We're Not in Kansas Anymore

Here are just a few of the cultural differences that serve as reminders that I am no longer in the States:

- The town is absolutely deserted after 8 pm and on Sundays (although this may also apply in small American towns).
- Everything here seems to be about 3/4 of the size of its American counterpart - rooms, beds, doorways, cars, etc.
- The streets are narrow and winding and often cobblestoned - in contrast to our more grid-like pavement.
- People park on the sidewalks - not just two wheels but the whole car - I've nearly been hit twice now by cars looking for a parking place!
- Many of the streets are one-way avenues, often making it faster and more practical to walk.
- The keyboqrds! QWERTY becomes AZERTY qnd it is necessqry to shift to get q period, otherzise you finish your sentence with q commq, (The keyboards! QWERTY becomes AZERTY and it is necessary to shift to get a period, otherwise you finish your sentence with a comma).
- Everything is eco-friendly. The local grocery store does not offer paper or plastic bags - they have recyclable ones that you can buy and use each time (free replacement when they're used up!) or bring your own sac. Some toilets have a dual-flush function allowing you to choose whether you want a quick flush or a slightly more prolonged one.