1. When Elsha left on the night of the 8th
2. When I took a shower Friday morning
3. When Diane and Sydney left Friday afternoon
4. When I left/on the way to the airport
5. At the airport- don't even get me started on that disaster
6. When my flight into the US landed in Minneapolis
Being in America again is alarming. The first thing I noticed upon disembarking the plane was that there were white people everywhere. That probably sounds kind of ridiculous, but I've really become accustomed to being a member of the minority. I also noticed that no one is particularly friendly. You don't smile at anyone or make eye contact.
I think noticed the chain restaurants- California Pizza Kitchen, Burger King, Starbucks- and the no longer familiar foods in the vending machines- Cheetos instead of Nik Naks. As I made my way to my gate, I looked out the window and saw the saddest sight- no mountains or ocean.
It was also very strange to watch TV again. The news was on at my gate in Minneapolis. As I sat there watching I thought back to all the people who had asked me if I was particularly concerned about the crime rate in South Africa. So upon my arrival back home what do I see on TV? A college student who has disappeared, a woman who may have murdered her daughter and some guy who might get his driver's license revoked because some fun hater (who was probably jealous that he hadn't thought of it) turned the guy in for driving in the HOV lane when the only passenger was a dressed up sex doll- that last one isn't horrible, just hilarious.
Basically I was reminded that bad things happen everywhere- things are just different, not necessarily worse.
I'm excited to be going home to see my family, friends and dog. But I am absolutely heartbroken that I won't be going back to my life as a Capetonian. Again- How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard...
Stranded in Minneapolis for a little while longer.
Onward to reverse culture shock.
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