Another country #5

Last night we had the pleasure of not having to stay up till 5.30 in the morning to watch history happen in the U.S. and we've had quite a week of cultural difference to experience too.

Halloween. I don't think you have to look much further than the picture of my dressed up as Frankenstein to see that we are all experiencing new things over here. The children went to school in costume and then visited a Haunted House set up in the school by parents (hence my new look). In the evening we arrived round at our friends' house to go trick or treating with the little Halloween cans they used last year in England and were roundly poo-pooed. As quick as a flash, the little Braithwaites were fitted out with an empty pillow case each and an HOUR of trick or treating later, they were bulging at the seams (that's the pillow cases, not the kids). The House at school was a bit too scary for Max and the adults in costume in their homes worried Dominic. Maddie had a blast.

Bonfire Night. As I type this, I realise that it is nearly 8.30 at home. I can close my eyes and picture the bright colours streaking the sky, almost feel the heat licking my skin from hot orange bonfire flames and hear the bangs and pops scaring dogs, cats and small children all over the place. And then I can open my eyes and see the sun shining in a cloudless sky on a day where it was warm enough to eat my lunch outside in the garden with the squirrels. It's almost too bizarre.

Language. Our "English, but not English" experience continues. This week I have learnt that kittycross means diagonal (!!) and that saying "see you at half-five" to someone is not a phrase that conveys any useful meaning. I have given up saying sweets and formally adopted "candy" into my vocabulary although I am still holding out on calling football, football and not soccer - whatever Dominic says.

There was supposed to be more of this but it is time I went to school to get the boys. Now where have I left my shades.....