, even Trader Joe’s seemed like it was too much. To this day I still can’t stand the cereal aisle. How many types/brands of cheerios and corn flakes do we really need? Seriously!?!
Carrie says
Interesting. I also experience the most reverse culture shock when I’m in grocery stores and pharmacies. I’m only home once every two years and I’m simply shocked by the variety of processed and prepackaged food on offer in Canada. Last year, I had the hardest time picking out a bottle of water. I mean, really, how many flavors do you need? Isn’t regular water good enough?
Great post, Beth!
Dianne says
Supermarkets are the worst after the simplicity of shopping in the west! First of all there i the hideous amount of choice, then there are the prices and then there is that feeling of YOU WANT HOW MUCH FOR ONE LOUSY TOMATO?????
I was thinking just yesterday that I would blog on this very topic!