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Hypiereon · Fri 27-Jan-06, 03:55 PM

What are some of the toughest things to get used to when you go abroad? Two of the most obvious seems to be language and food, but is there anything else that stands out as being really tough to handle from your part of the world?

I caught this thread from another website and thought this might be good to start here. I also thought of starting it in the "Teaching and Living in China Forum" until I realized there are probably some unique difficulties for the different countries. While language and food seem to be universal problems to get used to, I wasn't so sure about any of ther others I might add.

For instance, the first time you walk into a Chinese bathroom and really have to make "An Act of Congress" (to steal a line from Dave Barry) only to realize the deposit station is a round hole in the floor, and the smell is something you can actually feel seeping into your skin, is all just too much the first time.

I'm pretty average in size for an American, but having to squat over the hole in the floor hoping my aim was just right was most uncomfortable. I didn't want to get anything on my shoe or "place" something in a spot where I might step in it on the way out. Then, after about two minutes I started to get this "buzzing" in my legs as the circulation was slowly being cut off.

I had to pull myself up to standing position again just to get the blood flowing through my thighs so I could walk out without looking too awkward. Add to this that I was trying to hold my breath from the utter stench and then, when I finally did breathe I was dry-heaving from the smell - (smell being a certain portion of taste I shall leave you now with your imagination) - I knew this was beyond any doubt a foreign country.

It's always tough. It's STILL tough. I've never "become used to it" and will try to anticipate my needs to fall in line with places I know have western "accommodations." In all, a pretty terrible surprise I actually get a kick out of watching other less-informed foreigners walk blindly into. I do try to stay on hand for when the cry of "Where's the toilet paper?!" comes - (can't leave a guy totally helpless like that!). Upon making a trip back to the US, my wife and I both laughed about still carrying that extra toilet paper around with us everywhere we went.

Fri 27-Jan-06, 03:55 PM	#1 (permalink)
Hypiereon ESL Addict Join Date: Aug 2005 Nationality: American Occupation: General Manager www.MilestoneGC.com Location: Posts: 140	Tough things to get used to. What are some of the toughest things to get used to when you go abroad? Two of the most obvious seems to be language and food, but is there anything else that stands out as being really tough to handle from your part of the world? I caught this thread from another website and thought this might be good to start here. I also thought of starting it in the "Teaching and Living in China Forum" until I realized there are probably some unique difficulties for the different countries. While language and food seem to be universal problems to get used to, I wasn't so sure about any of ther others I might add. For instance, the first time you walk into a Chinese bathroom and really have to make "An Act of Congress" (to steal a line from Dave Barry) only to realize the deposit station is a round hole in the floor, and the smell is something you can actually feel seeping into your skin, is all just too much the first time. I'm pretty average in size for an American, but having to squat over the hole in the floor hoping my aim was just right was most uncomfortable. I didn't want to get anything on my shoe or "place" something in a spot where I might step in it on the way out. Then, after about two minutes I started to get this "buzzing" in my legs as the circulation was slowly being cut off. I had to pull myself up to standing position again just to get the blood flowing through my thighs so I could walk out without looking too awkward. Add to this that I was trying to hold my breath from the utter stench and then, when I finally did breathe I was dry-heaving from the smell - (smell being a certain portion of taste I shall leave you now with your imagination) - I knew this was beyond any doubt a foreign country. It's always tough. It's STILL tough. I've never "become used to it" and will try to anticipate my needs to fall in line with places I know have western "accommodations." In all, a pretty terrible surprise I actually get a kick out of watching other less-informed foreigners walk blindly into. I do try to stay on hand for when the cry of "Where's the toilet paper?!" comes - (can't leave a guy totally helpless like that!). Upon making a trip back to the US, my wife and I both laughed about still carrying that extra toilet paper around with us everywhere we went. __________________ Hypiereon's Maxim: "The best teacher cannot help a student who absolutely refuses to learn; the worst teacher cannot refuse the one who will not be denied."