So now I'm home, and how weird it is! It's lovely though seeing my friends and family--I love being able to see people in real life. But I'm getting used to these long distance relationships anyway since most of my good friends don't go to Rutgers with me, so it was like an additional bonus that I'm not quite used to.
But America sure is weird!
Everything is so BIG here--the houses, the streets, the cars. And technology is crazy--my sister was telling me about all these latest innovations (seriously? Internet on your TV? And seriously? A remote to your car to warm it up as you're still shopping in the mall so that it'll be already toasty when you get there? IS THAT REALLY NECESSARY?), and it was mindboggling. And people are so addicted to their phones! It was strange getting phone calls and texts again, but constantly being glued to your phone so you can update your current locations to the interweb world? Kind of crazy... And they're (we're?) such consumers! The mall is still open until 6 pm on Christmas Eve?! And then waking up at 8 am after Christmas Day to buy MORE things on sale?! People are crazy. And who got the crazy idea that fake nails look good?!
What a strange society.
I'm definitely going to start missing Europe soon. I'm going to miss the pace of that life a lot, I think. It's slower and more relaxed, but not in a lazy way--they just take the time to breathe and look around them. Restaurants will definitely drive me crazy when the servers start bugging me to eat quickly and leave. I loved that in Europe you could sit at a restaurant for hours, chatting with a friend, and the servers wouldn't bother you for a second. And I'm going to miss the metro so much; I hate that I can't get anywhere in Jersey without a car (especially since driving is not my favorite past time). And everyone speaks English! It's a little disconcerting. I miss French and Dutch already. Sinasappelsaap, anyone?
Belgium was such a nice vacation from life, but it was definitely an amazing learning experience. I remember hearing people say that they've changed as a person after going through a study abroad program, and I was pretty skeptical. But it's true! I've changed, and for the better in my opinion. I've talked about this with all my fellow study abroad companions, and we've all changed. Studying abroad makes you a more confident person, a more individualized person who knows that no matter where he or she ends up, everything will be okay. You'll make friends, you'll find a job, you'll succeed--anywhere! I personally know that I can be an adult now (unfortunate, but necessary), and I think I'm a happier person. It might be because of the yoga, or it might be because I've finally settled into who I am. I'm not that naive, hyper-enthusiastic high school girl, nor am I that jaded, bitter nostalgic college student. I'm an in-between now--still happy and passionate and accepting that my wonderful childhood has gone but also knowing that great things are yet to come.
I'm me!
But this is not me saying goodbye to Europe because I will be back! Graduate school in Amsterdam, anyone? :)
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