So I arrived today in my new home...it was so easy for me to complain about everything that was different..all the things I am not accustom to. I realized quickly that if I continued my ways I would be VERY unhappy for the next few months. So after the airport was not set up how I liked it (what a stupid thing to be upset about) I made the conscious decision not to complain about anything or at least try very hard not to.
Instead of bringing my cultural lenses from the US to here I am deciding to wear my cultural sensitivity lenses..something that is hard for Americans to do because we have been brainwashed to believe that our ways are the best and our ideas are the best.
So instead of getting upset at new things or different ways/ideas I am going to keep track of all the things I love more about Europe...let the list begin!
1. I love that cargo carts are free in the airports...i dont have to pay $3 to to put all my bags on a cart...here they are free :)
2. I love that gas stations are SERIOUSLY right off the road..you do not exit then drive .3 miles..you just swerve to the right....go to the pump, and swerve right back on the highway! its like a weigh station for trucks but even closer to the highway :)
3. I love customs in other countries....mostly because there are like NONE! lol..you show your passport, get your bags and LEAVE! (though I am thankful for the security in the US!)...just when I am traveling I'd rather not face it :)
4. I love that people here share a similar non-verbal, as we do in the States, to flash lights at you when driving to indicate a cop ahead...or in some cases to take caution to bikers ect... spared a ticket today :)
5. I love the food..period. I love that there is not processed foods from isle to isle in a grocery store. Yes it take more time to cook but its so much healthier....and because you put such time into cooking it tastes better for some reason..there is more to enjoy and appreciate about the meal.
6. I love that cities and towns basically shut down for a day (usually sat or sun depending on the country) for rest...people take time out for their families and go to parks together...i love that they treasure family time so much here.
7. I love how little water is in the toilet...it doesn't splash on you when you flush...and its easier to keep the toilets clean, and above all its very helpful to the environment...which leads me to number 8..
8. I love how environmentally conscious people are here...you hardly see plastic bags at stores, machinery is designed in a way to use the least amount of electricity/gas, recycling is almost mandatory, there are several solar run cars/low fuel cars, and so much more!
9. I love the clothes hangers here!!!! they are very strong and sturdy! And best of all they have rotatable heads meaning you dont have to worry about laying the clothes all the right way before hanging them up bc you can turn them when you hang them! (hard to understand if you dont see them but the US needs some like this that are cheap like these were!)
10. I love all the coffee and tea shops! It does not help my minor addiction to coffee...but it sure does make me happy!
I will continue to post things as they come to mind about my loves of Europe!
Instead of bringing my cultural lenses from the US to here I am deciding to wear my cultural sensitivity lenses..something that is hard for Americans to do because we have been brainwashed to believe that our ways are the best and our ideas are the best.
So instead of getting upset at new things or different ways/ideas I am going to keep track of all the things I love more about Europe...let the list begin!
1. I love that cargo carts are free in the airports...i dont have to pay $3 to to put all my bags on a cart...here they are free :)
2. I love that gas stations are SERIOUSLY right off the road..you do not exit then drive .3 miles..you just swerve to the right....go to the pump, and swerve right back on the highway! its like a weigh station for trucks but even closer to the highway :)
3. I love customs in other countries....mostly because there are like NONE! lol..you show your passport, get your bags and LEAVE! (though I am thankful for the security in the US!)...just when I am traveling I'd rather not face it :)
4. I love that people here share a similar non-verbal, as we do in the States, to flash lights at you when driving to indicate a cop ahead...or in some cases to take caution to bikers ect... spared a ticket today :)
5. I love the food..period. I love that there is not processed foods from isle to isle in a grocery store. Yes it take more time to cook but its so much healthier....and because you put such time into cooking it tastes better for some reason..there is more to enjoy and appreciate about the meal.
6. I love that cities and towns basically shut down for a day (usually sat or sun depending on the country) for rest...people take time out for their families and go to parks together...i love that they treasure family time so much here.
7. I love how little water is in the toilet...it doesn't splash on you when you flush...and its easier to keep the toilets clean, and above all its very helpful to the environment...which leads me to number 8..
8. I love how environmentally conscious people are here...you hardly see plastic bags at stores, machinery is designed in a way to use the least amount of electricity/gas, recycling is almost mandatory, there are several solar run cars/low fuel cars, and so much more!
9. I love the clothes hangers here!!!! they are very strong and sturdy! And best of all they have rotatable heads meaning you dont have to worry about laying the clothes all the right way before hanging them up bc you can turn them when you hang them! (hard to understand if you dont see them but the US needs some like this that are cheap like these were!)
10. I love all the coffee and tea shops! It does not help my minor addiction to coffee...but it sure does make me happy!
I will continue to post things as they come to mind about my loves of Europe!
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