One thing i must mention before i go is about some of the other people in the group. This is just a quick one, but ill explain.
As i said yesterday, its incredible to think of all the people im meeting. And especially to think of their own identity. Part of this is a national identity. Im really surprised how much of this identity comes through in people from around the world. I will explain.
You meet what has been collectively grouped - The South Americans. This includes the mexicans. These people are all wilder than a bunch of cut snakes. I mean really nuts. Its never too late to party, rules mean nothing, and funnily enough, it is these guys who never seem to get in trouble! But really they segregate themselves from the others mainly because everyone else has a hard time keeping up!
Then theres the Aussies. We are pretty laid back, nothing much bothers us, and nothing much causes a stir. We like to spend time together, but at the same time, not as close as the Latinos. We are sensible, but at the same time, i think its our cheek that is always getting us in trouble.
Then the New Zealanders. Umm, there isnt really much to say. They love rugby and think we talk strange. Haha, nah just joking guys, these three (Justin, Matt, and Kate) are a really great bunch, and very easy to get along with.
Then there is the Americans. Now i hate to generalise, but when i meet people like Chase, the American stereotype is given meaning.It is people like him who outline such a stereotype. Its not that i hate him or love him, he is just, and here i go generalising, way too American for me. Its not the fact that, 'everything here is no good because its not like at home', or 'I cant understand why they wouldnt have subway'. This i can deal with. But when i was talking to him about rugby, i was never good enough. I couldnt get a word in edgewise because 'American football is so much harder' and 'you would die if you played it'. And this is coming from someone i later found out has never ever played any type of football. It was just the feeling that everything was always bigger and better in the states. And because Australia, and Austria for that matter, are not like the States then the States are better. I dont have time for people like that. I dont hate him, but im not going to walk to the other side of the room to start a conversation.
I know its a pretty poor swipe at someone, and a bit unfair, considering the other Americans are the nicest, and broadest people you will ever meet. But it really annoys me that people like him never even consider what it is like outside his square. I feel like asking him why exactly he came to Austria in the first place.
Yes its my first grumble, but whats a year without its ups and downs.
Paz