This important cross cultural experience has taught us many things....
Not all taps turn on anticlockwise and no matter how hard you turn them the wrong way nothing happens (as far as water is concerned that is) but some do turn on anticlockwise and they work fine.
I recall reading in a toilet somewhere "Adjust clothing before leaving". Never paid much attention to that before but now realize what sage advice it was! When the temperature plunges make sure everything is covered before venturing out. Once you are put there it is too late! Rug up inside.
Minus 10, 20 or 25 are not as bad as 0 with a stiff breeze, wind chill is not a myth.
Ears and noses can get very cold and while you can cover ears, noses present much more of a challenge.
A moustache is a mixed blessing it keeps a bit of the face warm but can accumulate "condensate" (don't ask).
Don't try and get a taxi when the bus drivers are on strke.
When using a motion (pun intended) detector flushing toilet keep very still only one flush per customer.
Brown paper cannot be used to dry hands however environmentally friendly it may be!
The cold will always find the bit not covered.
Slippery looking bits of pavement might not be and vice versa.
Falling snow is lovely and you can walk in it for hours and not get wet!
It doesn't matter how many times you look for cars on the right when starting to cross the road they still come from the left.
Very aged parents' comment: Good to hear from you and to know all that journeying has not proved fruitless. Stuff learned in the cold however is likely to do you little good in Sydney steam.
ReplyDeleteWe note your concern about coffee in various comments- none has yet mentioned Pablo coffee. I wouldn't be surprised if Milton hadn't referred to it in 'Paradise Lost'.
At present we are agonising in front of the telly as Oz seeks for one more wicket to win against RSA. So far they have won the last two tests. We have to get this for the sake of pride.
All the best - Ian and Ruth
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