Oddities and Things

To those who have traveled as part of the international immersion experiences, we always talk about getting out of your comfort zone and exploring other countries with an open mind. Normally, we spend time looking at both our own culture as well as the culture of the country we will be visiting to determined that might be considered "odd" or unusual.

For those of you familiar with the Nacirema exercise, you will remember that the culture that used "hogs hair" and moved it around their mouths in the great mouth ritual seemed like an odd culture and if I recall correctly, most of you responded with an "ewwww." You all were also quick to pass judgement when we used our student trip leaders in the Albatross simulation. How dare the men lead the way and sit on chairs while the women sat on the ground and fed the men. Who knew that in reality the Nacirema were the Americans using their toothbrushes everyday and the Albatross valued women above all else (they are the only ones pure enough to sit on the land, touch the food, and had to be led in the event that some tribe was out to get them...the men were after all expendable in that particular culture.)

So, let me reflect on the oddities that I have seen since arriving here. Granted, it is an English speaking country with seemingly similar culture aspects as us in the states. However, when viewed through my cultural lens I can tell you there are still a view things I find odd. 

1. Round abouts. I get what they are and I understand that they are supposed to help traffic flow, but whenever I approach one while I am driving I get sweaty palms. How will I know when to go, and what if I get STUCK? For those of you who travelled to Paris, you will recall the round about surround the Arc de Triomphe. We would watch the cars drive around and around and wonder why there were no accidents. I am not driving around those type of round abouts, but sure enough they seem that way regardless. 

2. Aussie Rules Football. Imagine my view. No helmets, no pads. Just men (who in all honesty look rather small and not too athletic) running around "hitting" a ball (I have no clue what you call this) and kicking, and tackling, and bleeding...I don't understand it and I have yet to find any passion for it. This Saturday the Sealey boys will begin their Aussie Rules lessons. Maybe they can teach me a thing or two. 

3. The word "ripper" was used this week to describe our new car. They did a "ripper" of a job on the dash (it has a small scratch as it was a executive car). I told the guy I would have to get use to that word. He told me in Oz it is a good thing. 

4. Tea and coffee are served every ten minutes. I am not complaining about this, but it is different. I am on board with this concept. 

5. House viewing. Seriously odd. We are looking for a rental currently. This past Saturday we drove to our first viewing. It was scheduled from 10:00-10:15 and everyone was invited. There were about 20 cars there and everyone proceeded through the very small home at the same time. Worse yet is the reality that you are competing with these people for the house. It has a certain Hunger Games feeling to it...as though you should stake your claim and fight to the death. More efficient for the realtors? Yes. But trampling through a house with 40 other strangers is odd. 

I could perhaps write a new Nacirema called Ailartsua for you all to use in class. Something certainly to consider. What simple things might you as students at Texas A&M be used to that these Aussies would find odd? Let me know.