Depending on how long you have stayed in the UK, you can probably expect a certain amount of reverse culture shock going back to the US. After nine months in London, we went back to the Bay Area for a wedding and it felt at once like home as well strange. San Francisco felt so small that I could no longer think of it as a major city (is it?!).

One thing I did learn after travelling in and out of other countries is how stringent and unfriendly US customs is. It’s like walking through a network of angry and annoyed german shepherds. Bark, bark, BARK! All you are trying to do while making your way through the 3-level system is to not get bitten which is a HUGE departure compared, say, Italian customs. Night and day.

Anyway, when you’re finally deemed worthy enough to be granted entry back into the US (even with your US passport!), rejoice in the fact that you’re back (or not, depending on how you feel about it) and take care of business. For me, business includes Target!

When we go back to the US you can find me at Target, every single day. Where else can I find peanut butter M&M’s and cheap bobby pins (not in the UK!)? My favourite bandages and Neosporin for sandal blisters are only in America!  Or driving a car, just around with the windows down, sun shining, all the time. It becomes clear when you go back what parts of your old routine you are dying to do again and what parts you are fine with leaving in the past (buying things I don’t need nor have space for). This is all part of the experience of travel and living abroad.

Depending on your own situation, hopefully you will bring as many lessons learned back as you can while still embracing the idea of being back “home”. And if the UK is now home and you’re just back visiting, have fun at Target, but don’t buy too much crap!