Thursday, December 6, 2007

Stage Two

I think I may be in the second stage of the culture shock/adjustment process that so many of us have read about, and that I used to teach my Russian students about way back in the early 90s. This is the stage when the novelty has worn off and things are harder. I know it'll pass, and I'll move to the third stage where it's all about integration and acceptance, etc., etc.

For the moment though, I'd like to whine just a bit.

It's hard not being able to be independent enough to do any of the following on my own:
  • understand the price of anything if it's not written down
  • ask for and understand directions
  • make small talk
  • go to the bank
  • talk to my landlord

A lot of the time I feel like a child trapped in a middle-aged woman's body.

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