Living away from the US for a couple of years makes you see the world differently. There is a constant amazement when I look around life in Houston. I remind myself that I lived this life quite happily for years. As I look, observe and soak it all in, I realize why I have this irresistible urge to pack up and move often. Travel makes you see what you the mundane differently. I wish I could explain it better.

Reverse culture shock hits you the minute you step back into the place you called home. It could be as simple as gushing over a simple meal or going crazy while trying to set up an appointment.

Here are somethings that stood out to me this visit to Houston

• Grocery stores are known to be big in the US especially in Texas but how did I not notice the monstrosity called shopping carts? They are huge and take up a lot of space. They can fit the whole store within. I used them and never realized how the rest of the world had smaller carts, smaller aisles and smaller stores. This time around as I struggled with cart with a toy car in the front, I desperately wished the stores had a small cart option (there are few stores that offer the same). Also a big cart means you buy more.

• This leads to choice. Do you know how many kinds of cereal the local grocery store stocks? I don’t mean the “super stores” just the one in the neighbourhood. Everything has more than 10 options, store-brand, global brand, organic, gluten free, all natural and more. While choice is great at times I just wished that the store had just a couple of choices. I really don’t have time to check out everything.
• Kuttyma spotted this for me – multicultural and people of all races exist. While there are a lot of places that are multicultural (and we lived in one of them and travelled to many that are), it is very evident in Houston. It is right in front of your face and you just cannot ignore it. (On that note, I need to write sometime about race and Kuttyma. We have been having quite a few discussions on this topic the past few months)
• Christmas is over-the-top. Homes are decorated lavishly. Stores play Christmas music constantly. Buildings sport big wreaths and garlands. Trees on the street are lit up. If the spirit of Christmas in terms of decor, USA wins it hands down. It is quite a fascinating sight to see Christmas take over every aspect of life. As much as I hated being in Houston during winter, I love the lights and the beauty it brought to the nights.

This remains a favourite – ice rink and the tree at Galleria

• Texas-sized is the first thing I taught kuttyma. Everything is humongous – be it flags or wreaths or drinks. Roads can doubIe as runways easily. It amazes me.

• Kuttyma has been observing Texas from her carseat. She has learned to identify a few stores. Predictably Mcdonalds is one of them. Others are Target, IHop, Chick-fil-a, CVS and Walgreens. “They are there everywhere mommy” kuttyma summed it up.
• Land of free Wi-Fi  – I cannot get over the fact that the local fast food place and grocery store offer free Wi-Fi so that I can be connected while I shop. Seriously?