Many things here are different. The language, the culture, the money, the kitchens, the toilets...the list goes on and on - and we've only been here 5 days! On the way back from the base today, TJ and I discussed the word different. Often we think that different equals bad or weird. We talked about how much of the food here is different but yummy and that people talk different but cool. We agreed that from now on, when we say the word different, we are going to translate that word to automatically mean, good or cool, yummy or interesting! I've decided to begin a list of things that are different that we like while they are still novel enough that we don't become so accustom that we forget it's different. I suspect his list will be constantly edited and added to over the next 2 years:
* Separate blankets. The queen size bed came with 2 twin size comforters instead of one larger one. Not sure if this is the norm or not but I like it! I'm usually either too hot or too cold compared to Eric. No more tussels over blankets!
* 2 way windows and doors. With the turn of the handle, the windows in this apt either swing open or tip out from the top while staying secured at the bottom for air flow. NICE!
* Privacy blinds. These same cool windows and glass doors have plastic blinds on a track that you lower or raise with a cord. Hard to explain but very cool. They have vents for air if you want along with the privacy or you can close them up completely. They are on the outside of the window so out of reach from little hands.
* Hanging your clothes out to dry. I remember my mom doing this when I was little. I still love my clothes dryer for convenience but I forgot how nice everything smells drying in the sun. And I love not using the electricity if I don't have to. So while I will still use the dryer I get from the base I will also opt for air drying much of our clothing when possible.
* Boxed milk. No one was more surprised than I was when TJ announced that he LOVED the new milk. What I love is it's shelf stable so I don't have to keep so much in the fridge. I suspect that it's not the best choice if we had organic milk that requires refrigeration as a choice - but since we don't I will embrace the good things about what we do get.
I agree. Two blankets are the BEST!
ReplyDeleteI also LOVE windows that "kip." When we ordered our new windows, I asked for windows that kip and Lowes had no idea what I was talking about. Needless to say, they didn't have any. :(
I think boxed milk was actually invented in Logan. (John knows, but I think it was a combination between Space Dynamcis Lab and the College of Ag.) Gossner's sells it and they helped created it for NASA to be able to send milk into space. So when you come home, tell T.J. we can get him boxed milk here in Logan.
I remember the produce problem. In Austria (and everywhere else we were last summer) you had to weigh the produce yourself and get a upc print out that told the cashier how much it was. It saves time in the check out line.
I'm SO glad you are having such an amazing time. Can't wait to come visit you!
Darn! I am sooooo wanting the windows that "kip" (thanks for giving me the correct name). I will have to take pictures so I can better explain myself. Maybe I should buy a few here and ship them with our stuff! LOL
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