Life in General

Being back home hasn't been the extreme reverse culture shock I was so afraid of. In fact, it's actually felt quite comfortable like no time has passed at all. If you know me at all, you know I like lists. So I created some more since I have nothing to do in Moraga.

Some things I still can NOT get used to:
1. The dinner bill coming right after you finish eating. Less of a hassel because you're in a hurry? Yes, but I miss being able to sit forever in the restaurant and not be bothered by a bill.
2. Cars that drive slow in the fast lanes! It bothered me before, but after driving in Italy and France, where you get ticketed if you're cruising in the fast lane, it's really annoying. And it's not just a personal bias, it's practical as well. I made the mistake of cruising in the fast lane (while trying to readopt American driving customs) and I didn't see the car behind me approach somewhat rapidly. He then proceeded to cut across two lanes to the right to pass a car, then speed up to cut back across to the left barely dodging a truck. All of this could have been avoided if I had just moved over to the right, and, if the driver behind me had a little patience of course. It's all about driving safer.
3. NOT Jay walking. It's so efficient. I don't understand why people don't do it as much.
4. Driving EVERYWHERE.
5. Where's the french bread before every meal? And my daily baguette?! AHH!

Some things that are absolutely amazing here:
1. Being able to buy anything on a Sunday.
2. Safeway.
3. No more digicodes, and normal doorknobs!
4. Toilets that flush completely!

And something that we can improve on:
1. Roundabouts! Like the ones in Davis. This eliminated stop signs and everyone gets to go where they want to faster!