Hello, Stage 5!

Perhaps I should explain...

The process of cultural adaptation can be broken down into stages:

1) Pre-departure
2) Initial Euphoria
3) Increasing Participation
4) Culture Shock
5) Adaptation Phase
6) Re-Entry Phase

Today was the first day that I really felt as though I had firmly entered stage 5. This occurred to me as I was riding the train home today, simply reading a book, and going about my business. The environment was no longer foreign to me. In fact it felt quite normal, quite comfortable. Today I reached the point where the unknown becomes the known, the unfamiliar becomes the familiar, the surreal becomes the real. To be at this point and to realize this is phenomenal.

So, these past few weeks of being a bit down, frustrated, and annoyed have paid off. It is refreshing to enter a foreign environment and adapt, yet still not lose your sense of identity. In fact, going through this process has renewed my sense of confidence. My confidence in who I am, both as an individual and as a member of the greater world.

Maybe my philosophical ramblings have something to do with the fact that I spent all day studying the brain and reflecting on the concept of the self, but I'd like to think not.

Until next time,

The now more culturally adapted, Anna