Reverse Culture Shock II
by James in General, Japan on August 12th, 2008
Why must 200 people all go the same direction to more or less the same place via separate vehicles without any form of public transit? It made no sense before and makes even less now.
Everywhere I look in society I see madness. I see 4 dollar a gallon petrol prices yet people still drive their large trucks as fast as ever, seemingly unaffected, unaware, or uncaring. Politicians calling for change with an arrogant and stubborn population. It’s not entirely their fault though. The required change is fundamental and difficult. The house needs a good shaking.
Here I sit, a stranger in a stage land. Only the truth can guide me home.
12th August 2008, Dad wrote:
Yeah… but where else can you get a “dubba cheese” for a buck?
17th August 2008, Adriane wrote:
I sort of know how that feels. I’m used to the quiet and small town feel of Portland now. I used to hate being recognized all the time and missed the privacy of feeling anonymous in a heavily populated area, but I think I will end up missing it in the end. No matter where I go now, I usually recognize at least one person, and they seem to know me as well.
When I go to Houston, I’m bothered by the lack of recycling, the over-developed land, and the utter disregard for social responsibility. In Portland, you are required to recycle, and most stores have stopped carrying plastic shopping bags. Walking is a way of life during the summer, and many people I know make quite the effort to reduce waste of all manner. We’re not used to convenience here, and it’s not uncommon to have to drive several hours to see a doctor, dentist, or get your computer fixed. Driving is a privilege when you have to pay tolls on top of the gas prices, and sometimes where you go has no free parking, even in a suburban area.
I know now that I’m lucky to live in an actual town, with paved roads. I’m minutes from undeveloped land, and the land that is already developed is often housed in buildings that are more than a century old. I know people who have to burn wood to stay warm, and haul water out of wells during the summer. Or take a ferry 45 minutes to get to work.
So, visiting Houston is a mild culture shock for me now. Even Boston seems like a shining emerald city. I’m excited and nervous to move somewhere “bigger”, where I can have a full-time job. It’s going to be a rough adjustment when you get used to the quiet.
21st August 2008, Brad wrote:
Hah. Don’t you wish more people felt like this? It’s one of my favorite things to bitch about.