For example, when the ball drops in New York City on New Year's Eve. Originally I thought that say in Hawaii, where the population is 5 hours behind Eastern Standard Time, that they couldn't watch the ball drop until midnight their time. Not just that they couldn't watch it on the television, but that it actually wasn't even an event that had happened for those poor Polynesians.
I promise I'm not actually this dumb... After these 3 weeks though, Emily might fight me on that one as she's been introduced to my lack of geographical knowledge (yet another lovely trait from my mother). But it is a really interesting concept, that no matter where you are, when an even takes place who's time is it on?
Wednesday morning, at 9:30, I awoke to a picture of a family friends barn engulfed in flames. My mom had just sent it at 3:30 her time. This doesn't mean that for me the fire had been already burning for 6 hours, and in this moment it sank in that no matter what my watch says, it's still the same time, real time, on my mom's left wrist too.
This phenomenon, if you can call it that, has been on my mind especially since this week is the 11th Anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Having friends from all over the world now (I'm cooler than you, it's alright) I was really quite curious to inquire what 9/11 felt like for non-Americans.
Were they affected?
How did they find out?
When did they find out?
Are they taught about this historical event in school?
Their responses were just like any American might answer these questions; it was terrifying and sad, the images and videos were all over the news, they found out during school or from their parents in the afternoon, and it's still fresh in the minds of citizens everywhere. So, even though it was around 3 or 4 in the afternoon in Amsterdam when our country was attacked, it was just as ground breaking, just as earth shattering as it was at 9:30 in NYC, or 4:30 in Hawaii.
And just like at home, the English channels screened 9/11 memorial programming all week, but unlike at home, there were no American flags flying at half mass, or special moments of silence, or somber conversations about "Where were you?..." It was a very foreign feeling remembering September 11th across the globe, but we wore our stars and stripes, and discussed our feelings together just like we would be at home.
So, whether or not you've been following my Facebook stati (what is the plural of status? anybody?) you might have sensed a little tension I've been having with the manners, or lack there of, that are shared in this lovely country. Well I've got a couple stories for you to chuckle at while you finish your snack pak.
This morning I needed to return the Spanish book that I won't be needing for this semester anymore, and had been informed that as long as it arrived back within 2 weeks, that I would receive a full refund. Oh I'm sorry, I guess in America we don't consider a piece of cardstock with a dollar amount, a scribble, and the condition that said paper can only be exchanged in the bookstore for another textbook, a refund.
I tried to keep my cool as I explained to the cashier (who wouldn't even look me in the eye) that I wouldn't be needing any other textbooks and that I would be needing my cash money back. He impolitely informed me again of the condition of the white slip and went back to work. Alright all I'm sayin' is that if my customer service lovin' mama were up in here, that guy would have got his ass handed to him on a piping hot silver platter of choice words.
Again with the rudeness, oh you'll love this one. So Em and I hit the VU cafeteria for lunch today. The food is actually pretty decent, and while they have quite a few choices, the area just isn't big enough for the hungry herd they see every afternoon around 1 o'clock when classes are letting out. We quietly gathered our plates and trays and got into the long hot-food line. Then, out of nowhere, Dutch girls kept standing to our left as if they were just going to hop in front of us in line! I'm sorry but I have been waiting for 15 minutes sister, you're not about to take those last frites! I'm not kidding you there was shoving involved! And cursing for all I know, damn Dutch language.
This is one of those things like if you say "Excuse me," "Please," or "Thank you," I'd be more than happy to let you squeeze in to grab some soup and be on your way. But when you're just hovering there expecting me to move, obvious to the fact that I'm clearly not Dutch, I think that's a bit ridiculous. Seriously this no-smiling, every man for himself attitude is up to my ear lobes.
But, here's a cheerer upper, Emily and I booked our flight and hostel for Dublin, Ireland next weekend! I am seriously so freaking excited for this excursion. Ireland has always been a big dream of mine, and even though I've known I'd be living in Europe for months now, I never thought we'd be able to make this dream a reality. My great-grandparents Fagan came over from Ireland, so I've got some history there too! And hey, who knows maybe I'll write my own P.S. I Love You while we're there? Only time will tell :)
Also on the radar are London, Scotland, Barcelona, Munich, and possibly even Paris and Rome! Now I know everyone is always like, "Oh my gosh it's like super easy and cheap to travel around Europe!" But while it might be easy, it's really not as cheap as I was expecting. This has been difficult for me to factor into my fickle, financial stressed brain, but I'm trying to take on the 'When in Rome' attitude, because I know I'll never have this opportunity again, and who knows when or if I'll ever be back in Europe.
Well folks, I hope that you have enjoyed this update from whatever time zone you find yourself in, and that it has found you well. God bless, and keep the prayers, e-mails, and life updates comin'!
xoxo,
Jessie
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