things we've learned...#1

We've learned some surprising things living in a foreign culture.

- mold doesn't only grow on food...

...it grows on fabric and leather, too, in this humid climate.

- not everyone in the world uses 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper.

- not all hearses are black.

- it's smart to examine food items for movement before purchasing.

- if you fail to do the above, don't worry, bugs in pasta float to the top when cooked, where they can easily be strained off.

- a top sheet and a comforter are just not feasible in some climates.

- not all dentists rely on their hygienists to clean a patient's teeth.  Here, the dentist does the cleanings, the x-rays, the exam and any other work that needs to be done.  The hygienist is just an assistant through it all.

- not all gas stations have gas pumps.  Below is the station where the jeepneys stop for gas.  They pay a given amount, and a young man comes out with a jug of gasoline to pour into the tank.

the attendant with his jug is on the left

What sometimes seems 'wrong' to my foreign mind is usually just 'different.'  

We have to remind ourselves 

that just because we did things differently in our own culture 

doesn't mean that's the only way to do it!

More things we've learned to follow soon...