Friday 7 March 2014

10 things I never did before moving to Asia

1. Used a rice cooker. 
Why the hell do we not use these in Europe? 
I have seen the light. I am a convert.

2. Planned weekends on exotic beach islands.
And by 'weekends', I really mean weekends: leaving Friday night after work and returning Sunday night. 

I could pop over to an exotic island for a day spa and be back for tea. But I can't come back at Christmas, it's too expensive... honest!

3. Given serious consideration as to whether sports gear is acceptable daytime attire for women.
I had to understand the heat a bit better to work out why a lot of expat women do this. 
However, I'd like to point out that I only considered it: I still didn't approve or change my mind. Don't do it.

4. Perspired quite so much on a daily basis (we're talking daily exercise coupled with walking everywhere) but not lost any weight. 
I think I've reached a strange equilibrium with my body - I must be doing just enough sport to work off the sheer amount of food/alcohol I am ingesting.

I'm writing this whilst eating a 'sushi burrito'... it's basically a California roll, but the size of a burrito. It's for greedy people.

5. Seen or eaten said 'sushi burrito'
'nuff said. :-)
 
6. Had a conversation about whether a live-in helper would be justifiable just for a dog or whether you'd need to have kids to really make it worthwhile. 
The question of whether it would be financially viable doesn't seem to come in to it over here. It's weird NOT to have a helper or cleaner. 

7. Gone out drinking three nights in a row before a race.
I thought London was bad for drinking. Imagine London in the summer... (yes I know it's not that easy, but try!)... now imagine if that 'It's-so-sunny-we-must-have-drinks-whilst-it's-sunny' feeling lasted all year round... 
Add in the obligatory 'you-must-say-yes-to-everything' stage we are in as new expats... 
And basically my liver isn't my biggest fan right now.

8. Realised I was actually born a giant.
I'd like to point out I'm 5'8'', with size 4 feet... I'm not exactly Brigitte Nielson.
On the plus side, I can see whether people have bald spots and/or dandruff and spot my husband easily from across the room. This comes in handy when locals are chatting him up... 'Hi, I'm his wife... what's that on your head?'

9. Drank iced coffee. 
After the rice cooker, this might be the best invention ever. It has actually replaced my addiction to diet coke. I didn't think that was possible. 
Emma, please forgive me.

10. Kept a paper diary, in a vain attempt to stay organised.
And still managed to double book myself.... apparently the trick is to read the damn thing. Oh, and apparently writing things in it is even more helpful.

And what are the top things that the Frenchman has experienced that are different?

1. Dressed according to what clothes will show sweat the least.
2. Dressed according to what clothes will show sweat the least.
3.Dressed according to what clothes will show sweat the least.
4. Dressed according to what clothes will show sweat the least.
5. Dressed according to what clothes will show sweat the least.
6.Dressed according to what clothes will show sweat the least.
7. Dressed according to what clothes will show sweat the least.
8. Dressed according to what clothes will show sweat the least.
9. Dressed according to what clothes will show sweat the least.
10. Dressed according to what clothes will show sweat the least.

It's such a hard life, this culture-shock malarky ;-)

N