1.  In America, we wait in line for things.  Here, we wait in mobs.  Such is the case for public restrooms.  There’s this unspoken rule in the States that in a public restroom, we wait in a line a safe distance from the row of stalls.  Here, you wait in a “line” that hovers around all the stall doors, and it’s perfectly okay to walk past the person at the “front” of the line in order to stand in front of another door.  You essentially have to beeline it to the next available stall to claim it, even if you’re “next.”  This can be stressful if you really have to pee.  It can be more stressful when your 4-year-old really has to pee.

2.  A few nights ago, I had my first dream in the local language.  Sure, it was language a native toddler here could speak, but I was still really surprised.

3.  This morning at breakfast, Garbanzo sneezed about five times in a row.  Chickpea examined him closely and said, “Yep.  I think he’s homesick for America.”

4.  It’s officially summer now.  We’re starting to sleep with the A/C on.  Oh well…  it couldn’t last forever.  But I’m surprised at how much more tolerant I am of being sticky and hot than I was when we first moved here.  Granted, our first summer was unusually brutal, but I remember being obsessed with how hot it was, that it was all I could think of.  So far, it’s been a passing thought, even when everyone’s stinky with sweat on the bus.  I’m curious if I’ll feel that way in August.

posted: 09 June 7
under: chickisms, chickpea, culture, family