Cultural Shock was one thing I was not planning on attaining when I moved to France. I assumed that I would handle the transition as I handle all my past transitions in life. A quick cry then I analyze what to do to feel better and then I am fine. Alas, that assumption made an ass out of me but no one else. It is like a god damn cold virus that the doctor tells you, "There is nothing I can do for you. You just have to drink plenty of water and get rest, it will pass." When ever I get that type of reply I always think, "Thanks doc, I just paid you how much to tell me something I already know? Good for you! Did they teach you that it med school or did you learn that all on your own?"
This is my current state: stuck in cultural shock purgatory. It doesn't help that I am consumed with my graduate school applications. Until my applications are finished I don't think I will truly feel comfortable in France. This is not to say that I am not enjoying myself. I was very torn to write about this difficulty of mine. I don't want people to worry or tell me something I already know. It is hard for me to admit that I am having a hard time with something I feel I should not be concerned with. So here is to the first step, I admit I have a problem. This is not to say I am not having fun or regretting my decision to move to France. I am so glad I did this but for reasons that have nothing to do with "finding myself," more challenging myself to take risks. I can't stand it when people say they find themselves when they move. You find yourself by living life where you are and being honest with yourself about what you desire most in life. Any thoughts from those who read this blog of ours?
I said in my last post that I would talk about things to do when you move to a new country. My main advice is to pack those extra things that make you feel like you are at home. Whether it is a blanket or your favorite poster, bring it with you. Also, pay for the extra baggage fee for your basic cooking/living items. Just do it, that is all I have to say about that topic.
I will keep you all posted with my application process. As of late I am realizing that in Europe they use different sized paper than in the States. Thus UCLA's 8 by 11 paper requirement for all submitted items has become quite the pain-in-my-ass!
Ta ta for now, and remember kind reader that life's obligations do not stop because you moved to France!
Molly
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Hey Molly,
Alex here :) We've been reading your guys' blog entries, and I felt the need to respond to this one. Firstly because we've haven't been in touch with you as well as you have been with us! And secondly because I hope I can offer at least SOME words to help you feel better.
I haven't felt culture shock in a long time, much less the shock of being in Europe for the first time, so I'm not gonna pretend to know what you're going through! I haven't barely a clue what it's like. Everything's new to you, you don't know the language well, you miss home... I remember the culture shock of going to a mosque for the first time. THAT was crazy! Or the shock of having a baby. THAT is, besides becoming a Muslim, the biggest life-changer I've experienced, for sure.
But I definitely agree whole-heartedly with your thought on "finding yourself". The notion that one must leave their physical location to find their SELF is sort of an oxymoron, no? Because YOU are right HERE! So why not deal with the here, the now, with YOU? Unfortunately, I think ppl don't know who they are because they spend much of their lives distracting themselves from reality, starting with their internal state, all the way out to what's really going on in the world and society.
May God help us all in our quest for truth, peace and happiness. I guess that's the best I can do--say a little prayer :) TTFN
Love, alex
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