Chicken Noodle Soup for the Traveler´s Soul

One of the things that many people who travel abroad don´t always talk about is how difficult it can be to come back home. What is often called ¨reverse culture shock¨ is something that many international travelers feel realizing how ¨different home looks¨ after experiencing a different way of life. Having had the luxury of visiting the states three times in the past year (!), I have had my share of culture shock... but I am often surprised that it affects me both coming and going...

I thought I´d share an informal journal entry penned on the airplane ride from Miami to San Pedro Sula, Honduras:

¨It seems like each trip back and forth becomes a bit less difficult, the emotions slightly less raw... however, transversing across continents and worlds has yet to become easy. There is still a feeling of hesitation, to give up the way of living (Honduran or US) that has become so comfortable, mixed in with a sense of anticipation- nervousness and excitement for what awaits. I have felt both joy and fear, happiness and saddness, but what continually amazes me and allows me to keep up this pinball adventure is the ever present feeling of relief when I touch down. Honduras or the US, it doesn´t matter... what matters is knowing that I am connecting with people that I care about and that care about me... the rest, I know, will work itself out...¨

These feelings were immediately confirmed upon arriving at my Honduran hotel. It was late, and I was hungry... everything was closed, but the hotel attendant opened up the restaurant to heat water and make me a ramen chicken noodle soup. If home is where the heart is, I am happy to be home...