So, after the fortune cookie message (glad many of you read about it), I am now starting Day 5. So far, I've had many realizations, some obvious; others less so. Here's a wee sampling: 1.  Nations may speak the same language (in this case English) but there remain remarkable cultural differences notwithstanding. And some terms are different too: Q-tips are cotton buds is a fun example.  Take Sunday. It is really a day of rest. Many stores and restaurants were closed on and off campus. A day of reflection. I see that cultural sensitivity is needed every minute.  2.  I am apparently hyper-sensitive to being an American given our politics and President. Case in point. I misplaced my hair brush in the move (small but impt. item). I decided a beauty salon was a good place to go to buy a replacement and found one a short car ride from campus.  When they rang up the charges, the brush was over $27 US. Trust me, it was not a fancy brush. I suggested something was wrong with the price and while they were re-assessing the price for me agreeing that it seemed high, I added: "I may be an American but I am not stupid." Really, I said that. Yipes. More as the stay progresses.  I am already seeing that the academic literature read across nations differs vastly. …see more