The weather has been beautiful today. Blue skies, about 75 degrees, low humidity and sunny! A day like this here is as rare as finding someone from Alabama who doesn't say "y'all" at least ten times a day. Speaking of the word "y'all", I've found that this word does not cross over into other languages. I've received many blank stares when "y'all" slips out in conversation with Asian friends. It is a staple in our language like rice is a staple in the food here. I also find myself using the word "maybe" more than I ever thought possible...I've wondered if the way I speak with my Asian friends will permanently mark my jargon. Maybe I think it will.

A random fact: owning a poodle is a status symbol here. I questioned if people actually owned any of the dogs roaming the streets all around this country and I have found that many do! And certain dogs are status symbols even- especially the poodle. Weird. I'm just not sure what makes the poodle a trophy dog. If you own a poodle here, people will charge you more money for anything you want to buy because they see you are "very rich".

Another random fact: everyone here rests in the afternoon after lunch- to the point where you cannot get a taxi and stores shut down so people can take a nap. This is so foreign to Americans. I'm not sure why every other culture in the world values resting during the day - or why they have never eliminated the resting. America makes resting seem like laziness. Thanks America- I have never been able to take a guilt-free nap in my life! And I can't do it here either!