Cultural Adjustment

When I visit my home country, it requires adjustment. It is not just a change in scenery, but a way of living and thinking.
TV sets the tone with all the buy, buy, buy commercials. Added value is promoted even at eating establishments. If you order this...you get...extra. The incentive to buy things you don't need permeates society. How many can resist temptation?
Today is Black Friday. Some stores, like Wall Mart, announced they will open at 5:30 AM.

Several days ago I selected a robe for my wife. I was informed that if I applied for the Store's credit card, I would receive an additional 15% discount. So I did. The lady serving me saw my drivers license and said, "You were born in 1939. You are younger than me. I was born in 1936." Couldn't help wonder if she needed to work or if it was something for her to do. She also helped me fill out the electronic form, and where it indicated income/salary, she advised that I use the figure of $75,000. Sure do wish my social security was that high. It appears that the end result justifies the means.

I enjoyed foods that reminded me of earlier years. I enjoyed the countryside with lots of space between properties, however the "No Trespassing" signs marred the beauty. There's lots to love and not love. We all seek to find a niche that suits.

Enjoyed having Thanksgiving with my daughter and grand kids. Will return to my adopted home a week from today.
The first week of December marks the beginning of the outdoor Christmas markets with all the associated goodies. It is season to be jolly, so I will try to be so.

Good to know you are embracing the Christmas spirit, Abe.

Going "home" is always a cultural adjustment, I think. Whenever I travel the 300 miles eastward to my home town I feel it. The culture of South Central Texas is very different from East Texas - like two different worlds. I enjoy seeing and catching up with old friends and relatives, but I feel out of place, like I've outgrown that small southern town and no longer belong there.

The commercialism of Christmas has been around a long time. You can buy into it (pun intended) or not. We are still free to choose. Personally, I prefer to wait until December to start thinking about Christmas. I don't do Black Friday, and I avoid the malls, so I don't know if SA is into the Ho, Ho, Ho's yet. I haven't noticed any decorations or music in the shops in this area.

Next week? That's a whole other matter. Merry Christmas, Abe and Shelagh!

Ann

Abe,

I am glad you could enjoy the holidays with your daughter.

Times have changed and not always for the better here.

I think the merchants are desperate and that is why they start so early.
Some businesses run in the red until the Christmas season saves them.

Returned this morning to Frankfurt. My welcome was snow. Glad the trip is over. I stood over one hour in line to get through security at Dulles International. At least there are jobs in security services.
Flying today is frustrating and tiresone. In flight services are not what they once were. UAL promotes Economy Plus where you can get an extra 4 inches of leg room for $99 extra. Economy class has been reduced to Peasant class. In the past, international flights offered alcoholic beverages free. Now it costs $7.00 for a beer or a small bottle of wine. Instead of added customer services, there are added fees.

Abe,

Glad you are home safe and sound. You are quite right, flying is a pain in the neck. The leg room is nonexistent, the charges for bags, snacks, etc, ridiculous.

I will fly as little as possible.

Noise. We are surrounded by noise and visual bombardment of marketing efforts. The best is to turn off television, radio and computers and cell phones and drive into the countryside on old roads where only a few signs dot the countryside. Find a lake or a stream, a little old town with slanted parking, a wayside restaurant with oilcloth on the tables. It's possible; just takes intent.

dkchristi wrote:

Noise. We are surrounded by noise and visual bombardment of marketing efforts. The best is to turn off television, radio and computers and cell phones and drive into the countryside on old roads where only a few signs dot the countryside. Find a lake or a stream, a little old town with slanted parking, a wayside restaurant with oilcloth on the tables. It's possible; just takes intent.

Like this one? It's a few miles north of SA, smack in the Hill Country and Texas's best wineries. It's also son-in-law Jimmy's home town:



Lots more about it here. Abe, it even has a "sister" town in Germany.

http://www.fredericksburgtexas-online.com/

Quote :

Texas Hill Country
#1 on The New York Times
"31 Places to Go This Summer"
"Who needs Europe? The Texas Hill Country, west of Austin and north of San Antonio, might be the next best thing to crossing the Atlantic. The region is lush, colorful and, unlike much of the pancake-flat state, dotted with beautiful green hills that are evocative of Tuscany or the south of France. Moreover, the region is speckled with 22 wineries that buzz with food and music festivals year round. And towns like Fredericksburg offer a taste of the Old World, with German-style biergartens and schnitzelhauser. " - The New York Times, Sunday, June 1, 2008

Ann

That's the town...

Ann, What a wonderful town!

My new book is set in this area, between 1820's and 1890's. Actually, it may be a series of books. So far, it's coming together nicely.

Ann

Can't wait for it.

12/4/2010


Where my uncle lives in Hawley, Pa., the town is
5 blocks on each side and less than 2,000 people !

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawley,_Pennsylvania
Cheers..Joe

Thanks Ann. Never heard of Fredericksburg, Texas. Sounds like it retains much of the German culture. I was especially impressed that they were pro-union and didn't break the treaty with the Indians. "A man's word is his bond" is expressed here.

It's such a peaceful place. Just driving through the area makes you feel good. Maybe Enchanted Rock, the setting for my new novel, and just north of Fredricksburg, really is as sacred a place as it's believed to be:


http://www.examiner.com/cultural-events-in-austin/texas-parks-101-what-are-the-state-and-national-parks-central-texas

Ann