One thing I have noticed here that continues to happen is my ability to run into people because Australians made the decision to drive on the other side of the road. This wouldn't be a problem since I don't drive here (which Tyler probably thinks that's a good idea since he doesn't think I'm a good driver at home anyway), but this philosophy of being on the opposite side is everywhere. Walking down the sidewalk I constantly find myself on the wrong side being bombarded by people and even once I get on the side they consider to be the "right" side, I always wonder into what I consider to be the only way you should be walking following U.S. road directions.
Once I can get through walking on the sidewalk I then enter a store. The greatest example would be the grocery store. You don't think about it but in the U.S. we push our carts down the isle following how we drive on the roads. So now I have made it through navigating the streets, thinking which way to look before crossing, and now must figure out which side of the isle to push my cart. It takes a lot of thinking. So while in the grocery store I am constantly bumping into people and their carts and keep getting weird looks. So now I officially know what it is like to have American stamped on your forehead.
This is the latest I have on Aussie culture and the struggles I face, and I'm sure there will be more to come!
No comments:
Post a Comment