…there you are! Oh, how one forgets!
For those of you have commented admiringly on my vast sense of adventure, my intrepidness, etc. How little you know me! : )
I think moving overseas is kind of like giving birth. After a few years, you forget the initial pain. I remembered the trauma of moving to Turkey, the lesser pain of moving to Cairo, but it gets lost in how comfortable you feel by the end–where Ankara and Maadi were every bit as homey as Tacoma. So when you think “I miss being overseas,” that’s what you remember.
So tell us, Jeri! How was your first day in UB?
Up and down. Just in a general manner–not even thinking weather-wise, this is not going to be as easy a place to live as Cairo and Turkey. It was very easy to grab taxis, get the shopping done, etc. there. Everything was in close range. We went to three different stores this morning, just to get groceries! I can’t imagine what that’s going to be like when it’s 30 below—and your’e having to stand outside trying to wave down a taxi. Hmmmm….
Having said that, the fruit/veggie market we went to was AWESOME. I really have to get pictures. A big building, and each little vendor has their own section; they all run together of course, so it’s all to easy to pick red peppers from one vendor, carrots and lettuce from another, and it all sort of runs together. Unlike Turkey, where they got really upset if you felt the fruit, they don’t care here. So you’re able to pick out the ones you want. Surprisingly, summer is actually a time for limited fruit; I managed apples, grapes, a couple kiwi and something I don’t remember. Winter is supposed to be great, with all the fruit from SE Asia coming in.
So got all that done, got a phone and SIM card, got the internet hooked up. Amazing! They not only showed up my first day, they even showed up reasonably on time. They were supposed to be here at 5, showed up at 6:30. Very nice guys; we’re kind of stymied trying to get the wireless set up, but as long as I hook the ethernet in directly, I’m good to go. I’ll keep working on it.
Did have a bit of a meltdown this afternoon. Just the unfamiliarity of everything, missing feeling comfortable in a place. So had a bit of a cry, but only a minute or so. VAST improvement over former days! It’ll feel more “normal” once I have to start going to school next week.
But, yeah, I’d kill to be sitting at home watching Law and Order right now. grin–fortunately I brought a season of it with me. Comfort food via DVD!
Taxis here are also different. While there are a few of the usual yellow ones, mostly, every car is a taxi. You stand on the corner with your hand out, and people will stop to pick you up. You tell them where you want to go, and they either take you or not. I don’t know–it all seems a bit haphazzard to me.
This was the REAL surprise though. Schlepping my 11 boxes/bags was a real chore at JFK–no skycaps. Once I got to UB, I couldn’t see any there, either, and I was wondering how to drag three carts through customs. I managed to commandeer one guy, and he called for someone else; we got everything loaded up and on its way. I tried to tip them $10 each–they were stunned. Didn’t really know how to react. Greg told me later it’s not custom to tip here.
Is there anything LESS like Turkey or Cairo than that?
Will write tomorrow about the flat, the city itself, etc.–flat’s nice, though with my usual luck of the draw I’m the one who got the butt-ugly sofa, unlike the nice comfy blue ones everyone else has! Oh, well. That’s what fabric stores are for!
Hi Jeri,
I know this sounds very colonial, but I found the best part of being in an expat (Saudi – 84-89) was the affordability of housekeepers and gardeners and “people.” I expect when it 30 below you can send your houseboy out for fresh durian or whatever.
Nice to have you back on line and will be living vicariously through you so have some adventures!
Doug
LOL–well, yes, I didn’t mention of the first things I worked on setting up is getting a maid! Twice a week for $75/month! Still, can’t send her out for the daily meal, more’s the pity! : )
You’re here! Glad to hear you’re settled in. I’m planning a BBQ on Sunday for the teachers who are here. It’s 1-4 at Star apts, but I’ll come get you if you want to go!
Hey, girl, sounds like you are going to have an amazing adventure, even if you did have to Law-And-Order it for a bit to regain some balance. 🙂 What will you be teaching there? I might be a bit of a resource for you for teaching smaller ones– I’ve been working with K-5 for most of my professional life. Let me know what you want to do and hopefully I’ll be able to be of use to you. 🙂 Hang in there, girl!!
Hey Jeri
Been thinking about you for the past two days, so I was glad to see your new post. I’m so glad the huge hassle of luggage and boxes and supplies through the airports thing is over and done, at least for now. And you’re situated and supplied. Weather here persists in being hot and humid. I’m on the Cape right now, though, and it’s raining. Look forward to the next post and future photos. Hang in there!
Thanks for comments, one and all. How in the world did people do this overseas thing when mail was long and difficult and took months? They were far heartier and more intrepid than I!
Had a good long Skype with Dad this am–walked the computer around the flat so he could see it, and gave him a look of the view out the window. Northern Asia definitely has that soviet influence block thing going on. But I like the photo I took looking toward the hills–I’m going to submit that to Andrew Sullivan’s blog. He has a “The View From Your Window” post he does.
Hugs to all!