Unbelievable Reverse Culture Shock Experience: Rediscovering America After China!

I got the opportunity to finally go back to America after residing in China for several years. It was like receiving a few doses of reverse culture shock, which is my all-time favorite medicine. Initially, I had to find my way around the Guangzhou International Airport, which was a journey in and of itself. I was eager to get home, yet nothing was open, and no one was around. It was an odd mixture of feelings. It was unsettling.

I must confess, I adore living overseas, and I aim to continue doing so for as long as I can. But returning to America always hits me in the face, and it did again this time. It's an overwhelming sense of freedom, warmth, and openness. Temecula, a small town tucked away in a valley halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, is home to me. It is well-known for being a weekend escape from the city, for living in the countryside, and for having a thriving wine sector.

I promise you it was quite the sight to see me plunder the fridge as soon as I arrived home. My parents raised five children, so there's always an abundance of food at their house when I'm staying. I felt fantastic on my first day back in America, running errands as though I was readjusting to life in the nation. The only difference in driving was that everything was measured in miles per hour. Returning to mph was not difficult, but everything felt larger here, including my mother’s Model 3, which is an amazing car but felt more like a little toy box. It was even better because I didn't have to pay the outrageous petrol prices.

I drove around Southern California, revisiting my favorite sites, enjoying the beach, and indulging in my beloved tacos from Wahoo's. It dawned on me that the U.S. Surf Open was happening on Huntington Beach when I saw surfers catching waves. I really had to go there and experience the famous beach culture of Southern California.

Southern California provided an excellent American experience with its distinct subculture. Nevertheless, I was itching for something more, so I made the decision to travel to Dallas, Texas. Having been away from Texas for more than 20 years, I rented  a big pickup truck at the airport so that I would look right at home in the Texan setting.

One thing that never ceases to astound me when I return to America is the sheer number of churches. I was visiting my brother and nephews in Dallas on my birthday. The area was beautiful, but it appeared like everyone was still asleep because that's when people usually sleep in in my family.

We went to Cowboy Stadium in Dallas, even though I'm not a huge fan of American football. I was astounded by the stadium's enormous size, and the Texas Rangers were playing directly across the street. Seeing a Major League Baseball game and taking in the camaraderie of American baseball was an enjoyable experience, even if I had little interest in either club.

We ate at Dick's Last Resort, a well-known eatery noted for its sexual innuendos, impolite staff, and, of course, delicious food, for my birthday supper. The waiter taunted us horribly, and they even served us a special drink because it was my birthday — Mad Dog 2020. The experience's freedom and individuality made me think of how different American locations like this are from those in China.

I drove to a little hamlet in central California towards the conclusion of my vacation to attend a family wedding. As a self-confessed hotel geek, I got to see California's hotel scene firsthand. In comparison to Chinese hotels, the Hilton Garden Inn I stayed at was very austere, yet it was nonetheless tidy and comfortable.

The availability of wheelchair-accessible public showers and facilities, including those in hot tubs and swimming pools, was one obvious distinction I saw. It was an expression of the accessibility norms in the United States.

Going to the grocery store was one of my favorite things to do when going through reverse culture shock, despite these differences. The diversity of products, from cheese to coffee to salsa, was remarkable. It was a far cry from the more shopping scenes in China.  The supermarkets in America were very different from what I was accustomed to. It was overwhelming how much cheese, coffee, and sugar there was. Seeing the wide range of things on offer was entertaining, particularly for someone who had experienced a more regimented setting in China.

I couldn't help but be drawn to the gun culture, and although I'm not a fanatic, I recognize the significance of guns in American society. My father and I had a unique experience that distinguished America from many other nations: shooting targets in the desert.

I was engrossed in American culture and noticed that finding healthy options was difficult and that fast food was everywhere. The rising expense of meals was another indicator of inflation, with prices far higher than I had remembered.

The use of checks, which I hadn't seen in years, was another odd contrast in America. It felt like a thing from another era to pay for utilities and government services using checks, and I'd almost forgotten how to write one.

I also visited the Orange County Fair on my travels, which is a classic American event. A lasting impression was created by the sensory overload of the fair food and the lively atmosphere.

One feature of American culture that never fails to astound me is the sheer volume of media and information clamoring for attention. A potentially bewildering media ocean is created by the profusion of radio, TV, movies, periodicals, books, and the internet, including YouTube. It also emphasizes how crucial free speech is to American culture.

Every time I travel back to America, I'm reminded of the distinctive way that nation handles its problems. Even if crime, inequality, and social issues affect all countries equally, America promotes candid communication and debate. This willingness to address difficulties head-on is something I greatly value.

My family's continuous support and the confidence I felt in my country encouraged me as my tour came to a close. I had seen my nephews mature into young men and I welcomed new members of my family.  I loved being at home because I knew that no matter where my wanderlust took me, it would always be a part of me.

In summary, going through reverse culture shock is a continuous process rather than an isolated incident. Every time, it orients me toward my future and serves as a reminder of my origins. Even with its difficulties and distinctions, home will always have a particular place in my heart.