Housing Crisis:
Learned quickly that a flat/apartment complete with my own bathroom, bedroom set, and fantastic Australian flatmates doesn't appear magically. Therefore, many hours will be spent on gumtreee.com upon arrival into new city.
Awkward Moments: see above.
Going into various stranger's homes, looking around.... but small chat does get less awkward after the 200th house....
Problem Solving:
Dropping toothbrush, toothpaste, all contact lenses just bought from states, inhaler, retainer into hostel toilet isn't a total loss. Perhaps will meet a dashing Australian optometrist....?
Socialism:
There are no more tears in the pyxis room at work. Everyone helps out. And no, that crazy lady in the hallway fingerpainting with her poo isn't just YOUR responsibility.
Nutrition:
It's not ok when you are homeless to eat lolli's for meals. Will result in nutritional deficiencies, leg cramps, and exhaustion.
Homelessness:
Even Lonely Planet messes up sometimes with recommendations. Because the hostel they say "everyone stays here for weeks because it's so homey" may not be that hospitable. A park bench may be safer than some beds. And syphilis can be just as airborne as swine flu....
Patient Population:
Neurological patients are the same universally. Inappropriate. Getting yelled at in English is one thing, or Spanish. But Italian and Greek may be different. Especially when other patient's can translate. "Um nurse, that patient just told her to go get stuffed..."
Accents:
"What part of Canada are you from?"
"The Southern part. South Dakota. you know, the United States?"
Skin Care:
A hole in the ozone layer does result in much higher levels of UV exposure. Never leave home without sunscreen.
New Life Motto:
Work to live, don't live to work.
Public Transportation:
... Is a game... and inefficient. Walking is much more time friendly.
Aging:
As a result of walking everywhere: Swollen feet, sore muscles! Must get TED hose...
To be continued....
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