Wednesday, December 22, 2010

One Day, One New Experience, at a Time... (Adjusting to Culture, Day 2)

21 December 2010

Yesterday, I really didn't venture outside of the house too much.  I spent time opening all the packages of things I've ordered via Amazon to bring back to Tanzania with me (and Christmas presents for family... shh don’t tell!!!!), checked out the new look of my parent's house, and tried to stay awake after 5pm for dinner with my family.  I huddled under a much-loved fleece blanket and wore my fleece slippers from college days... and marveled at the size of my brother's three huge "puppies!"
Today was a different story.

Doctors appointments are always fun, but especially so when you’ve been living out of the country and don’t know how to answer most of their questions.  “Who gave you a prescription for such-and-such?” uh… prescription? (You don't really need prescriptions in Tanzania... just the ability to get to the Duka la Dawa (pharmacy) and the name of the drug.)  “What were the directions that came with it?” uh, there were supposed to be directions in ENGLISH?  “Who is your regular doctor?” hmm… good question... maybe you???

In getting to these questions, though, I had to do something else out-of-the-ordinary.  Driving.  On the right side of the road.  While sitting on the left-hand side of the car.  My mom graciously accompanied me on the first outing, just to make sure I remembered how to drive.  But on the second trip, I found myself saying, “Keep right, keep right…” over and over and over… just to make sure I stayed where I was supposed to. 

I also hit Meijer for the first time in a very long time, which was just a lot bit overwhelming!!!  Even the kitchen section (anyone need a frying pan?) just put me in awe.  To imagine so many pots and pans available for reasonable prices, and good quality at that!  I probably looked a little silly walking around with a camera taking pictures, but I just had to share my amazement with all of you.
So now, here I am, trying to figure out the missing luggage situation with KLM AGAIN.  This is one part of traveling that I do NOT relish.  After a similar missing bag situation with my parents last summer, which was never recovered… I’m wondering if the packages that I have in there for people will ever come. Taking it one day at a time... :(

1 comment:

  1. Take a few deep breaths of that air for me! :) Praying you return refreshed!

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