hot here is different from hot there
Today the heat index is nearly 100 degrees. And I'm wondering, when I lived in Prague, it was easily this hot and I didn't mind. I'd sit for hours in sweaty-ass cafes with the laptop, writing whatever and drinking wine, red wine no less, the air all hot and thick and that was a little slice of heaven. Here, in Chicago, I find myself planning my day around air conditioning: does X place have ac? No? We should go to Y then. So I'm asking: what's the difference? It's not a humidity thing--Czech Republic and the Midwest are pretty balanced so far as weather goes, so I'm guessing it's in my head. It's the American vrs. the European mentality? When I first got back to the States last December I certainly anticipated the expected culture shock, but everything started moving so fast (find an apartment, semesters beginning at both schools, etc.) that I missed a lot of it. But now, summer-break, I'm feeling it. I'm feeling ... American-y. And I'm feeling like that's a problem. Maybe it's time to take off again? Except I've only sat still now for six months.
Comments
I am the same way with nice people. Hmmm...in Europe everyone is nice...hmm..in the U.S. everyone wants to run me over with their taxi cab...
I am feeling europ-y...
Posted by: Byron | June 28, 2005 4:03 PM
Yes ... BUT, as you yourself admit, you're a magnet for the nasty people. Such as the little girl who told you to go fuck yourself 'cause you didn't have cash to buy her Support My Girl Scout cookies or whatever they were. If I had said go fuck yourself to a guy who didn't buy MY Girl Scout cookies, my daddy woulda kicked the CRAP out of me!
(actually, no he wouldn't have. He doesn't believe in violence. But the talking-to I'd of got would've made me kick the crap out of mySELF)
Posted by: Megan | June 28, 2005 5:53 PM
No it is not time for you to leave the country again missy, we like having you here. I can relate to the AC thing though, I've been locked in my bedroom for days.
Posted by: Betsy | June 29, 2005 6:56 AM