US -- Culture Shock

Date: 10 December 2008 00:17:14

Though I have been here [San Jose / California] a few times, five if I count correctly [I cannot believe it: thanks be to God I am finally seeing some other parts of this country this trip: but, to be honest, I like nothing better than staying with friends], there are some things that still make my draw drop.

Currently it is the view from my friend's large balcony [he lives atop a rather large hill]. Being [generally] an early riser I tend to make my way out there with a book and hot cup of coffee, in the cool morning air, and just enjoy the scenery and the warmth from the sun as it climbs into the sky. I could look at this view all day, particularly as their is often fog around the hills in the distance which gradually clears.

But in terms of Culture Shocks, here are a few:

the size of everything: cars, shops, roads, freeways...all so big!

food: the sheer size of it for what you pay -- how anyone finishes a main meal [here called an entrée which is terribly confusing] is beyond me

the sun: it is in the south here, which throws me if I am considering it is in the north when looking for directions

accents: I love them, but it is still strange to hear them

cultures: we do not have many people of Mexican or Central American descent, at least where I live [we have a number of people of South American descent -- though not in the same numbers]: it is fascinating to see the faces and hear Spanish -- and even to see Spanish so prominent in advertisements and signs

Starbucks: literally one on every corner

strange and unusual product names -- I am sure ours are as foreign to others, but you grow up associating brands with products: when I hear things like "Minute Maid" [orange juice] or "Sierra Mist" [soft drink] the mind goes in all manner of directions

friendliness: Americans truly will go out of their way to help, and help in any way they can

ease of splitting bills at a cafe/restaurant: try this in Australia and see the scowls, or hear the outright refusal

tipping: still can't get used to it

I am sure there will be more; to me all part of the fun of travelling.