moving to america

[wayno 9]

I don't think my wife knows what "on time" or early" is. I have always been the early one, which makes me feel pretty stupid when attending get-togethers in Costa Rica, because I wonder if I heard the time right. Of course one or two other "gringos" will usually show up early as well to share the stupidity.

Of course if she is to be ready to go out at a reasonable hour (like 9:00) in the U.S. I need to tell her 7:00. Of course she's catching on to that. In Costa Rica or Colombia things don't start happening untill later, maybe midnight, so she wants to be ready to leave at 11:00. But here in MD the bars close at 2:00. How can I get inibriated and pass out in the bathroom if I don't leave the house till 11:00.

[trillium13 84]

He was also surprise by how expensive veterinary care is in the US.

Si, man -- it's an entire industry. And don't get started on how animals (dogs, cats) are allowed to run loose outside in the home country.

I work in the veterinary field. Trust me, whatever you're paying, it's a good deal. Veterinarians don't get paid by big insurance companies.

I was stunned when I moved to Texas the number of stray (or owned) dogs just running loose. In my whole life in NY I never saw as many dogs dead on the side of the road, as I do here in a month. It's really sad. I personally think it's really inconsiderate, and rather irresponsible, to be letting your pets run wild all over the place.

[thatbritishlass 2]

Oh..I would have no problem with my fiance saying, "Quarter past" or "Quarter of.." but see, in Holland they are on a 24 hour clock. Don't even get me started on trying to figure out when 1600 is. They don't do am/pm there. He says it is less confusing...hmmm....not to me! I mean, if I think about it, I can figure out the conversion...really not hard, but if you aren't use to that it can make ya stop a sec.

-Blu-(currently residing in the State of Confusion)

You get used to the 24hr clock. I (USC) lived in France for a while and actually think the 24hr is better (after I got used to it).

LOL I had an interesting conversation one time when I first had a stint working in Florida (before the existence of the OH ). Cos I think some Americans refer to the 24-hour clock as military time....so someone asked me 'do you guys have military time in England?' and I thought she meant did we do compulsory military service!! That was a bit embarrassing...

So I understand the 24-hour clock but don't use it. That said I did French as a degree and even though I too spent a year living there I still struggle to say times fluently in French as I convert the time into the 24-hour clock and then have to make it come out right in a foreign language

[TBoneTX 45,910]

How can I get inibriated and pass out in the bathroom if I don't leave the house till 11:00.

It's not YOU who is supposed to pass out in the bathroom, no man, but the furriner instead, si man.

[TBoneTX 45,910]

Trust me, whatever you're paying, it's a good deal.

Si, man.

I was stunned when I moved to Texas the number of stray (or owned) dogs just running loose.

In Ecuador, outside of the three largest cities, it's entirely possible that the outdoor dogs & roosters outnumber the people, si man.

I personally think it's really inconsiderate, and rather irresponsible, to be letting your pets run wild all over the place.

100% agreed, si man.

[^KK^ 3]

Ok, after just reading through the "Moving to America" thread, which seems to mostly address the now spouse who arrived from abroad, I would love to see a thread about the challenges of adjusting to the person who is adjusting to the US and us!!!! As many of you can probably attest, it can be a bit hard to keep up the sympathetic, caring side after a while, but letting some of our close friends or family know that may not be a good idea-- We just want to vent a bit, but not give damaging impressions of our spouses to those around us. So let's have it out! Come on, if your spouse has been getting on your nerves let's hear about here, in a safe, non-judging forum. It would be nice to hear that others are going thru the same frustrations and ups and downs. Let's share some frustrations and have a few laughs-- some at the crazy things they do and some at ourselves!

Ok here are a few doozies from my husband to start us off----

---After hundreds of dollars spent on driving lessons in his native language, and arranging a test in his language, he failed his first driving test b/c he was so nevous he forgot to turn on the windshield wipers (and it was pouring rain). We had to pay for another test, in another town, and take the time to practice driving in that area.

---In seven months together, we have had a few major holidays and both our birthdays. I understood that he had no money for a present for me, but when he recently went back to his country, it was a bit harder to understand why he needed to buy presents for one person after another, and their children, when he is not working yet and we can't afford it. A discussion on the matter led to a meltdown on his part.

--Once back in his country, and having a great time seeing all his friends and family, he kicked a soccer ball through a karaoke bar window (by accident), costing us $100.

I'm looking forward to reading what you want to unleash :-0 :-)

Same thing happen to my husband. I was so dissappointed. He could've totally passed if could get around the nerves.

[champi 13]

I don't think my wife knows what "on time" or early" is. I have always been the early one, which makes me feel pretty stupid when attending get-togethers in Costa Rica, because I wonder if I heard the time right. Of course one or two other "gringos" will usually show up early as well to share the stupidity.

Of course if she is to be ready to go out at a reasonable hour (like 9:00) in the U.S. I need to tell her 7:00. Of course she's catching on to that. In Costa Rica or Colombia things don't start happening untill later, maybe midnight, so she wants to be ready to leave at 11:00. But here in MD the bars close at 2:00. How can I get inibriated and pass out in the bathroom if I don't leave the house till 11:00.

Hilarious.. More so because it is so true for the region of India I am from. In fact, it's standard to arrive 2-hours late from the given time. This is of course not true for entire country, just a tiny-lil west part of India If they say wedding is going to start at 10, just know that it will start at 12. It becomes a talk of the town if everything goes as scheduled

[Nik+Heather 121]

I think it must be worse to deal with when things start in America than other countries where every thing is late. We don't do anything consistently!

Here are the general rules that I keep myself. I haven't been wrong yet!!!!

Weddings: They may not start at the time stated, but that's no excuse for not being in your seat 10-15 minutes before the stated time!

Dinner Invitations at someone's home: Arrive between 0 - 15 minutes after the stated time to avoid delaying the planned start of the meal. (When issuing the invitation, I give two times, the time I will be ready to receive guests - say 6pm, and the time I plan to start the meal - say 7pm)

Dinner Invitations at a restaurant: Arrive as close to the stated time as possible.

Invitations to parties where specific activities are planned (ie a shower): Arrive between 5-15 minutes after the stated time.

Invitations to parties or general open house events: Arrive any time after the stated time, generally around 30 - 45 minutes after. I you're early, drive around the block!! If there is an end time to the event, say your good byes to the host and leave 10 +/- 5 minutes before the time.

Oh, and the more people invited, the looser the time table (excepting weddings) the fewer the people, the closer to on time you should arrive.

Nik is very good about being on time so far. I'm pleased!

Here's another one, what do you bring with you when invited to someone's house? I know there are some differences between us and Europe, but I don't know about other parts.

Edited June 2, 2009 by Nik+Heather

[Mrs.J06 4]

I think it must be worse to deal with when things start in America than other countries where every thing is late. We don't do anything consistently!

Here are the general rules that I keep myself. I haven't been wrong yet!!!!

Weddings: They may not start at the time stated, but that's no excuse for not being in your seat 10-15 minutes before the stated time!

Dinner Invitations at someone's home: Arrive between 0 - 15 minutes after the stated time to avoid delaying the planned start of the meal. (When issuing the invitation, I give two times, the time I will be ready to receive guests - say 6pm, and the time I plan to start the meal - say 7pm)

Dinner Invitations at a restaurant: Arrive as close to the stated time as possible.

Invitations to parties where specific activities are planned (ie a shower): Arrive between 5-15 minutes after the stated time.

Invitations to parties or general open house events: Arrive any time after the stated time, generally around 30 - 45 minutes after. I you're early, drive around the block!! If there is an end time to the event, say your good byes to the host and leave 10 +/- 5 minutes before the time.

Oh, and the more people invited, the looser the time table (excepting weddings) the fewer the people, the closer to on time you should arrive.

Nik is very good about being on time so far. I'm pleased!

Here's another one, what do you bring with you when invited to someone's house? I know there are some differences between us and Europe, but I don't know about other parts.

Hey this is cool - thank you! I'll have to print this out and keep it, since my husband is so useless

So far, I have mostly been invited for a specific purposes (like a wine pairing) and was always asked to bring something according to the occasion. I'd be interested in finding out what is considered "appropriate", too. I have once been invited to a colleague's house and was planning on bringing a bottle of German wine, only to find out (in time, thank goodness!) that he was a reformed alcoholic. I won't plan on bringing alcohol any more....

[Gemmie 142]

I personally think it's really inconsiderate, and rather irresponsible, to be letting your pets run wild all over the place.

Not if your cat isn't stupidly exploring the road.. I've never known anyone in the UK to have problems with their cat being killed outside because they naturally stay away from it. I have however known several people in the US who have had their cat killed because of this. So when I get a cat in the US, it will be indoor.

[letty 1]

Just wait till you start talking about something like for example 4.30 pm. In Dutch you say half of five while Americans/English say half past four. Still confuses me if I don't pay enough attention!

Make sure you take time to explain your money system here. To Dutch people it is very, very confusing how you still use checks! Last time I had seen them was when my mom used them when I was a little kid. I still don't know how to fill one out or deposit one.

What still gets me going is the greeting here in Texas. When people walk of and say: "have a good one". Always wondering what that "one" is supposed to mean. Why can't you just say have a good day?!

Letty

Oh..I would have no problem with my fiance saying, "Quarter past" or "Quarter of.." but see, in Holland they are on a 24 hour clock. Don't even get me started on trying to figure out when 1600 is. They don't do am/pm there. He says it is less confusing...hmmm....not to me! I mean, if I think about it, I can figure out the conversion...really not hard, but if you aren't use to that it can make ya stop a sec.

-Blu-(currently residing in the State of Confusion)

[TBoneTX 45,910]

"have a good one". Always wondering what that "one" is supposed to mean.

"Time, day, experience, hamburger..." You choose what it means, anywhere within the flexibility of the English language, si man.

[Wyld Blu 35]

Just wait till you start talking about something like for example 4.30 pm. In Dutch you say half of five while Americans/English say half past four. Still confuses me if I don't pay enough attention!

Make sure you take time to explain your money system here. To Dutch people it is very, very confusing how you still use checks! Last time I had seen them was when my mom used them when I was a little kid. I still don't know how to fill one out or deposit one.

What still gets me going is the greeting here in Texas. When people walk of and say: "have a good one". Always wondering what that "one" is supposed to mean. Why can't you just say have a good day?!

Letty

Oh..I would have no problem with my fiance saying, "Quarter past" or "Quarter of.." but see, in Holland they are on a 24 hour clock. Don't even get me started on trying to figure out when 1600 is. They don't do am/pm there. He says it is less confusing...hmmm....not to me! I mean, if I think about it, I can figure out the conversion...really not hard, but if you aren't use to that it can make ya stop a sec.

-Blu-(currently residing in the State of Confusion)

I think my fiance was kind of amazed that we still get pay checks. They have their pay direct deposted into the bank. A lot of companies offer that here too, but not all. It is a pain to have to go to the bank every week...I KNOW.

-Blu-(still trying to learn Dutch!)

[trillium13 84]

I personally think it's really inconsiderate, and rather irresponsible, to be letting your pets run wild all over the place.

Not if your cat isn't stupidly exploring the road.. I've never known anyone in the UK to have problems with their cat being killed outside because they naturally stay away from it. I have however known several people in the US who have had their cat killed because of this. So when I get a cat in the US, it will be indoor.

Here where I am, it's not just about roads being a hazard. There is a really sad amount of cat and dog roadkill here, but that's only part of it. There are plenty of dangers in the world for both cats and dogs. For one thing, people don't like to spay or neuter their pets here. This leads to a lot of wandering pets, spread of disease, lots of unwanted litters, and plenty of fighting.

There are diseases cats can get by fighting with and interacting with other cats. They are fatal. I'm not just talking about rabies here.

I think the thing that annoys me the most about this situation is the lack of consideration for neighbors. I don't want other people's cats in my yard-mating, spraying, scratching up my car, killing the pretty birds, harassing my indoor cats. I know of many people with livestock who lose them on a regular basis to free roaming dogs. If I have my dog in my own yard or on my own leash, I don't appreciate other dogs coming onto my property and harassing my pets or crapping on my lawn.

I'll get down from my soapbox now.

Edited June 4, 2009 by trillium13

[reeses16 8]

Time can be a little crazy with us sometimes. Ethiopians have a different time schedule... No, its not the 24 hour, but rather 2, 12-hour periods. I believe the start time of 1 o'clock corresponds to 7:00am. Or something like that. I never really committed it to memory. Anyway, I'll tell my hubby something like, "I have a meeting today at 2" To which he'll respond something like, "why so late? You want to eat dinner before or after?" It comes and goes....lol. It only happens every few months now.