A little "Reverse Culture Shock"

I've been back in Canada a few weeks now, and I've noticed myself having a little case of "reverse culture shock". I've also had a small case of "Korea-sickness".
I dealt with a little culture shock coming back from Africa, but I was only there for a month, so it's nothing compared to what I've felt since coming back from 10 months in Korea. So, for my friends here in Canada, this is why I might be acting a little strange, and for those still in Korea, here's what you have to look forward to - or not.

I think the biggest thing so far is being able to understand pretty much everything around me. Vancouver was a little less overwhelming, because it's so mulit-cultural, but Port Perry...that was shocking. Also, the fact that everyone can understand me is taking some gettin used to. For 10 months I've pretty much gotten used to not understanding anything anyone says to me, and I got pretty good at just tuning things out. Now, I feel like I'm constantly eavesdropping! Also, I got used to being able to talk about anything and no one cared - because they didn't understand. Now I have to watch what I say in public!

Letting go of some of the Korean phrases and customs has proved to be more difficult than I thought it would be. Some examples: I constantly have to remind myself to say "thank-you" insted of "Kam Sham Nida". I also have given money to cashiers with two hands EVERY time I've bought something in Canada. As well, when I was visiting my sister in Vancouver every time I said "come here Calla!" I would move my hand down instead of up, since up would be to call a dog in Korea (very rude). There are also some words that I gave up using in Korea, such as "cute" and "really", and instead I've been using the Korean words.

I've alway heard how nice and polite Canadians supposedly are, but I can now tell you - it's true! So nice, it's almost too much! Here I am, shoving to get into the subway and brushing past people without as much as a second glance while Canadians hold doors open from a mile away and say sorry when I step on THEIR feet! Now, it's not that Koreans are rude (except for the occasional adjumma), but if you said sorry to every person you accidentally touched you'd be saying sorry every 2 seconds! There are just too many people. Personal space is pretty much non-existent.

A couple other little things about being back in Canada. 1) Fashion. In Korea you could pretty much wear anything you want, and not really think about it. But here, I feel a little self-conscious wearing big bows in my hair, fancy flats, and over-sized prescription glasses. 2) Prices! I took a cab to the airport in Vancouver, and what would have cost me $4 in Korea coast me 18 in Canada! I've noticed price differences in other little things such as clothing and meals as well. 3) Food. I would KILL to have some gimbap or mandu's RIGHT NOW.

So Friends, I'm not quite adjusted yet - but I'm getting there. So, please, be patient with me!