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After spending more than 15 years in Germany, a woman who moved back to Pune, Maharashtra, has opened up about the unexpected challenges and adjustments that come with it. She described her experience as a “reverse cultural shock”, which has now struck a chord with many on the internet.
In an Instagram post, the woman described how the first few weeks back in India have felt like learning how life works all over again. “It’s been two to three weeks since we moved back to India after living in Germany for over a decade, and every single day feels like relearning how life works,” she said.
“We are trying to adjust from cold and cloudy weather to embracing sunshine, heat and sweat. From cherry blossoms and tulips to gulmohars and bougainvillaeas.”
The woman went on to list the many contrasts she has noticed since relocating to Pune. From speaking in German every day to trying to switch to English, Hindi and Marathi, and going from “hyper-punctual schedules to delays of 30-60 minutes being considered completely normal”, she said even the smallest details of daily life feel different.
“Some Things Feel Completely New Again”
She added, “From a DIY culture to a convenience and service-driven society. From a privacy-focused culture to strangers casually asking personal questions. From a reserved community to a more open and welcoming one. From almost no visible social hierarchy to clearly layered social interactions.
From weekly supermarket self-checkouts to groceries delivered to your doorstep in 10 minutes. From cosy European townscapes to a sky filled with high-rises and constant growth. Some things feel familiar, some things feel completely new again.”
In the post’s caption, she said rebuilding life in Pune is not just about moving countries but also about reshaping routines, expectations, and mindset. Slowly and steadily, we’re figuring it out. Some days feel easy. Some days feel overwhelming—but every day teaches us something new,” she wrote.
Internet Praises Her For Not Painting India In A Negative Light
Her video caught the attention of users on the platform, with one saying, “Wow! The reverse cultural shock, part I bet you weren’t ready for that.”
“All the comparisons between Germany and India are spot-on without demeaning any aspect of one country. The best thing is that you never said that life in one is better than the other, which is actually the truth. Both countries have their own positives and negatives. I wish you a smooth transition back to living in India (PS. Pune is my hometown too),” someone else said.
Another individual commented, “Maybe you are the nicest person to talk about India after coming back, or you are scared of reading the comments if you post what’s really on your mind.”
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