My passport is expiring in a few months so I went to the U.S. consulate today to pick up my new one. A few things caught me off guard and reminded me that I was at the US consulate and things were more “Americanized”.
- C-span was showing on the TV
- All the people working there were so friendly and asked what I needed help with (Customer service is normally somewhat lacking or just different here)
- There was a water fountain…a very rare sighting
- And the toilet flushed all by its self…yep even in Africa the American toilet is an automatic flusher. It totally surprised me and then made me laugh when I was weeing
It is really the little things that make a culture unique. I would have never defined American culture by the things I saw or experienced but it did stand out and put that extra touch to make the consulate feel more American.
BB! this american friend of yours totally biffed it on a walk yesterday!!!! It was so bad, I went rolling into the street. Cars pulled over to help me. One nice gal gave me a ride back to my car which was at Marge’s house where Gabe was having his piano lesson. I am sore today, hurt my shoulder and knee. i don’t think I did further damage to my arm…I hope. But, the whole thing is rediculous that it is funny even though I got hurt. Just had to tell ya bout it so you can laugh and cry with me!!!!!!
oh my…shame so sorry that you biffed it and hurt yourself. ok but i am laughing hard and can totally picture it. thanks for the story and laughter! love ya
I totally crack up when I go to the embassy here too, specially for the customer service part. I’m always thinking, “man, why can’t it be like this everywhere else too?” hehe
WOW! Dr Pepper and a self flushing toilet all in 10 days. What could be next??? Will we find Zambuk in America? Hope all is well with you. We miss you and pray for you each day. I love reading your blog. I love being your real Auntie…