If you google Sorrento Italy, you will generate thousands of photos of beautiful blue waters, lively architecture, and lots and lots of lemon trees. I’ve been in Sorrento about 3 weeks now and I don’t think my eyes have ever had to process something so beautiful. I know that’s a silly way to describe it, but seriously I’ve never seen so much beauty clustered into one specific place. Every corner of this coastal town has substance whether hour layover. I believe this point is where I experienced the strongest sense of cultural shock.

Before coming to Italy I knew enough Italian to get by but when I landed in Germany…I knew no German. Everything worked that is through the view, history, or the delicious food. I came to Europe a week before my program started to scope out the scene and hopefully feel more adjusted to the huge change. I had a 9-hour flight to Munich, Germany where I had a 6-differently, and for someone who finds comfort in the familiar, this panicked me. I went to the restroom and struggled to pull the paper towels out of the paper towel holder, to find out you do not take the paper towels, and in fact, they are reusable. I ordered lunch to tidy up after a long flight and received some grave expressions for ordering in English. I guess culture shock would be an easy explanation for the feelings I was experiencing. I found myself wondering if I was going to adjust and adapt to aspects of European culture easily.

Fast forward 3 weeks and I should’ve been more patient with myself. Culture shock is a common experience for anyone entering a new environment. You must realize adjustment takes time and is only plausible if you fully embrace the differences. I found myself curious to learn all the history, traditions, and customs to feel more adapted. I have been taking walks every morning to explore the beauty of the region. I have been learning about history through museums, galleries, and conversations with locals. And of course, I have been trying all the delicious food and drinks that represent Sorrento – anything LEMON!