Why “coming home” can still feel strange
When you’ve lived outside your home country for close to two years, your idea of “normal” starts to shift. That’s exactly what the Saleh Family experienced when they returned to Canada for a visit—despite being born and raised there.
In their own words, it wasn’t just excitement or nostalgia; it was a genuine recalibration. They describe it as reverse culture shock, sparked by everyday details that felt familiar at first… until they didn’t.
1) The washroom reality check after landing
One of the most immediate shocks happened as soon as they got off the plane. The family went straight for the washroom because a child urgently needed to use it. What they hadn’t mentally prepared for was the absence of the familiar cleansing setup they’re used to elsewhere.
They expected washing options after using the toilet, but found what felt like a very different system—more reliant on toilet paper. For them, this wasn’t just inconvenience; it connects to faith and the importance of cleanliness after using the toilet, as they explained they wash themselves to maintain purity for prayer.
They even noted that in many Muslim-majority places (and examples like Japan’s toilets), there’s often an option to wash yourself afterwards. In Canada, the routine they relied on didn’t feel immediately available, and that “Canada mode” hadn’t switched back on yet.
2) Food plans meet “you can’t really eat anything”
Another surprise came quickly after landing: meal expectations. They were ready for something simple—like a visit to a Canadian favourite—but found that their choices were more limited than anticipated.
They ended up focusing on options like bagels and cream cheese, while also describing it as difficult for their child, who preferred foods like chicken nuggets and initially had to live on french fries for days (they describe this as happening for “the first few days” and even “for like the first five years of her life” with a preference for fries).
They also mention that in some Canadian cities, it’s harder to find certain kid-friendly foods than it is in the places they’ve been living.
3) Finding a place to pray in public feels harder
For the Saleh Family, one of the most noticeable adjustments was prayer logistics. In Malaysia, they describe there being spaces like a surau—a designated place to pray. In Canada, they found that it’s not as straightforward.
They shared that they had to time prayers more carefully and sometimes combine prayers while travelling or staying in accommodation. They also noted how going out in public to pray can feel awkward—especially when washroom etiquette and facilities differ from what they’re used to.
Even small moments, such as filling a water bottle for cleansing or using public facilities, made them feel like others were watching and judging them for doing what felt normal to their family.
4) “First world problems” don’t feel small in the moment
A recurring theme in their commentary is that, even if the issues sound minor to outsiders, they matter when they affect your routines and comfort. For example, the family didn’t just mention the lack of washing options—they described how the experience felt genuinely uncomfortable and disorienting right after landing.
They also shared a powerful observation: babies are cleanly washed, but adults may not be treated the same way in public washrooms—an adjustment that felt “weird” to them.
5) The cost shock: a fun day can add up fast
The biggest “wait… what?” moments weren’t just daily habits—they were also prices. The family explained that while they’ve always been frugal, coming back meant they noticed how quickly costs stack up.
They walked through an outing (described as a day trip connected to Kuala Lumpur Island in their comparison), breaking down expenses such as parking, ferry costs, tickets for rides, lunch, and even water refills. They said the total ended up around $475 CAD for a family day, and they described paying $5 CAD per bottle of water during that day.
They also compared this to what they experience in Malaysia: water often available for a much lower price at mosque-related locations, which they felt made the Canada experience feel especially steep.
They further discussed parking pricing, sharing that they didn’t realise an “all day” option had timing limits (all day until a certain time, with additional overnight charges). They described being shocked at the final parking cost, saying it felt similar to what they paid for food during the day.
6) Accommodation surprises: Airbnb standards can vary wildly
Finally, they touched on a more practical travel issue: accommodation quality. The Saleh Family described booking multiple Airbnbs on their return, and said that three out of three properties felt like “trash” to them.
They shared examples of what they encountered, including:
- Black mould in a washroom, including on laundry appliances
- A place that wasn’t fully ready for hours after arrival
- An unusually minimal setup, described as having virtually no furniture
- Damp bedding and sheets, which they said arrived wet
Because of that, they said they had to strip and dry bedding themselves, hanging items around the house to ensure everything was clean and dry before settling in.
What this means for travellers coming back (or moving between countries)
The Saleh Family’s story isn’t about “Canada bad” or “elsewhere better”—it’s about how quickly life details can change when your routines were built elsewhere. Reverse culture shock can show up in places you don’t expect: washroom design, prayer spaces, food availability, public comfort, costs, and accommodation standards.
Planning ahead can make the return smoother
If you’re heading back after time abroad—or relocating and trying to adjust—consider building a little “buffer” into your plans. The Saleh Family’s experiences suggest that small preparation choices can reduce stress:
- Think about personal washroom routines and what’s available on arrival
- Map out prayer logistics (especially in malls, airports, and day trips)
- Have a backup food plan for the first couple of days
- Budget for how quickly parking, tickets, and meals add up
- Check accommodation expectations carefully, especially bedding and cleanliness
Ready for your next trip with confidence?
At Sakina Tours, we believe travel should feel exciting—not overwhelming. If you want a smoother experience (and help planning around prayer-friendly considerations, comfort needs, and day-trip logistics), we can help design an itinerary that fits your family and travel style.
To explore curated journeys and plan your next adventure, visit Sakina Tours and let us take care of the details.
