In limbo

That is my best description of this post, which contains the thoughts and emotions I was having in mid-air as I was travelling across the Atlantic, leaving Europe and its culture behind, preparing to re-enter America and it's way of life.

Strangly enough, when I located my seat on the super crowded 767, I found myself sitting next to a young German boy, who (I soon discovered) was just embarking on a study abroad trip to Houston. Funny how things work, huh? I chuckled to myself at the situation, and settled comfortably into my seat, knowing that it would be an interesting plane ride.

Looking back now, I realize that to this German kid I probably seemed like one of those people who you dread sitting next to on a ten hour flight across the Atlantic. You know, the ones who never shut up and try to delve into deep conversation when all you want to do is sleep? From the start of our conversation, he let me know that he spoke "very little English". Like every other German who had said that during the past month, he was basically fluent. Once again, I felt completely inept in my German speaking because I was making this poor kid converse in English for hours on end.


So here we were, two students, from two very different cultures - one returning from a study abroad experience, the other just beginning. I felt like I could really identify with this person, because I still remembered how I was feeling on my first day of travel: excited, a little nervous, somewhat confused and disoriented. Plus, I knew this kid was in for a shock: Texas is a VERY SPECIAL place........

Finally, my German friend put on his headphones, which, to me, discouraged further conversation. By that time, i had just finished enjoying my after dinner wine, and I was left to ponder my return. I was anxioius to see my family and friends, but i was also very nervous. What if I felt out of place, less comfortable in my home country after I returned? I knew my trip to Germany had affected me in so many great ways....and I knew my life would be different somehow when i finally did make it home.