Back from Africa

01"Culture Shock: Returning from Africa to Switzerland"

Ever been in a hot tub, soaking in the warmth, only to jump straight into a cold pool? That sudden, jarring change in temperature is a lot like culture shock. Now, imagine that you've been living in Africa, immersed in its vibrant culture, and then you suddenly find yourself back in the structured society of Switzerland. What happens then? Corinne Hofmann, the author of "Back from Africa," experienced this firsthand. After living in Kenya for several years, she returned to her native Switzerland, and the contrast between the two cultures was stark. It was like stepping out of a colorful, bustling market and into a quiet, orderly bank. The sights, sounds, and smells were all different, and even the pace of life was slower. Readjusting to a Western lifestyle was a challenge for Hofmann. Physically, she had to get used to the cold weather, the lack of open spaces, and the structured daily routines. Psychologically, she had to deal with the feeling of being an outsider in her own country. She felt like a square peg in a round hole, unable to fit into the neat, orderly Swiss society. One particular incident in the book illustrates this: Hofmann was reprimanded by a neighbor for hanging her laundry outside to dry, a common practice in Kenya but frowned upon in Switzerland. Leaving Africa was not just a physical journey for Hofmann, but an emotional one as well. She had come to consider Kenya her home, and leaving it behind was heart-wrenching. In one poignant scene in the book, Hofmann describes her last look at the African savannah, knowing that she was leaving a part of herself behind. The contrast between Africa and Switzerland is starkly illustrated in the book. In Africa, life is lived at a slower pace, people are more communal, and there is a deep connection with nature. In Switzerland, life is structured, people are more individualistic, and nature is often viewed as something to be controlled and managed. Hofmann had to navigate these differences, and in the process, she underwent a profound personal transformation. This transformation was not just about adapting to a new culture, but also about reevaluating her values and identity. In Africa, Hofmann had learned to value community, simplicity, and the natural world. Back in Switzerland, she found herself questioning the materialistic and individualistic values of Western society. She also had to grapple with her identity: was she still the Swiss woman she had been before, or had she become an African at heart? So, what happens when you leave a life you've grown accustomed to in Africa and return to the structured society of Switzerland? You experience culture shock, face challenges in readjusting, and undergo a personal transformation. But perhaps most importantly, you learn that home is not just a place, but a state of mind. And sometimes, leaving home can be the journey that leads you back to yourself.