Things I Had to Get Used To

Moving from Austin, Texas, to a small town in County Clare, Ireland, was the biggest adventure of my life. When I first arrived, I used to panic whenever anyone mentioned the weather, because I didn't realize that talking about rain is basically a national sport here. I had to learn how to make small talk with bus drivers, shopkeepers, and random people standing in queues at the post office.

At home in Texas, life moved at a fast pace, and I was used to driving everywhere in my big air-conditioned truck. Here in Ireland, I had to get used to narrow winding roads, stone walls, and waiting patiently while cows crossed the road. It took me months to stop stressing about minor delays and bureaucracy.

Another huge hurdle was the local slang and the way people communicate. People here don't just say hello; they ask how's things, and it took me a long time to figure out the right response. I used to feel like an outsider at the local pub, but after joining a community choir, I finally started to fit in.

Sorting out my work permit and residence permit was another nightmare of paperwork. I used to spend hours on the phone trying to understand local rules, but now I'm used to doing things the slower, more relaxed Irish way. I've even started drinking afternoon tea instead of iced coffee.

Culture shock hit me hard during my first winter, when it got dark by four o'clock in the afternoon. I missed the bright Texas sun, and I often felt homesick. I would call my mom every evening just to hear a familiar voice and complain about the constant drizzle outside my window.

However, the real plot twist happened last summer when I went back home to Austin to visit my family and friends. I stepped off the plane and suddenly found American life completely overwhelming and loud. The giant cars terrified me, and the waiters in restaurants were way too friendly and fast.

I used to love the huge supermarket aisles back in Texas, but this time they gave me a massive headache. I couldn't get used to the flashing neon signs and the endless choices of cereal anymore. It turns out I had changed more than I realized during my time abroad.

So, if you're planning to relocate and start a new chapter overseas, remember this: the hardest part isn't getting used to a new country. The hardest part is realizing that you can never truly go back to being the exact person you used to be.

Read again and choose the right answer

Where did the author originally move from?

• Austin, Texas
• London, England
• Toronto, Canada

What did the author have to get used to regarding transport?

• Driving a huge truck on highways
• Narrow winding roads and cows crossing
• Using only the subway system

How did the author feel when she visited her hometown in Texas?

• She felt instantly at home and comfortable
• She found American life overwhelming and loud
• She wanted to stay there forever

What is the main conclusion of the blog post?

• Living abroad is too difficult for most people
• The author wants to move back to Texas immediately
• You change while living abroad and cannot fully return to your old self

Sources: photo by Min An on Pexels