The life of an ex-pat is always an interesting one. People from each
country I have lived in has a different reaction to foreigners, in my
experience at least. However, the time spent getting to know the locals and
attempting to learn the culture, language, etc. is always a worthwhile journey
that leads to breaking through barriers and perceptions on both sides.
The challenge of being able to “blend in” is one that I have always
attempted to overcome in some ways, although it has always been more about
learning proper cultural things rather than trying to hide my American-ness. In
Japan I always knew there was no hope of “blending in” because I was on the
tall side of average height for women, and am just a bit too white to not stand
out! In Austria I found that once I went shopping and had a more European
wardrobe, I was less obviously American as long as I did not try to speak
German! However, on that note, my flatmate and I had a funny interaction our
first week there when we tried to ask the lady at the supermarket which box was
laundry detergent. She knew no English and neither of us could remember how to
say laundry or wash or clothes in German! Sign language it was J
New Zealand has perhaps been the easiest country to “fit in” as I feel
as if I do not stick out as much. However, there is an ongoing discussion of
who has an accent J
People from home tell me that I have been here long enough to absorb some of
the Kiwi accent. People here who have known me most of the time I have lived
here will acknowledge that while I still do have an accent, it has mellowed.
Yours truly cannot tell any difference in her accent, but is aware vocabulary
has changed a bit, as I have adjusted to local vernacular. As my accent has
changed, I’ve noticed folks here cannot always determine where I am from. I
have recently been amused with some of the guesses as to what it might be,
which include Irish, German, Canadian and somewhere North Americanish.
Setting aside the accent, one of the coolest things about living
overseas is learning about the differences in everyday life. One of my personal
favorites is the work culture here, where four weeks of vacation is the norm.
Sick days are also the norm. This makes for a much better work/life balance I
believe. On the other side of that, my
favorite thing to introduce Kiwis to is biscuits and gravy. The first time you
mention it to one who is unaware of this delicious creation, they get this
lovely mental picture of some kind of cookie covered in brown roast gravy. Not
quite so yummy haha! However, I must say all that have tried it have been
impressed with how tasty it is! I have even shared the recipe a few times.
Being from the Midwest, once it is established that I am in fact
American, the next question is what part of America. If I say Missouri, they
say “oh…. I think I’ve heard of that…” If I say Kansas City, the response is
usually “I’ve heard of Kansas!” Oh well J
Hope you are having a good week. We are looking forward to a sunny
weekend here!
