There is a theory that explain cultural shock by dividing it into different phases and argue that one can only truly integrate into a new country by going through these phases, hence, experiencing cultural shock.
When I first moved to Amsterdam, almost 4 years ago, I was definetely in my "honeymoon" with the city. I loved its canals and international athmosphere, the safety I felt walking around the city and I most of loved the famous dutch "Freedom".
When I first moved to Amsterdam, almost 4 years ago, I was definitely in my "honeymoon" with the city. I loved its canals and international atmosphere, the safety I felt walking around the city and I most of loved the famous dutch "Freedom".
I've also experienced hostility and felt homesick so many times. And when I was just in-sync I moved out. not back to Brazil, but to Germany.
I didn't stay in Berlin long enough to go thru every phase, I believe me and this city are still having our honeymoon. But it is almost time to back to the Netherlands, or home. My second home... and I'm feeling very ambivalent, maybe for the first time.
I miss Amsterdam a lot, my friends and boyfriend, my flat, the food... However, I adore Berlin just as much and I'm afraid to leave behind everything I've just started building.
I wonder how it is going to be on my re-entry phase and if I will re adapt easily to the Dutch culture.
(to be continued...)
No comments:
Post a Comment