Things you forget about when not in the US

So we are here in the USA for a little bit. Little bit of this, little bit of that. We have taken it easy and settled on the east coast to adjust to the timezones, get some nice training in, and adjust to the weather. It was pretty hot today!

Here are some things I always forget about the USA, until I return here:

1) How negative we are as Australians. We are shockers. When we experience something pretty good, we'd say: 'that wasn't too bad.' Or: 'that was alright'. The USA equivalent would be: 'that was GREAT!' and: 'that was REALLY great!' We have had to remind ourselves that when we give feedback to people in the USA, we can't use Australian feedback. There is an awkward look on their faces when we do this, which is their polite was of responding to being stabbed in the heart. So we have made a bit of an effort to give more USA-style feedback. With an Aussie accent, of course.

2) How amazing it is to take a dump here. I always forget, until I arrive, that North America features wide based toilets with a water level unheard of in Australia. This means that anything you deposit in them is on full view - and unbroken - when you turn to flush. And I must admit that I have been pretty shocked at some of the findings! And Ewin cannot stand hearing me talk about it, so instead I will just write about it here.. It also means that you have your heart stop momentarily when you flush in case all that volume of water and...stuff.. doesn't make it down in one go. It is like watching a closing ceremony - a lot of waving to the crowds before finally it departs for good. Or will it? I know I have had many problems in the past with destroying toilet facilities, most notably when crossing either Canada or USA by bike (assuming I have access to a flushing toilet - the number would have been a lot higher if I had constant access). You will be happy to hear that so far on this trip, all flushes have been successful.

3) Spewing on arrival is not just for me. The last three entries to the USA in the past eighteen months have all resulted in me spewing either on board, while de-planing, or while waiting for the immigration queue. This time was no exception, although I did make it all the way until landing before I opened my account. Turning around in the immigration queue was comforting to note another woman holding a spew bag, with another recounting her tale of spewing over the past few hours into USA waters and into LAX. Something in the air?

4) Food is cheap. So are clothes and shoes. (Assuming the Aussie dollar hasn't crashed in the last week.) I always forget that, dollar for dollar, the US has far greater affordability for everyday items. For more comparative shopping items (clothes, shoes and other 'less needy' items to stay alive with) having a greater population and competition keeps prices much lower than little isolated and duopolised Australia. And don't get Ewin started on the cost of cars. You see a 'Prestige European car' here for half the price of what you would pay for in Aussie. Of course, this told a much stronger picture two weeks ago when our dollar was worth 11c more than it is today. Thankfully, it appears to be on the improve..

5) How much to tip. I forget. The percentage always seems to increase, and who exactly qualifies for a tip also increases. I got the shock of my life the other year when the hairdresser handed me an envelope for me to tip her. But I already paid for her service?! After my crash I had to be wheelchaired around airports on route back to my base in Philly. The wheelchair staff kindly took me to an ATM so I could get enough money out to tip them. I still didn't know what was appropriate (asking directly always gets you an indirect answer), so for the record I paid them $5 per leg - to the food court, to the gate lounge, etc.

6) Chips on the side. No, not Aussie chips - ie, fries. Well there are plenty of them on the side. But you always seem to see potato chips offered on the side. It is kinda bizarre. Now I don't want to get into any stereotypes on US food - for the most part it is excellent. If you have never been here, then don't make assumptions about the quality or quantities. Although having said that, the old stereotypes can still happen on occasion. But the offer and quality of salads here simply kick arse and Australia should take a leaf out of the US on how to serve up a salad. No matter where you go, there are always awesome salads on offer - and at least one that is vegetarian (don't get me started on trying to order a salad in Australia).

That'll do, donkey, that'll do.

It is all good though!