Reverse Culture Shock, 2

So far I think I've done a pretty good job of speaking the right English words at all the right times... I'll admit, at first it was a little rough. After getting off the plane and nodding at all the stewardesses who wished me a "Merry Christmas" it kind of hit me that I understood what they were saying. And that they would have understood if I had actually responded.

It felt odd joking with the customs officer - in English. It felt odd reading the names and prices of the snacks - in English. It felt odd reading all the directions and signs through the airport - in English. It felt odd talking with the man next to me in the baggage claim - in English. It felt odd hearing the couple next to me talking - in Korean.

In short, the first few days, EVERYTHING felt odd.

Why are there so many tall white people? Why can I read everything..and I really didn't want to understand the conversation that I overheard from the people standing next to me! This green stuff - oh yeah. It's money. It works. Oh, and, um.....food. I know what everything is. In fact, I can predict with 99% accuracy what everything I put in my mouth will taste like before I eat it. Also, why are all the buildings so short and spread out?

Oh yeah. I'm not in Korea any more, Toto.

All-of-a-sudden, the familiar is unfamiliar. Now I have to get used to not getting used to anything. Everything feels the same as when I left. Everything, that is, except me.