Culture Shock

Wow. So I've been here for six days and I've learned so much. When we arrived last Thursday we met about 15 family members. Three speak English. There was a lot of hand motions and pointing happening. Then Friday we left for the village. Six hours up a mountain, winding streets, and a ton of Berber being spoken is not my idea of a "nice drive." We left the village on Saturday and went to the beach until today. I have learned so much and I've only been here for six days. There is no way I could tell you everything I've learned and experienced but I've listed some things below. Enjoy!

Sleeping on a plane is not fun, at all.
When you go to the village you are not supposed to wear a glitter shirt, a skirt, and rainbows.
My family is so welcoming. They are the nicest people I have ever met, hands down.
After a while, language isn't a barrier anymore.
Algerians are the worst drivers and they pay 300 to learn to drive like that. Seriously, I needed an air sick bag driving around Algiers today.
You think that's what you're eating for dinner, as it turns out more food is coming your way.
I will never, ever get used to the bathroom here, a.k.a. the hole in the ground.
I get my laugh from my Aunt Farida.
There is no A/C here. They own A/C units; but never turn them on.
Dessert is fruit, and it is awesome.
It sounds like everyone is yelling, but really they are just talking about the weather.
Everyday at 5:00 we drink coffee and eat cake.
There is a police checkpoint every three miles and they carry machine guns.
Everyone can tell we are Americans. Everyone.
Sahra can milk a cow. I can't.
Sometimes the electricity goes out, it happens.
I understand my dad a whole lot more now.

I will try to update more frequently but there is no telling what my family has planned for us.