Reverse Culture Shock

I thought I'd share a few thoughts about things that have caused a bit of reverse culture shock upon returning to the U.S.  After living all but the last two years of my life in the U.S. it would seem a bit crazy to experience culture shock here.  However it has happened.  

Here are just a couple of things I've noticed:

 

1 - The Quantity of "Things"

Every where you go you find "bigger and better."  Shelves are lined with so many choices that even in a small town you can find almost anything you need to cook like a gourmet chef.   Restaurants have menus that are like books, and plates come to the table overflowing with food.

 

2 - Homes

In the U.S. cabinets, dishwashers, washers, dryers, stoves, and refrigerators are considered standard equipment and are found even in modest homes.  In Central America you will find few homes that have these appliances.  A small range might be found, but built-in cabinets are rare.  Dishwashers. . . I've only seen one dishwasher in two years. Washers and dryers are luxury items and not standard household appliances.  Below is a photo of our kitchen.  We are blessed with both a refrigerator and a stove that is standard sized.  In the back left corner you can see our "cabinets" which are plastic garage shelving.  In Central America this is considered a very nice.  It is a bit more rustic than the small kitchen pictured above, but we are so thankful for it!

These are just a few surface things I've noticed this time and to which I've had to adjust.  

We'll see what else pops up before going back to CR.

Melanie