Transition to Tucson

I thought I'd share a few more anecdotes relating to our transition back to American life.

So mid-last week, we decided on a quick snack at Taco Bell. After enjoying our lovely meal, Arun gets up and walks out the door. Noticing that I wasn't right behind him, he puts his head back in.... and I watch as his perplexity is replaced with the realization that no- in fact, they do NOT bus your trays for you here like they did in fast food places in Ukraine.

Secondly- we've faced some sticker shock. After spending a few hours in the MVD (when did they change this from DMV??) Arun nearly fell out of his chair upon hearing we owed the state $470 in car registration fees and taxes. The clerk seemed somewhat smug when she announced, "Arizona has one of the highest fees in the country." That's something to be proud of? At least their license plates are pretty.

Perhaps, what's struck me a lot is when Arun has asked sales clerks and cashiers if they 'accept credit cards' and gets a look of absolute bewilderment in return. I'm sure they're wondering what cave he just crawled out of!

The last tidbit I'll share is our transition to life in Tucson/Arizona/Southwest. Afterall, Arun's biggest adjustment is the fact that we're not living in his beloved Dallas/Texas/Collin County.

For some reason, the stuff West Coasters tend to LOVE are just not striking a chord with Arun. His first experience walking into Trader Joe's? He didn't seem impressed. When he told me he was craving a milkshake, I insisted he try In n' Out. Verdict? Still not impressed.
What??!
Yet, he'll get excited about finding the most random things in Tucson. Sit-down Pizza Huts for example have sent him into a giddy tizzy. Seeing that there was a Benihana in town was exciting news. And of course the local Indian, Vietnamese, Sushi, Teppan, dim sum and Korean places have recently passed the test. The only letdown so far? Apparently- no Krispy Kremes in town. I think he'll live.

As for me. Let me tell you how nice it was when I found the local NPR station. And I've already scouted my little independant film theater. I'm home!