Reverse Culture Shock

April 7th, 2008 by quaisi

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

I’m back in the UK and experiencing some reverse culture shock:

Bowing every time I say thank you or sorry.
Mourning the lack of vending machines.
Pleasantly surprised at everyone’s politeness.
Seeing differently coloured naturalhair
Marvelling the open size of the bins on the street
Seeing cherry blossom on the street
Admiring the general greenery. Even in London.
Trying not to say, “Ah there’s a foreigner over there”, every time I see a Western-looking person.
Feeling the gap before I start eating where I should be saying “Itadakimasu” (I humbly receive)
Taking off shoes the moment I enter a house.
Shocked at paying the same price for a drink in pence in England as I paid in yen in Japan.

I’m also infuriating myself and I’m sure many other people by starting every statement with, “In Japan…” or, “When I was in Japan…” I guess that I have little knowledge of daily British affairs recently that I am compelled to do this. I hope Japan interests my friends enough that they don’t tell me to get over myself.

But I’m glad to be back.

Posted in Japan |

Related posts

  • Reverse Culture Shock
  • The flush
  • Preaching to the converted.
  • Tuna stall
  • Acid T-shirt
  • 2 Responses

    1. Chris Says:

      Was good to speak to you again sir. Looking forward to seeing you at the weekend.

    2. the other David Says:

      Enjoy your Bangers and mash!

    Leave a Comment

    Please note: Comment moderation is enabled and may delay your comment. There is no need to resubmit your comment.