A strange old world
Have you ever heard of "reverse culture shock"? Well, look it up on google. I think that is what I'm going through right now.
After being away for 6 months, things are strange. I know I've changed (including having gained 4 lbs from too many frites and beer) when my environment hasn't and it's like going through a time warp. Yesterday Cam and I had coffee on St Denis and I felt it odd that so many people around me were speaking English. I had to fight the urge to say Dank U Wel and Astublieft instead of Merci and De Rien.
I finally got my luggage yesterday morning. I was home alone at the time so I dragged my suitcases up the winding stairs, one step at a time. Kerplunk, kerplunk, kerplunk! I haven't been able to bring myself to unpack yet, though. It is a daunting task that will take hours. So, for now, I'm taking the occasional thing out of my suitcases and leaving them in a mess on my living room floor.
Cameron looks good after half a year. He's been working out, which is more than I can say. He's also been working full-time as a pizza and spaghetti man at the restaurant around the corner. He has to wear the funniest chef's outfit at work (red chef's hat and all) in order to convince the tourist customers that he is authentic Italian. Next time you are in the neighbourhood, look in the window and say hi to him!
I had forgotten how small my cat, Chlöe, is. I was afraid that she wouldn't recognize me but she is just the same as ever, begging for food and warm laps on a constant basis. Only now her claws are way too long (I was always the one who clipped them) and she has started a habit of lazing on the windowsill, just like a normal cat. There has also been a multiplication of cat toys that are strewn around the apartment, many of which were handmade by my mom.
I will be going back to work next week, after the long weekend. For now, it's errands and emotions.
After being away for 6 months, things are strange. I know I've changed (including having gained 4 lbs from too many frites and beer) when my environment hasn't and it's like going through a time warp. Yesterday Cam and I had coffee on St Denis and I felt it odd that so many people around me were speaking English. I had to fight the urge to say Dank U Wel and Astublieft instead of Merci and De Rien.
I finally got my luggage yesterday morning. I was home alone at the time so I dragged my suitcases up the winding stairs, one step at a time. Kerplunk, kerplunk, kerplunk! I haven't been able to bring myself to unpack yet, though. It is a daunting task that will take hours. So, for now, I'm taking the occasional thing out of my suitcases and leaving them in a mess on my living room floor.
Cameron looks good after half a year. He's been working out, which is more than I can say. He's also been working full-time as a pizza and spaghetti man at the restaurant around the corner. He has to wear the funniest chef's outfit at work (red chef's hat and all) in order to convince the tourist customers that he is authentic Italian. Next time you are in the neighbourhood, look in the window and say hi to him!
I had forgotten how small my cat, Chlöe, is. I was afraid that she wouldn't recognize me but she is just the same as ever, begging for food and warm laps on a constant basis. Only now her claws are way too long (I was always the one who clipped them) and she has started a habit of lazing on the windowsill, just like a normal cat. There has also been a multiplication of cat toys that are strewn around the apartment, many of which were handmade by my mom.I will be going back to work next week, after the long weekend. For now, it's errands and emotions.
posted by Susan Tam at 8/30/2006
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