I have been back in Canton, MI for less than a week, and I can already feel the post-abroad withdrawals. It feels so passive being back home. I miss the busy streets of Buenos Aires, the incessant chatter becoming a background noise in my head. It is so insipidly quiet in the suburban town I used to call home, and I can't believe there was a time in my life where I craved that stillness.
However, as much as I miss the energy of living in a big city, I did miss being home. There is nothing as comforting as sitting at the dinner table with your family talking about anything and everything. I got to spend time with my brother, who I haven't seen since March! I missed the smell of my mom's cooking and the summer heat especially. It is nice to live in the home I grew up in and have access to all of my clothes, instead of rotating the same four outfits. On my first day back, I just enjoyed a nice long drive during sunset, which is one of my favorite summer activities. I definitely missed having the sun set at 9:30, rather than 5 pm as it did in Argentina. I also enjoyed seeing all of my friends that I hadn't seen in a long time, but at the same time it only made me think about all of the friends I left in the southern hemisphere. Not only did I make such important personal connections, but I also learned a lot of important things from my time abroad, and I'm happy that I got to take those lessons home with me.
One of the most prominent things that I have realized I now do is share equipment at the gym. Since being back, I have gotten right into my usual gym routine, but it was a bit of a culture shock to go back to the US Planet Fitness. Everyone is so stuck in their own lane, while I was used to random strangers chatting with each other and working out with each other. However, I incorporated a bit of my newfound experience from Argentina to my workout at Planet Fitness by always asking people if they want to switch off between sets. It has made my time at the gym more social and enjoyable, and I'm glad I learned this in Argentina.
I also think that I am more confident with approaching people in public. As it was such a common activity in Argentina, I definitely had to step out of my comfort zone during my six weeks abroad and speak to strangers in a different language. However, it has only helped me feel less anxious to talk to people since returning to the states. This is definitely a useful skill to develop, and I am really thankful the Argentine culture helped cultivate it.
Overall, my favorite thing that I have taken away from this unforgettable trip are the stories I can now tell. Everyone keeps asking, "How was your trip?" and I have to limit what I say to stop myself from talking for hours! There are so many remarkable moments, and I absolutely love telling my friends and families about all of my adventures. I will forever have the wonderful friendships and memories with me to reminisce on for the rest of my life.
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