After spending seven weeks in Europe, one becomes accustomed to the norms of that place. So coming back to the United States can take some adjusting, some things being easier to remember than others. They aren't all bad or good, there are just differences and getting back to the way you knew before your travel is the same as when you first went there and realized how different it was.
1. Bathrooms
First off you have to pay for these 95 percent of the time. And they are not everywhere! My advice is to locate American fast food restaurants around you because they will have a bathroom.
2. Alcohol
Alas you can no longer walk around with beer in hand or liquor in the bottle ready for the next swig. You cannot get a quick can at the nearest food stand and continue on your way and that is truly sad. It is also very hard to remember, because you've become used to being able to drink and have alcohol in all public places and that not only isn't frowned upon but is LEGAL.
3. Having ice cream on every corner
Now this was one of my many joys of being abroad. It was a daily treat, maybe even two or three times a day. Ice cream is an important part of the city culture of Europe. It's a place to meet friends or where you go after dinner and the ice cream shops pride themselves on being the best and claiming they are.
4. Driving a car again
Whoa, was that weird. After using public transportation for two months, getting back into your car and cruising is a foreign feeling for a while, but then it feels pretty great to have your own way of getting around. No having to wait on buses, trams, or the subway!
5. Back to your bars
It was great hitting up new places and checking out the clubs of Europe but there's nothing like the comfort of your regular bars. It took a bit of planning and a lot of wandering to figure out where you were headed but when your in your town you know exactly when the right time to go is, what the prices are, and what your drink is called.
6. Napkins
As small as it may be, it is so wonderful coming back to the US and receiving a giant napkin to put on your lap. No more gazing around the restaurant waiting for the waiter to finally bring you a napkin that will never come. You can eat and not worry about it getting on your face or dropping on your lap because you know your napkin will be there and has your back.
7. Being around English speakers again
Coming back to 100 percent being able to understand what the people around you are saying is a joy. But it's also very disarming at first because you don't expect to be able to understand the couple next to you talking about their plans for that night. You got very used to a swirl of languages surrounding you and being back and hearing just one is nice but can be saddening because you know it's really over and your back to reality.
Being back is an amazing feeling and leaving the place you grew to know is sad, but you will get to visit all kinds of places and meet all kinds of people in your life, and that is the fun of traveling!
