In some ways, it's like I was never gone. Things that are so familiar and normal continue being so even after a period of absence. I'm waiting for this 'culture shock' to set in. But there are things that surprise me: the size of the houses; the huge, green lawns of grass that are everywhere; the fact that I have to make a consious effort to drop the paper in the toilet instead of throwing it in the garbage; all the big, nice vehicles; the whiteness and fineness of sugar; how it feels awkward speaking English to strangers (ie. ordering food) and to children; the friendliness of all customer service; the size of, and amount of stuff in my bedroom; drinking cold beverages.