As an anthropologist, I am well aware how most people are seeking "normality" in their lives. Like with many other abstract terms, there is no way to establish an universal definition for "normality": each of us has their own definition what "normality" means, and this meaning is heavily influenced by personal, social and cultural preferences. But what does "normality" mean for me? When can I say I have "adapted" into a new environment to such an extent that I have achieved "normality" in my life? These are very urgent questions considering how often I change the place (and the country and the cultural surroundings).
For certain, the magic word of my normality is routine. Usually, it takes a while to establish a routine in a new place. When I was in Albania from November to early February, I did not have many things to do and as a result, I really struggled to get into a routine with anything. In contrast, here in The Colony aka Kosovo, I have more than enough things to do; now, having spent here six weeks or so, I can finally say I have established "kind of" a routine. Consequently, I am also able to say I have achieved a state of "normality" in the new situation of life. Unsurprisingly, my advise for others struggling with adaptation or a cultural shock is nothing but the good old 1) keep yourself busy, busy, busy and 2) establish and follow a routine.
For certain, the magic word of my normality is routine. Usually, it takes a while to establish a routine in a new place. When I was in Albania from November to early February, I did not have many things to do and as a result, I really struggled to get into a routine with anything. In contrast, here in The Colony aka Kosovo, I have more than enough things to do; now, having spent here six weeks or so, I can finally say I have established "kind of" a routine. Consequently, I am also able to say I have achieved a state of "normality" in the new situation of life. Unsurprisingly, my advise for others struggling with adaptation or a cultural shock is nothing but the good old 1) keep yourself busy, busy, busy and 2) establish and follow a routine.
Of course, following a strict routine is difficult, sometimes impossible. A few years ago, I would hardly allow myself to defy from the daily routine: "No, I can't come to the pub now, it's Saturday and I must apply my weekly hair mask!" This kind of behaviour would surely destroy social relationships especially, as my local acquaintance put it, "We are in the Balkans and we don't have plans!" However, routine and spontaneous behaviour don't have to be seen as mutually exclusive. For example, I may decide to go for a trip during the weekend; but to where and with whom, I will let open. Also, I don't recommend making travel itineraries; better to allow a lot of flexibility. This is a bit of a cliche but here in the Balkans, you exchange a few sentences with a local and get invited to their house for a coffee (no, not always in the romantic sense...)
By the way, I have one weak point when it goes to establishing a routine: fitting the weekly exercise into my timetable. In other words, regular exercise is an indicator that I am finally achieving routine and normality. Since I am still refusing to join the gym, I¨m off for a run to my own outdoor gym, the Arberia Park (and the hundred or so stairs leading there).
