So I've been going back and forth reading a number of different sources trying to determine exactly what "Culture Shock" is and if I've truly experienced it. I think I've determined that I experienced some aspects of this "Culture Shock" phenomenon, but certainly not all. The fact that I spend most of my time in a work environment that is very similar to the US, live in an apartment that is generally similar to an apartment I would inhabit in the US, and am here with a number of other students in my same age and demographic, all contribute to this. Also the fact that one can get by speaking English is another big plus for me or someone in my shoes to adjust. I remember in Hungary, if I was by myself at a store or on public transportation or walking around, I wouldn't even open my mouth because I knew no one would be able to understand me. That's one thing I really don't have to worry about here.

However, there are a number of aspects I've definitely experienced. Some of these things I've already talked about: the traffic, the smells, the way people dress, the way people talk, the newspaper, being a minority, etc. These are all things that are different. I've talked about the food a lot in my past entries as well, I think that may have just been the most different aspect, which is why it was so "shocking" to me. I think this shock really comes in stages. The very beginning is total open-mindedness and excitement: explore everywhere, soak everything up, eat as much of different stuff as you want, etc. Then, when you realize there are just certain things that are different and that you can't have, there's an initial fear of that, rejection of what's available, and longing for what you're used to. That's basically what the entries up until this point chronicle, those two phases. After the end of these stages, though, which I believe was this week, there's a more general acceptance of the culture and reality around you and an excitement about it. I no longer really crave any aspects of American culture that I miss here because I know they'll all be waiting for me in eight weeks, and I'm now more excited than anything that I get to immerse myself in these differences over the rest of the summer.

Don't get me wrong, I'm still going to miss my corn on the cob et al on the 4th of July, but when am I going to have the opportunity to be here again? That's why I've started to really branch out and try to let my "inner-Indian" so to speak let loose. I think my entries from now on will focus more on being adjusted to what it's like here and the differences, instead of that shocking period of differences.