some differences

i noticed a couple things over the weekend that i now realize we all, in the states, take for granted and thought I'd share.  for instance when we get hot in the states we turn on the air conditioner.  when Bulgarians get hot they turn on the fan, that and suffer.  when i wanted some water when i lived in the states I went to the fridge and put my glass under a spot in the door and presto!  cold water!  now when I want cold water i go to the fridge, i now have, and take water chilling from there.   there is no magic spot.  dogs run loose here and belong to no one.  they mate and have puppies who belong to no one.  it's really kinda sad.  they have to scavenge for food.  and they are the prime carriers of fleas.  another difference i don't even notice now.  i woke up to cars honking driving down the street this past sat.  i automatically thought "oh no!  there's going to be a wedding and that means loud music and i won't be able to sleep."  when people get married they drive their cars down the street, tied with balloons, honking their horns.  there are things about being B. I "just know" and forget that i need to explain this new culture.  something else that is different is that store owners sit outside their stores and smoke or chat until they have a customer.  something else that i am dealing with right now is that when we buy a house in the states we take for granted there are screens in the windows.  i remember how good it feels to have the window open at night and feel the wind blowing,  and get some fresh air.  my windows have not been open for several days because i have no screens and when the windows are open that gives free reign to the mosquitoes and other bugs that eat us alive.  if you want screens, you make them or buy a house with screens which i'm sure costs a lot more.on the other side every mon we have a bazar with fresh fruit, vegetables, and other things you might need.  this am i bought some cucumbers and a strainer to strain my lemon juice in for my continuing battle with fleas.  i also got plenty of lemons.  oh yeah!  here i've been told you don't say hi to someone on the street unless you know them.  sounds kinda strange to me and i have to say i'm not doing a very good job of integrating using this technique!   well I'm off to measure my windows for screens!  do utre!