I was silent on our ride back to the hotel. Bob went for a swim while I was intensely focused on reading the digital version of the Chicago Tribune on my tablet.
In that moment, I realized I had what you’d call “culture shock”. I was still so preoccupied with processing the previous days’ experiences that my ability to absorb new ones was shrinking. It made sense that I was growing irritated with people talking. I didn’t want any more input.
Pie Chart of Preoccupation by Day:
The Trib was easy and familiar and demanded nothing of my diminished coping reserves.
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The Tribune acted like an emulsifier between the world you live in and the world you are visiting. I find it comforting to listen to Vancouver radio stations when I am abroad it allows me the ability to absorb and, as you say, process the immediate experiences, without losing touch with where I will return to. (Oops! I ended that sentence with a participle). In my pie chart, my gut concerns would be about 90%.
These blogs are so good, Marge, I love reading them every day. Thank you for taking the time to generate them.
Hi Marge, Loved the brutal honesty. I can totally relate to the bathroom fear, pie chart of metal capacity and exhaustion of trying to process it all. I am delighted that you have Marging as a forum for reflection and humor. Keep em’ coming. I could really get used to a daily post. PS – love the picture of Bob getting out of the pool.