1. The center lines of the streets are white. As are the double lanes. As well as the side of the road lines (the shoulder). What is what, and where is where? How do these people know if they are on a one way, or a two way? Questions that rack my mind at night.
2. The speed limit may say 100 km/hr, but that is only a suggestion in all cases. If you are going 100 km/hr, everyone will pass you. And I'm talking about everyone! I think that the preferred speed is about 140 km/hr and up.
3. Now, in Hungary, we don't like to throw out the inner parts of the animal, because that is the best part! Or... at least they seem to think so. The heart, stomach, and liver, of an animal are said, by most, to be the most delicious portions to eat. I beg to differ. I tried em', I gagged a bit on em', and I gave up on em'. I'll stick to just the meat please.
4. Prepare your eyes when walking into a women's locker room/ change room. These ladies are quite proud of their bodies and are not even in the slightest afraid to show what they got from their mommas. Shower stalls do not have a door or even a curtain to cover you while you shower. My first exposure to the gym's change room was quite alarming for me, as I've always been one to shy away from undressing in front of others. I literally ran to a bathroom stall to change. I also dashed to the farthest shower stall where few eyes could catch a glimpse. There I had the shortest shower in the history of showers in the world. Later I found out there were two showers in that whole gigantic locker room that had doors, specifically for people like me. #Praise! I was able to shower without fear of the lady next to me catching a glimpse of my bottom.
5. If you are one of those choice few, in the adult population, that still take immense delight in a well made kid's meal, then prepare for a food coma, cause' your belly won't be able to handle what Hungary has to offer you. Small amounts are not their specialty. You like eating tiny little meals multiple times throughout the day? Hmm... that just will not due. Two meals are usually served throughout the day here. And when I say meals, I mean please do not fill yourself up on the first thing they put on your plate, because there are three more 'meals' coming after that! 3-4 courses in one meal is a 'normal' thing here. I am officially known as the Tamagotchi around here. I am constantly needing small feedings every few hours, or I might just wither and die.
6. Oh! Let's go back to animals real quick. Did you know that you can buy a bag of bones right in the grocery store? Like who goes grocery shopping and says, "hmm, I sure would like to buy a bag of bones right now.." And no, these are not bones for the average dog to chew on! These are actual bones to use in meals! And on top of that, you can buy a package of chicken hearts. Nothing else. Just a good ole' bloody bag of hearts. Mmhmm delish.
So these are just a few of the culture differences that I have gotten to experience while living here for the past four weeks. I'm sure there will be much more that I will share in the coming months. But let it be known that aside from the weird things that I am exposed to, I love it here. I love the people and how welcome they have made me feel. This truly is an amazing opportunity that I wish all could experience.
Until next time,
Puszi!
