
Noticing surface changes when coming to the UK was easy because it threw me out of my everyday habits. At first the changes were just little things that annoyed me; like, the front door handle is always on the left side when in America it's always on the right. The toilets are really different but I have used English toilets so much I don't even remember what is so different anymore. American toilets flush better at least. Riding on the left side of the road is a little uncomfortable at times and I haven't seen any law enforcement vehicles at all, just police walking around in the city. This could explain why the British drive like mad people. Although on the contrary I haven't seen any road side accidents or even a close call. This confuses me.
Public transportation is

I feel like "Alice in Wonderland". I wake up in a strange place with (at the time) strange people. I go exploring and observing the different cultures, types of people, traditions and law. I can even go as far to say that I explored time/history and the periods/symbolism's that they brought. I really feel that this has changed me. Novelty here is not necessarily more exciting but my fascination with the Medieval/Romantic way of living makes it more exciting on a personal level. It's quite irritating when people ask me about New York or Las Vegas and I have to reply that I have never been. It's a burden on my part that I haven't really explored my home country to it's full potential but yet I'm aching to get outside too see everything else. Quit

Caterpillar: Who are YOU?
Alice: ... I -- I hardly know, sir, just at present -- at least I know who I was when I got up this morning, but I think I must have been changed several times since then.
Coming to the UK is comparatively a small step to many other countries that I hope to one day visit: Mongolia, New Zealand, Zambia, Austria, Germany etc... but I want my eyes to constantly be aware of change be able to adapt myself for the better.
Alice
But then, shall I never get any older than I am now? That'll be a comfort, one way -- never to be an old woman -- but then -- always to have lessons to learn!
Things are different here but your ability to befriend strangers helped navigate us through some sticky situations. I am thankful to have met someone who is so open to new experiences because I too,felt out of place in our new surroundings. You can adapt to change so well and I admire that in you!!
ReplyDeleteI love love love your Alice quotes: very insightful. You make a great point about remembering to keep your eyes open. So often, in familiar places, our "eyes" start to close. I hope you can return to familiar places with your new open eyes.
ReplyDeleteTashie, I can't help but tear up reading this. It's just such a beautiful thought, but it really is why i love you. Your Alice in Wonderland comparison is how I have always viewed you to be. And I just feel like the rabbit who is always "late for a very important date".
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