Well, I’m in Vancouver. This has been the weirdest day. As soon as I flew out of Roatan this afternoon and arrived in Houston, I got completely overwhelmed and almost had a panic attack in the airport. There were SO MANY PEOPLE. And SO MANY STORES. And everything was SO CLEAN. And everything was moving SO FAST. And why is everything SO LOUD?? I can’t believe how used to island life I had gotten. Culture shock!!
Waiting in line for immigration was incredible for me… everyone around me was complaining and so impatient, and I couldn’t believe how fast and efficiently the border control guys were moving through the lines! Hope all those people never have to wait for anything in Honduras cause you have to wait all day…and then some of the next day usually too. It was wonderful to see that I, one of the most impatient people in the world, have finally acquired at least a little bit of patience! (It’s only taken me a year of living in a third world country….)
Flying into Vancouver from Houston at night was amazing, I forgot how big the city was. I could see the buildings downtown twinkling and spotted the tower where I used to work, and where my old places were in Kitsilano.
I feel weird about being back here. It’s been almost a year to the day since I left… and I left in such a determined rush, to get away from a job I hated and a failed relationship that was haunting me and what I considered to be a failed life that I wasn’t really doing anything with. Being back in the city brings back a lot of memories to the surface, not all good. I can’t wait to get out tomorrow and visit some of my favorite places to bring back the happy memories too.
But for now, I’m simply reveling in the fact that public places have automatic sinks/soap dispensers/paper towel, I can drink out of the tap, I can take a bath, the internet is lightning fast, and it’s 25 C (77 F) and I. AM. FREEZING. I never thought I would be so happy to be cold (or to be able to throw toilet paper in the toilet). Honestly though, I feel like a hobo – everyone in the ‘real world’ is so put together and everything I own is dirty, ripped or stained, and I forget how to put makeup on or how to blow dry my hair.
So, we’ll see how it goes here. In the meantime, here’s what I’ll be doing until I leave in 3.5 weeks:
I will be stuffing my face with delicious food until I leave because that is one area Roatan just kills me on. I’m going to eat EVERYTHING here. Everything. That is all.
I know EXACTLY how you feel! After 18 months away we have just arrive back in the UK-it's strange getting used to things but I think you get adjusted amazingly quickly, too. Enjoy feasting-that's an awesome priority!
Hey Molly – you're right, didn't take long at all to get adjusted. I'm definitely enjoying the feasting still!!
I feel like a hobo – everyone in the 'real world' is so put together and everything I own is dirty, ripped or stained, and I forget how to put makeup on or how to blow dry my hair.
Exactly this! Just got home two weeks ago. I feel so weird!
Yep, I had a few "what do you mean I can't wear this out?" moments already 🙂
It is always so weird going home when you've gotten used to a different way of life. I found this again when I was in the Taipei airport and my only thought was "So much English…" (we were of course boarding a flight to Vancouver)… and I had the same excitement about throwing toilet paper into a toilet. What thrills and delights! Simple pleasures, people. Simple pleasures.
Simple pleasures is right. I never thought I'd be so excited to call the phone company here and EVERYONE spoke English. What a treat!
Hahaha we have the same priority eating! 🙂
Eating is always my #1 priority!! I love Roatan, but the food leaves a lot to be desired. I'm trying to get my fill cause I know I won't be back for at least a year.
Ha ha! I totally relate to the tap water, toilet paper flushing and patience with 'getting ready'. I stuck to the windblown air dry look, with little to no makeup on my last trip. Worked out quite well!! And customs… It's sick! All the people coming back from Mexico with LOADS of shit they paid a ton of money for and will probably never use or wear again. I had the same feeling standing there in line, remembering how big this world is, and how small a third world country seems to most.
Yep, I've already slipped back into no makeup and air drying haha. That didn't take long.
Ha, it's funny to see what others' experiences with reverse culture shock are! For me, everyone was so TALL! I was really used to being the tallest person (especially woman) around. The internet speeds are pretty exciting too 🙂 Welcome home! Enjoy the food!!
Definitely, that too! Hondurans aren't winners in the height department either so that is the same for me as well. Thanks for the warm welcome! xx
What I picture you doing your entire trip: http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6yjjhQXQs1rqhq13o1_500.gif
Have fun 🙂
Well….that was creepily accurate of the sushi lunch I had today. How did you know?
'Eat everything!!!!' haha love it. Enjoy the little things, although in a couple of weeks you'll soon forget how amazing being cold is, how convenient drinking water from a tap is and amazing fast internet is (or that could just be me, the ungrateful swine I am!).
Have a great time x
It's so easy to forget and take them for granted, but for now I feel like a little kid on Christmas!
Welcome 'home.'
I always end up with an upset stomach for the entire first week I'm home. I binge eat everything I missed and even though it's not all unhealthy, my stomach has no idea what to do with it!
Thanks Jay! Yeah, I'm definitely gonna be putting my stomach through its paces…hope it can keep up 🙂
Happy homecoming! I am so excited for you to eat all the things (and document it, naturally… why else would we have blogs?!?). Just take your time and don't pressure yourself to slip back into the way of things all at once. And if things get too overwhelming, eat some sushi! 😀
Haha thank you Steph!! And yes, much documenting has been happening. It's only 8pm on my first day and I've already made it to A&W (a Canadian burger chain), a sandwich shop with world-famous porchetta sandwiches, a sushi feast and Ethiopian dinner. Now time for some craft beer. I am one very satisfied lady today 🙂