Welcome to America

Well, I'm baaaack...

being back in the States is odd, to say the least. I'm so happy to be home and see my friends and family, don't get me wrong. There were definitely times when I was abroad thinking "what the hell am I doing?!?" But coming back was strange...it was almost like...leaving home...? I had gotten so used to my life in Ireland; so used to living across from Dunnes; used to listening to Erin's rants after nights at the pub; so used to watching "Home & Away" with Laura and Cara; coming back seemed kind of absurd.

People mentioned "reverse culture shock" to me before I left, but to be honest I thought it was a load. I figured I would be so happy to come home that it would not phase me. But here I am, nearly two weeks after returning to the USA, and I still call dollars "euros" and catch myself using the phrase "take the piss at". Inside jokes that were so funny this past semester suddenly make no sense to anyone around me. Even the tea I brought back tastes different!

In a way, it's nice to be "homesick" for another country; it makes me feel like I really got to know Galway and became a part of a totally different culture. I know I will go back one day, and it's cool to think that I'll actually know what I'm doing, you know? Travelling won't seem so daunting (especially after getting through the Czech Republic without knowing the language!).

...and it is REALLY nice to not walk through rain every. single. day.