i moved back to dc a month and a half ago. during the first few weeks, a few friends asked if i had experienced culture shock. “nah, i really only experienced that when i came back for my first visit.” not so fast…

it took me a while to realize i was having a hard time adjusting to life in dc. the three main differences:

• 1. the concept of time
  familiar with the idea of operating on island time? that’s how most of the country in guatemala rolls, and i was happy to begin to follow. dc is about as opposite as possible.
• 2. cost of living
  my favorite meal: in guatemala: $2, dc: $9
  haircut at my cornershop barber: $1.35/$10
  shave at cornershop barber: $0.75/$5
  bag full of farmer’s market produce: $2/$10
  monthly rent, with utilities: $107/$715
  four hour bus ride (my city to the big city): $8/$20
• 3. overstimulation
  in guatemala i was living in a city, which mostly felt like the “developed world,” but it was surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. and i could hike or hop on a bus to some natural wonders in less than an hour. dc is more developed, more advertising, technology, cars, people, parties, etc.

the silver lining…

1. my internal clock is better than before. i still get caught up in the go-go-go society, but not like before.

2. i can now earn money. i earned a tiny amount in guatemala, as a dj and a teacher, but it’s officially illegal for foreigners to earn money there. there simply aren’t enough jobs for the people of guatemala. i look forward to saving money towards buying another condo/house or traveling or something.

3. i missed the diverse opportunities of entertainment that dc has to offer and i missed my records and record stores. more than anything, i missed my community of friends and family. i developed a great community of friends in guatemala, but dc is home. and i’m happy to be back.