More lessons learned

We made popcorn at home last week for a movie night. This was a big deal in our house -- we don't have a microwave, and this used to be the only way we knew how to make popcorn. Microwaves are not as popular here in Switzerland; it is more common for homes to have a steamer appliance. We have missed having popcorn at home, but it wasn't until recently that we thought to try making "homemade" popcorn. It was very easy to do, and the kids enjoyed watching it pop on the stove! We all agree that fresh popcorn is so much better (and healthier too). This is just one small example of how being outside of our comfort zone has forced us to learn something new.

Over the last three years, I've published a few lists of our lessons learned as an ex-pat. Many of the lessons have been focused on learning the language and settling in a foreign country. I continue to learn new things every week, and when we eventually move, I think living in an American community will feel very "easy", because we will not need to overcome language barriers or learn new customs. One example of learning local customs happened at a work dinner this past week. I already knew that it is very important to look someone in the eyes when you toast, but I also learned that it's bad luck to "clink" your glass with someone who has water in their glass. (Alcohol goes with alcohol, and water with water.) And when there are more than six people in a group, don't clink all the glasses. I really enjoy learning about traditions that are different from my own. Zum Wohl! Cheers!

Another valuable lesson for all of us is learning about different places in the world. My kids have a much broader geography awareness than I did at their age. We recently visited the island of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands. It is a group of islands off the northwest coast of Africa, and part of Spain. We guess that not many Americans visit the islands based on people's reaction when they asked where we were from; most visitors are European. As we walked through town to dinner every night, we passed one restaurateur who would greet us with: "The AWESOME American family". Yes, American English is known for the word awesome -- the boys picked up on this and now we hear it around the house all the time!

Fuerteventura was a relaxing vacation with trips to beautiful beaches (The sand is often reported to be blown over from the Sahara, but this is apparently only a rumor). The food was wonderful -- mostly Spanish influenced with local fish. The adults enjoyed the tradition of a house specialty digestive after dinner every night (and lollipops for the kids)! The Fuerteventura landscape is extremely dry, with volcanic rock from the many volcanoes. Willem had just finished studying volcanoes in school, so this trip was perfect timing to visit them in person! Our trip was a great opportunity to share a new experience with my parents and visit with them. We look forward to more opportunities to learn about new places!