So I’ve been in Europe a little over a week and in Lithuania for a week. There hasn’t been any literal lightning here. However, there have been several culturally electrifying differences between Malawi and Lithuania. Here are 11 shocking differences:
1. In Africa you wear as little clothing as is culturally acceptable. In Europe you wear ALL your clothing.
2.Showers are from a faucet with warm water! No more lukewarm bucket showers in the bush!
3. We are no longer mazungas with celebrity status. In Lithuania we blend in with the crowd unnoticed. It’s actually strange to not be stared at constantly.
4. Tents are useless now, but sleeping bags are like gold. No more sleeping under the stars. Now we look forward to the warmth of our sleeping bags.
5. The sight of mud huts and outdoor markets has been replaced by castles, cathedrals, and large shopping malls.
6. One of the things I missed the most was toilet seats and toilet paper in bathrooms! It’s great to have them back!
7. I’m often pleasantly surprised to find my feet, clothes, general living area, and contacts case do not have sand in them.
8. I’ve come to miss the beautiful blue sky of Africa.
9. Living with 6 people is not very many compared to the 40 people last month.
10. A taxi is not a flatbed truck that can fit your whole squad, but a sedan with seatbelts that accepts 4 passengers maximum.
11. The meaning of good drinking water used to mean purified water. Now it means still water rather than sparkling water. Always look at the label, otherwise you will be in for quite a shock!
