Culture Shock

I was just reminded the other day that it's only been 2 weeks since we left Guatemala. I think I may still be reeling from a bit of culture shock. I didn't realize how detached I've become from America. Sure I keep in touch through the web but living on the boat sure changes a lot about a person.

As I watched dozens of Mac & Peterbuilt semi-trucks drive past the car window as I rode along in the back seat of a friend's car I felt like a complete outsider. I thought about the consumption our homeland has become accustomed to.  Fuel prices are incredibly high. Every thing is disposable, including people; it's all very disheartening. With all the advertisements shoved in my face through the media, different accents from NC, SC, GA and FL, and hard core work on the boat I began to feel a bit woozy.

There was a time in Guate that I actually had a little breakdown. I cried because I just wanted to go to a Wal*Mart. I'm sure that really I just wanted something familiar. I just wanted to walk down the aisle of a store and pick up my favorite, Philadelphia Cream Cheese. I just wanted to have that comfortable feeling of "home". Why do I still long for that? I know deep down that is not going to satisfy me for the long term.

In order to stay me, to continue living the way I choose to live I have to be very conscious of my actions and choices every minute! I was ashamed at the check out counter because I hadn't been prepared for this trip to the market and was without my reusable canvas grocery bags. It pained me to use those plastic bags. In Guatemala we would have been charged 2 centavos per bag.  Regardless we re-use them for kitty litter but we still feel obligated to refuse plastics because we have seen first hand the damage they can do.

Do you get culture shock after your return from cruising? Do you bring your lessons onboard home to share with others?