Stranger in a foreign land?

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!