Living in a new exotic place can be exciting. I saw new things and I changed in a very subtle way. Nothing is earth shaking about it, my way of life and values remain the same, but I am not the person I was a year back.
Some memorable moments were:
One day in the tram
I boarded the tram that used to circle the city. Since I don't work full time, I am usually never in a hurry. The tram had changed the route a little bit from that day.
People are usually quiet in this country. A tourist was busy looking at a map. Then he said, "I dont know where I am!" The lady next to him spoke very calmly, "we are all a little confused today. Its the first time the tram is taking this route". If this had happened in my home country, there would be people shouting at the driver, and tempers flaring. Yet over here, there was patience and calmness!
Shopping
My mom bought a sweater for my dad. Five minutes later she liked another one better. She returned the previous one and bought the other one.... in 5 minutes. And the lady at the counter was smiling when she returned the money.
Taxes
I filed my taxes for the previous year in 3 minutes over the phone.
Opera
I saw the Opera for the first time in my life. 70% of the ticket price was paid by the government.
Lost
I have lost and recovered items from the bus twice.
And then it came to an end!
