the bihls are coming, the bihls are coming

Jon and I are patiently, or not so patiently, awaiting the arrival of his parents. It will be a very funny experience being here with them. It is their first international trip ever and we are ready to take pictures and be part of their first overseas culture shock. Things here have become more or less normal to us now. There are so many things that used to stand out to me that don't anymore. I have adapted to the way of life in many ways. I expect certain things now.

I plan to take off my shoes most every where I go.

I expect to be served several sides with every meal.

I know I should travel with tissue at all times.

I always search my food for signs of octopus tentacles before eating it.

It is extra fun when the meat for your meal is served to you raw and you cook it on the table yourself.

I push people when I am trying to get on or off the subway.

I sleep on the subway.

I bow slightly when saying hello or goodbye to people.

I expect to eat soup almost daily, even in the summer.

If I bump into people I no longer apologize.

I am used to smelling fish in very unexpected places.

I don't notice the huge fish tanks outside of every other restaurant with all kinds of sea creature in them, waiting to be someone's dinner.

I never worry about getting lost I know I can hail a cab from about anywhere.

I like that our bathroom is our shower and there is no tub or shower curtain. The whole bathroom can be hosed down and cleaned so easily!

I don't even mind having to wear little sandals in there every time I enter because the floor is still wet from the shower.

I can read the signs, and I may not know the interpretation, but I can navigate the bus system pretty well.

I like already having tax included in everything, everywhere and never being expected to tip.

I am aware of being more respectful towards people who are older than me.

I am even used to walking into the women's locker room and seeing the women doing their hair and makeup together, chatting it up, completely in the nude. I don't join in, but I no longer feel uncomfortable.

We are getting used to things here and it just isn't as much of a shock anymore.. so now with Steve and Jeannie coming it will be a lot of fun to see it through their eyes again.