Recently
I had the opportunity to visit Mexico and to my surprise, it was all that I had
expected and more! Like any vacation, your experience is of that similar to the
honeymoon stage of acculturation, whereas you (if everything goes as planned)
experience excitement and euphoria. Being that I was only a tourist I did not
mind the language barrier that occurred, actually I embraced it. I enjoyed
trying out my few Spanish words that I knew as well as the different foods that
I savored. Ultimately, I embraced the cultural differences around me. However,
what if I were to stay longer, perhaps three months; culture shock would most
likely set in. I would soon tire of the food and possible become irritated with
the language barrier. I would become unhappy and distressed, perhaps having a
feeling of homesickness. I now have a better understanding and sympathize with
immigrants who are brave and courageous and overcome many obstacles in order to
migrate to a foreign land.
