post japan thoughts

Hey, I don't know if you're class still gets our old blog updates but I wanted to let some people know about reverse culture shock and other returning home strangeness. The first thing I experienced when i got back to the states was an overwhelming sense of identity lose and confusion. For example before i ever left, I hated LA with a passion. When I returned It was Montana that gave me the most culture shock of LA ,Las Vegas and Montana. The next thing i felt was an intense nostalgic feeling, similar to homesickness. I found myself missing the bike rides, trips to the supermarket, and overall architecture as well. Now after 4 months of being home, i am finally able to feel like a "normal" american again. I met up with some past exchange students(ones that were in kumamoto) and hang out with some exchange students. I learned a ton about my self over this last year and a half and it certainly was an unforgettable experience. 　　-John(former ryuugaku)