City of Freiburg

City of Freiburg
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Saturday, February 5, 2011

Culture Shock? ….No way!

So I’ve been here for almost a month and I can’t believe how much I love this place. Considering I went through orientation and discussed culture shock within the group before I came, I haven’t once really thought about it while I’ve been here. Sure there are a few adjustments such as bringing your own bag for grocery shopping, otherwise you’ll have to pay a fee for a plastic bag. Or the many carby food options they have such as the many pasta and potato options, instead of your good old healthy salad choice.
On the other hand, I can still run outside and not feel like I stand out as a runner. Running and especially biking are becoming a more common physical activity. (Although the biking part may just be because of the environmental aspect.) I was also very happy to see peanut butter on the shelf at the store right next to all the jellies to make myself some pb&j’s. You know it’s for Americans when it says American Peanut Butter on the jar.
So overall, I think I have made a relatively smooth transition to Europe. So whoever tells you about culture shock, it should not be as hyped up as people say. Yet reverse culture shock is another story. Who knows what will happen when I leave a culture I feel so close to at the end of my stay.

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