To this (-25 C)-

Image from CTV news

And the shock of it is pretty overwhelming.

But besides the cold, there's always something that I find so jarring when I come back to a western country from asia. It's hard to explain, but most people get hit with culture shock when they go visit another country. When they arrive, the strain from trying to process just how different a place can be from what you're used to can overwhelm and distress, until the traveller finally gets the gist of how life works in another country. 

For me, the opposite happens. When I get to asia there for sure may be a few days of figuring out how stuff works, but I always love it. When I return however, I seem to spend weeks reeling. Life here suddenly seems so foreign, quiet, isolated. It shakes me so much harder because I come back thinking I'll know what to expect, only to find myself changed to another way of life. Suddenly I don't know how to relate anymore. And even though this is supposed to be my "home", I am left with a feeling that I am outside of this culture which I should know so well. 

I'll talk more about my specific experiences in Thailand later, but there are a couple reasons why I think this may be. 

1) Asia feels more human to me.

The way that everything is set up feels so organic and natural. Someone puts his cart of food on that corner because there are people there today, and tomorrow he'll be somewhere else. Someone keeps their pig in the shop because where else are they going to put it? No one really cares about traffic laws because everyone can just use their eyes. Things like this just seem so natural to me, people just responding to their environment.

2) Relationships are the focus, not efficiency.

Most of the time politeness in Western countries has to do with efficiency. You have "good service" when someone is crisp, remembers your order, and brings your food quickly. In asia, your bartender talks to you for three hours, and if you get your food in under an hour, that's quick. The focus is about the atmosphere, the laughter, the conversation. And the gestures of respect are so beautiful- making sure you only hand money with your right hand, the bowing and wai, and all the manners of politeness, in Thai culture at least (other places in asia are a little bit different). There's this really great intro on Thai Social Etiquette by the Ministry of Culture. Pretty different and a lot more focused on the people around you than the west.

3) Spirituality is a part of everyday life.

I love the way that shrines, icons and pictures of those revered are everywhere in asia. One of my favourite things in Thailand was the spirit houses, that are placed on properties as a home for the spirits. The tiny little houses are so beautiful, much more lovely than the residence on the rest of the property. Having all of these sacred spaces in everyday life feels so good to me, like everyone just reserves a piece of their everyday to integrate spirituality into their lives. 

4) The weather allows for more relaxation.

Obviously. When you don't have to run from one place to the next to avoid frostbite you can sit outside, chat, lay in the sun. Food grows year round, and half of the things around you are edible. The foliage and scenery are gorgeous, and just made for stopping and taking a breath. And vitamin D just makes everyone so happy. 

I'm sure there are a more things I could think of, but those are some of the ones that feel so very different to me from living in Canada. It's hard to come back, although as the weeks go by I will readjust, and remember the things I love about my own country too. After all, I'm sure there are reasons why I've chosen to live here over somewhere else. I just can't remember very well when I'm freezing cold...