Being back home in an economy only rich people who don’t need jobs could love…

It’s been an exhausting experience, moving back to provencial Long Island after traveling the world 1.5 times around.  I have suffered from culture shock, since being back, thus explaining my absense from the internets…

I don’t pretend to be immune from culture shock.  I mean, remembering my touchdown into Kathmandu, I started crying when I reached my guesthouse in Thamel.  I was so overwhelmed, afraid, and alone.  The same thing happened my first night in Bangkok, wondering the streets of the dingy neighborhood of Huai Kwong, looking for someway to order food … without any of the mysterious meat swimming in the myriads of curry and coconut milk sauces.

I just never thought I’d be so debilitated by culture shock upon returning home.  It’s been so crippling.  I find myself more reclusive, and less social, than I have ever been.  I take to my bike, alone, on long trips, avoiding interacting with as many people as possible.  When I do find myself engaging in conversation, I relate to my past travels, because that’s been my immediate past, and I get looks like I’m a name-dropping social climber.  I no longer fit in.  I’m not sure I want to.

I’ve decided to push myself out of my shell, though.  I’m immersing myself in my unemployed ventures.  I’m studying to be an EMT, hoping to start Disaster Relief Response training, and saving up money in any way I can to go on my next adventure.

Sorry, tumblr-sphere.  I’ve been really messed up and really MIA.  I think I’m okay, now.