Reverse reverse culture shock

I expected to have culture shock when my parents were here in Mexico as that was what happened when Karen visited in October. There were still various moments when differences surfaced, but I didn’t feel the unexpected shock that I did in October.

The same occurred with Iowa when I returned with my parents to see my brothers for New Years. I expected to feel very out of place and experience reverse culture shock, but I was surprised how easily I slipped back into the norms, rhythms, and routines of life there. Sure, I was more cognoscente and reflective than normal and there were actions and comments to prove it: 1) shouting “They’re so many blues eyes and blond here!” upon finally spotting my friends in the airport, 2) taking pictures of the snow and toy tractors, and 3) to seeing my family’s outings (taking a walk on the prairie or going to a presidential campaigning event) as culture events instead of mere activities. However, these were the exception. Iowa is, after all, a place I have gone to visit for the last ten years. In that sense, it was just another trip.

Returning to Mexico, however, surprised me. And so I have experienced reverse-reverse culture shock. I have been comfortable and happy here overall, so I didn’t expect to have difficulty returning, especially with plenty of work awaiting me to prevent myself from over thinking. However, I felt like a stranger. Is this really my home? Have I really lived here for 4 months? Is the relationship with the family here as good as it appeared when my parents were here? Do I even know people here and do they care if I am back? I know I should have a little trouble switching back to Spanish, but my Spanish is horrible! With the changes for the next semester, will it be like stating over and do I have the energy to going being brave and outgoing and hard core? Overall, I am a stranger here.

There are many reasons for my reverse reverse culture shock. The time that my parents were here was picture perfect, and although true in many regards, was not reflective of day to day reality. The feelings and struggles I had during my hard breakdown weekend still exist because the reasons have not changed: friends have left, school is not in session, there are many changes ahead for the next semester. Leaving my family is always hard because I treasure the time I do have with them. Finally, relationships are the hardest for me, not at the beginning, but going from the acquaintances to good solid friendships that have good depth, trust, and are worth keeping. Finally, my home culture is the US and not Mexico, and though I may fight against it at times, it still is what essentially defines me.

However, acknowledging the reverse reverse culture shock and validating the feelings that accompany it is half the battle. My Spanish is not back to par, but it’ll be back. Regarding people, I have a great family and a great base for developing a stronger relationship with them. I also have many friends and acquaintances here that are worth investing in. It helped tremendously when they were excited about making plans to hang out. Yes, I will still have reverse reverse culture shock and I have many changes and challenges ahead, but there are many many good things here. And knowing I am blessed is what will give me the strength and desire to continue to invest myself 110% in this adventure.

Lists 1:

My classes:

1. Mexican Literature II...
   My most difficult class, but best homework (reading short novels!)
2. Español II…
   Easiest class /Most success in this class, Class in which the teacher loves me
   
3. Taller de Redacción I / Writing Workshop I…
   Most directly helpful class (since I have to write a text weekly)
4. History of Mexico/US Relations ...
   My favorite class in terms of content.

Things I miss:

1) Colorado in the fall

2) Chocolate, especially dark chocolate

3) Self – sufficient return transportation at night

4) Comprehension, comprehension, comprehension. (In case it hasn’t been obvious from my other emails!)

5) Friends and family

6) The mountains, of course! In general, just having easily accessible spots to be in nature.

Things I am thankful for…

1. My Chaco sandals

2. Internet (Even though I do a great job of checking, sending emails is a different story.)

3. My scholarship…not having to worry about money.

4. Cell phone

5. My backpack with its Nalgene pockets to hold water bottles!

6. A good place to live.

7. Not having to cook or clean. I am utterly spoiled in this area.

Pet peeves…

1. English television and music

2. People trying to talk to me in English

3. Some of the fatalism I have encountered here (both positive and negative)

September 29, 2007 Part 2: Advice if you’re sick….

This past week, I have been sick with a sore throat and a good deep cough. Autumn has started to here, and with the change of seasons, the fall cold /flu has come. Many classmates have been ill, as well as most of my host family. So, it was no surprise that, with my lowered immune system due to stress, I got sick. However, I have learned some things about the autumn cold season here in Hermosillo. First of all, it is common knowledge as well as common medical advice from doctors, that you shouldn’t eat or drink cold foods when you are sick. At first, this seemed very strange. However, in the US we are conscious about the external temperature of our bodies. For example, in the winter, we make sure the outside of our bodies warm by dressing appropriately and how that can play into our health. So, I guess there is some truth in not eating cold foods, especially considering that with the tea in my body I am extra warm. However, the weird part here is that during the day we still have temperatures in the mid 90s and so when I am told not to have cold food/drink, my immediate response is “That’s crazy!” The second thing I’ve noticed is that everyone says, “It’s because of the weather change and your body coming in and out of the air conditioning*.” I took this to mean that the reason I got sick was the drastic change between the two. However, I thought it was much worse in August when it was 110 degrees temps outside. In an attempt not to be too critical, I thought I should maybe ask about why people said “Be careful of the air conditioning!” in the “fall” and not the summer. Based on my conversation with Luz Belia, it’s not the cause, but a trigger for the virus, which makes sense to me. However, I still have to make sure I don’t roll my eyes when I hear… “It’s because of the change”. Ahhh, the things you learn when you sick!

*Air conditioning tends to be very, very cold here (70-75 degrees Fahrenheit) based on that they are charged based on time instead of energy used.