Rules? What rules?
“They” call “them” ticks. I like to break “them” into more categories. Sometimes the “ticks” are positive, sometimes they are negative, and sometimes they are just what they are…. “ticks.” “They” are folks who are not originally from here. “Them” are things that occur on a regular basis. Examples are plentiful. Yesterday I enjoyed Tex-mex food with my Texas friend, Chris, in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. We figured it most appropriate to do so. The menu that we received was reasonably (enough) priced. It was lunchtime and Chris had been there before at lunch. He asked (more than once) for the “lunch” menu before it was brought to us. The prices and selections were fantastic. The regular menu was at least twice as expensive as the lunch menu. They appeared to be hiding the LUNCH menu from us at lunch time. This is one example of a “tick.” Once the margaritas arrived, we added our own tequila from the bottle we brought in with us. Nobody said a word to us about it. We left our bottle on the table for all to see. This is another “tick.” These are normal occurrences here. Different people adjust entirely differently to this environment. I find that with a bunch of patience and a really open mind it’s fun and fairly stress free. The transplants are extremely intelligent and hard working. The locals are warm, friendly, and extremely hard working.
I purchased my own bicycle in order to never have to take a cab again here. I now take five minutes to get to the grocery store by bike. The city just got a great deal smaller to me. With my subway pass and bike I now get to go anywhere relatively quickly. The two hour cab rides (for me) that go a distance of 4 miles or so are history. I also found a park near my temporary residence. It’s lovely- photos to follow.
After a little more than a week I feel settled and adjusted to the time. I have noticed that the food I miss from home is iced tea, chips, and salsa. I can find iced tea, chips, and salsa here so I’ll be fine.
My daily routine is still getting figured out. I enjoy the challenge. My productivity level increases daily. The computer button punching is good. Without my central Texas distractions I get so much done. It appears that a foam party will occur here in ten days.
