It’s always a bit of culture shock when coming back to the US after many months away.
But it’s also nice to have a home base where you can relax a bit from travel and to see family as well.
This time the prices were not as big of a shock. Every time we go to the grocery it’s $100 plus vs less than $50 in Japan. Of course, perhaps we buy a little more since we can just load up the car vs putting it in the bike basket. Restuarant prices are more than double here and after adding the tip it could be 70% more than what we were used to in Japan.
Nice change in climate as well. I really like the Oregon climate and only need a light jacket in the winter for the most part. Love the rain and all the big trees as well.
People are really friendly and chatty vs. more business like in Japan when you are visiting the grocery or other various businesses.
Working on our plans for 2024. Will likely do a Europe nomad trip, Japan trip, and visit family in Indio CA. One place I want to go in the US is Chicago as we really enjoyed our time there last time.
Continuing to downside a litte bit at a time, so if we decide to move our base again things will be easier.
