A reverse culture-shock
After being in Guatemala for so long returning to the western society has been more intense as I've thought in the first place:
Coming from a country exploited by commerce, capitalism and greed into a country which is a major reason for the suffer of the people in Guatemala and elsewhere requires a very special moral flexibility from my side. It is difficult for me to see so many people here unaware about the consume they are addicted to and the abundance and waste it produces...
On the other side it is also wrong to expect everyone to be aware about the impact his or her behaviour might have on foreign countries, cultures or persons. But what I do expect is some kind of curiosity or interest. and that is something counting defiantly for all my friends here in San Francisco. But some of the people here are so busy with their cars, discounts, diet sodas and work-outs that there is not so much space left over to consider that for the wealth here others have to pay the price for. And since I know now the other side I can't act anymore is not knowing it. That is somehow a new experience for me- for years I tried to understand the complex connections between wealth and poverty, between born on the right side and born on the wrong side. And I argued as if I understand...But know I understand- and know I can't go for myself to a Starbucks anymore without not knowing about the suffer people went through in order to produce it. I have had meals with the families who went for a labour struggle of years, threatened and blackmailed and in the end won. I would feel like stabbing my friends there in the back if I would act if I would not know!
But how to be more sensitive about consume in the motherland of consume?!
Walking down the streets at night
But there are also the good sides of being back here: walking at night through the streets of San Francisco, the fog cold and misty, but feeling safe and secure without being scared of getting robbed or stabbed. Seeing familiar faces and meeting my friends here has brighten my mood again and eased my mind! Going for a swim at Half Moon Bay in the Pacific was just soo relaxing and fun, as well as having drinks at the Castro or having a hot waffle with ice cream and strawberries! I am really enjoying my time here and I am already sad that it will come to an end soon again.
Next week already will my adventure continue in South East Asia....
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