I’ve been living in Boston for about 3 years, do I still have something to say about “how crazy American people are, and they don’t do things like us”? Fortunately I get used to my new country, no more deep cultural shock. What are still the tiny details that remind me that I’m not from here?
- I still like squirrels – they are everywhere. That’s probably a sign that I’m not used to this country yet, I’m still surprised to see the little rats with a fluffy tail. I still take pictures of them.
- I can’t stand the crazy love for dogs. People are so passionate about pets, and specially dogs. Dog strollers, dog coats, dog walkers. It’s too much. But at the same time, I used to be scared by dogs, and here I think they are nicer. I don’t know. Maybe it’s just me growing up.
- I cough in my elbow. Coughing in my hands seem now pretty gross. But coughing in my elbow is also kind of gross, I can’t clean it right away afterwards. Talking about coughing, Ebola is a big deal here, people are obsessed/scared with it.
- To say yes or to acknowledge something, I do a weird sound like “mmm-mmm” – used for instance instead of saying “you’re welcome”. It’s not considered rude, and it’s actually pretty convenient.
- I still don’t have a TV (but how do you do without a tv?) but I have a computer with internet (relief, tainted with skepticism).
- People use acronyms all the time. It took me some time to understand what B.O. meant – it stands for Body Odor, no one would say that he/she, or even you, stink. But in order not to stink, just put some perfume, every French knows the trick.
- I don’t trust my doctor that much when he or she offers my a special treatment. Every thing costs so much, health here is considered isn’t a public concern. I need to ask how much it costs for everything, and sometimes I doubt that I’m asked for a specific procedure because it’s for my own sake, maybe it’s just for the sake of the doctor’s wallet. Hospitals may be cleaner and more organized that in France, but the system is just unfair.
- Driving a car with no manual/stick control is a life-changing experience. So easy. Parallel parking seems like a big deal here though.
- I talk money. Often. That something that would not happen in France. People love their credit cards, and they love buying things too. I Phone 6 or 7: I don’t care, not my friends. Sales happen all the time. Don’t forget about Black Friday.
- I talked Botox in a 30-year-old birthday. Like it’s no big deal. A dentist and even a gynecologist can do Botox for you. I was told that everybody has his own issues. Yeah, I get that: talk to a shrink, don’t change your face if you have wrinkles.
If you like squirrels too, share this article.
