Here and there

One of those traps I fall into when dealing with our new culture is that of comparing everything. Usually that means either painting everything here as so much better (the government, the availability of food and western products, etc) or, especially when I'm tired, everything as worse (the quality of the tools and plumbing products, the heat etc.)

But sometimes there are just those reminders of the other. Or you start to see some universal patterns. See what I mean:

The name of our old home city translates in this language as "love" or "passion."

The name our new home city translates in this language to "the three faults" (thankfully not in reference to earthquakes).

In my English thesis I referred to a certain major African rebellion. It would translate to "The Want-Want" or "Go-Go" Revolution here.

In any country, Coke always tastes better and colder in a glass bottle.

If you're going to buy food on the street, well-cooked meat on a stick is a pretty safe bet.

The time just before rainy season is never pleasant. It either means lots of flies or lots of heat.

Teenagers can have a way of making you feel like you're being made fun of, no matter what langauge they're using.

Young children, on the other hand, can be great language teachers.

College kids love to practice their language and are less offended by your culture mistakes.

People our age and their parents do not have the same culture if they live in an urban environment. (Unless they are from the extreme upperclass or extreme lower class.)

Walking everywhere limits your ability to see how big your city really is. But you also get to know your little part of the city much better than if you relied on a vehicle.

It is easier to learn a language when you are enjoying it.

Internet connections are never fast enough.

Give a little boy a stick and somehow always becomes a gun.

Packages from home always make life better.

Anyone who speaks English is your friend.

No one, in any country other than America, understands how to make really good pizza, hotdogs or BBQed anything.

Milk from a box just isn't something you want a big glass of.

During national vacations, when you actually have time to finish your to-do list, no stores or offices you need to visit are open.

The world's teeth are getting worse.

Small children from all cultures love watching animals.

The devolping world is not in need of your old T-shirts, especially if they have profanity or outdated American pop-culture references.