Strangers in a strange land #2

A collection of items too short for their own posts (29)

What’s In A Name?

When I tell someone my name, I say Amy. Amy is not a normal name here. So I need to spell it. When I go to say A, well, if I say A the way we say A, they’ll think E. So I have to say E. M is fine. Phew! But Y. Well, they don’t have the letter Y in their alphabet. I get to say Ipslon.

Linens

When is a queen bed not a queen bed?
When you’re in Europe.
Beds are not US sizes. Most are EU sized. Ours is two twin bed smashed together, which, apparently, is common. As there are multiple sizes of twin beds, we had to arrive and measure before looking into sheets. Which led to The Gap. Not the clothing store, but the one between the beds that makes for a great place to trap a paw, and a guarantee we sleep separately on the gigantic bed. The bed, like most beds here, is firm. Quite firm. Not as firm as many beds here, but enough to send us running to a chiropractor. So we got a gigantic memory foam mattress topper. Covers the gap and is softer. Of course it’s sagging already, but hey.

Sheets are also strange. They are either slimy feeling or rough. We have now been through 4 sheet sets seeking something, anything that feels like a Target sheet. Since most stores do not accept returns - OOPS - this has been a challenge. Some bedding is sealed up in plastic so you can’t feel it, which is smart since it feels awful.

Apparently wash cloths are verboten. Simply not sold here, and if you ask for them they look at you funny. We haven’t found terry cloth dish towels yet either. ·

Cookie Monster

Every. Single. Website. asks you for approval of cookies. US websites that our laptops have already used? Hang on, fill out the form first. Want to check the weather? Fill out the form. Google a question? Forms.

Customer Service

Museum call: we had a number and an extension. Thank heavens a person answered so I could tell her the number - in Portuguese, of course. I was bursting with pride when I successfully finished the 5 digit number (for a small museum *rolling eyes*). Unfortunately she then said, uh, um, no. ????. She gets across no, she cannot make connections. She just answers the phone. ...Then how do we connect with this person? Oh, no, she cannot do that.  

Serving Sizes

Most foods we buy in the grocery are new to us. No buying pasta and red sauce. So we’re reading a lot of labels. For each and every one of those the serving size is 100 grams. Popcorn or cheese? Serving size is 100 grams

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To Nod Or Not To Nod

You know how when you pass someone on the sidewalk, you make eye contact and nod? Maybe say hello? It’s just the norm. Sadly, not here. You do not acknowledge people you are passing. Societal norms are fascinating, aren’t they?

NIF

You’re thinking, huh? That’s the Numero Fiscal, or fiscal number you apply for so you can make transactions in the country. Want to buy a house/rent a flat? You’ll need a NIF. Also, for tax purposes, you can note every time time you buy something. So every single time you buy something you’re asked to give it. Or not. Sometimes you have to ask to give it. Before a certain point in the transaction. In Portuguese.