27 Sep Lost In Translation

Today I tried to buy a bottle of water, my request was met with a questioning smile; “what?” “Just a bottle of water, please” “what?” “w-ah-ter” “what” “W-AA-TER” “what”, well you get the picture. As English is my first (and ashamedly only) language, I never thought there would be any kind of language barrier in regards to studying in America. However there seems to be a recurring theme of people having no idea what I am saying to them. I seem to understand them just fine, but somewhere along the line my words get lost in translation (so to speak). Somehow my supposedly endearing accent is making even menial tasks an ordeal. Another surprising cultural difference is that it seems that duvet covers (that’s the thing that goes around your big blanket) aren’t a thing in America, not unless you’re very swanky at least. Having searched San Francisco high and low I finally found a duvet cover, for the measly price of just $50 (?!) I am baffled by this, how do you keep your duvet (or comforter… don’t get me started…) clean? Of course I have also spent a lot of time exploring and embracing American culture (aswell as grumbling about the differences) I think one of the best experiences so far has been walking across the Golden Gate Bridge at night. Due to my own stinginess I got the bus back from Sausalito and got off just before the bridge so I didn’t have to pay the toll fare. I walked across the bridge just as the sun was setting, seeing San Francisco light up as the sun went down was breath taking. Something about the fresh air and the sheer height of the bridge made me forget all about my bedding issues. Have a nice day now! (UK: no translation available. The quality or otherwise of your personal day is wholly your own private business. We wouldn’t dream of imposing.)