James,
This is not a normal country, especially for some one who comes from western cultures. The way we are educated and stimulated to think and express ourselves in a free environment, does NOT apply here.
People here think and act as per the masses' acceptance criteria, individuality here is not welcome. If you try to step out of these hidden norms or express critical independent thinking, you will be crashed and eventually silenced.
Just remember the abnormality is not you, it's rather this place and the culture that rules it. Initially it might appear at the surface to be just like any other country, but as you get to know it, you will realize that isn't the case.
It’s going to be tough but with some time and persistence, you may find 1 or 2 friends that you may relate too. If not, don't loose touch of where you came from, you might need to go back before you initially planned.
More important, don’t forget who you are, and try not to be affected by all the moral policing that destroys individuality in such society, so that one day when you will leave, you will only leave with positive marks!
All the best
James,
This is not a normal country, especially for some one who comes from western cultures. The way we are educated and stimulated to think and express ourselves in a free environment, does NOT apply here.
People here think and act as per the masses' acceptance criteria, individuality here is not welcome. If you try to step out of these hidden norms or express critical independent thinking, you will be crashed and eventually silenced.
Just remember the abnormality is not you, it's rather this place and the culture that rules it. Initially it might appear at the surface to be just like any other country, but as you get to know it, you will realize that isn't the case.
It’s going to be tough but with some time and persistence, you may find 1 or 2 friends that you may relate too. If not, don't loose touch of where you came from, you might need to go back before you initially planned.
More important, don’t forget who you are, and try not to be affected by all the moral policing that destroys individuality in such society, so that one day when you will leave, you will only leave with positive marks!
All the best