11.00am

 

There I was, siitting at the bus stop, reading a book, when the bus came. I realised it all too late....but then a strange and unexpected thing happened. The bus driver must've thought - 'Hmm, woman sitting at bus stop reading. Chances are she has come to catch a bus, not to sit and read. I'd better pull in and wait until she realises I am here.' Now, those of you who have had no experience of UK public transport may think that I am being sarcastic. Nope. not a bit- go and try the buses in the UK, then you'll understand exactly why I was so amazed...

Can opener mission completed and I managed it without too much of the 'Rabbit in headlights' feeling. I have discovered that being in a city as a tourist allows one to retain an element of insulation from the realities of being an Auslander. Now that I live in Zürich I am all too aware of my handicaps. Take currency, for example. I have to check every coin when I am buying something. I feel really stupid, not being able to just look at a coin and know its value. Or, when I'm on a bus/tram and they start making announcements about problems with the transport system....

Never mind, I'm sure it'll all fall into place. In about 3 years!

Still here....

 

....just surrounded by boxes.