Current Location: Windsor, Ontario, Canada/ 42°19′60.0″N 83°1′60″WComing home, means calming down, re-adjusting to life in a civilized world. Walking thru a Wal-Mart today, I got lost. Too many aisles, too many choices--an array of products, services and offerings available to please your every desires. Making my way to the deodorant aisle, I got confused, lost in a sea of scent and smell--Arctic Breeze or Shower Fresh? Clear Gel or Misty Spray? Regular Strength or High Endurance? Not knowing the difference, I took them all.
Leaving for the store parking lot, I'd get nervous. Sweat rolls down my brow as I anticipate a million motorcycles coming at me from all directions. Walking thru a pedestrian crossing, my heart would pound in panic, looking left, then right, slowly making my way to my car. It's amazing how cars would stop for you to cross.
Driving on the freeway, I find myself stuck in traffic--rows of cars neatly lined in pre-designated lanes. Turning the radio off, I sat in silence--not a horn to be heard. Feeling the need to express myself, I honked at the car in front. Looking closely thru his rear window, a perched middle finger stares back at me. I smiled--because in Indonesia, my honk would've meant hello.
Paying for my fuel at a gas station, I pull out three twenty dollar bills and received a five dollar bill in change. I close my wallet--and to my surprise, it actually fits in my pocket! It's amazing how I dont have to carry 500,000 dollars worth of Indonesian Rupiah's anymore to pay for my purchases. I'm no longer feeling rich.
Slowly, I'm re-adjusting...
20 comments:
LOL Ron, that perched middle finger made me laugh. It really shouldn't because it's sad how so many of us have lost the ability to be friendly and open minded in the West. We're very closed off from each other because I think that we've forgotten how deeply we rely upon each other for survival.
Welcome home, my friend. Glad you're back safe and sound.
Hooray for being home! :)
So glad that you got home safely!!
Now tell me stories!
ohh such a culture shock all over again ya? welcome back.
Awwww, welcome home. Culture shock! You have a positive attitude remembering that a honk in Indonesia means "Hello"....I like that :)
Have A Great Day!
do you normally have paparazzi around while you are at walmart? lol welcome home!
ahh Saron.. what are you doing buying/looking at old spice products? AXE is the way to go! LOL
-amenda
It's like a dream, isn't it? To think that only hours or days ago, you were in a completely different world.
Welcome home!
Small Footprints
http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com
Yay! welcome back my friend!
I honked at about 3 people today, because I was bored, i didn't get the finger but I got a dirty look... oh well I'll try again tomorrow for that finger :)
Sarorn Jim and I are so blessed tohave met you. Can't wait to see you. Dinner and much sharing is needed. Be blessed my friend and be safe. Bren and Jim Tuxford
Glad you're finally back! I can understand the feeling of being rich in a third world country. I was in Costa Rica once and carried hundred thousands of colones in my wallet. That's something I could never have in my wallet when I'm in the Philippines. Costa Rica and the Philippines are both third world countries but I guess our money has more value. Maybe.
Did you just let a cashier or sales clerk take this picture of you?
Hillarious...! I can understand how you feel. Cultural gap, huh? Just wonder, they allowed to bring camera inside Walmart? :o)
Going home is always so strange. I seriously started crying when I went into Meijer after returning from South America.
I was overwhelmed in the bread aisle. So many choices about some seriously ridiculous things.
How is the jetlag treating you?
what a pity you have to readjust, Ron... what a pity we live under so much stress, under so much pressure...
have a great week-end!
Ron --- what is your favorite outdoor lens??
I want a new one for me 40D and am open to suggstions from someone with your expertise. :)
Dear Ron,
I am very happy you are back home at last and in one piece. I truly agree that it takes some time to adjust again when you are back home... but it is always a happy adjustment.
home sweet home!! i wish i could say that too man but yeah one day, one day :)
Welcome home! It's an adjustment. When my husband would return from Iraq he would say the same about all the confusion, in the stores and traffic, and so many things going on so fast. Every return he was not allowed to drive for 72 hours because in Iraq they drive in the middle so they have to adjust to the states first.
Welcome home! It's an adjustment. When my husband would return from Iraq he would say the same about all the confusion, in the stores and traffic, and so many things going on so fast. Every return he was not allowed to drive for 72 hours because in Iraq they drive in the middle so they have to adjust to the states first.
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