Day 5

Lobster is yummy. Looking like a lobster is not. In our attempt to get some colour on our "winter-white" bodies, we're looking a little rouge. Ryan is sporting the "Tourist Tan" (his body is burned where his hands could not reach to apply sunscreen [middle of back] as well as areas he thought were covered, but were missed [i.e. ankles, one shoulder]). I did use sun screen, but did not reapply. There's a reason that people ask me if I'm [insert preferred ethnicity here] (I've gotten Greek, Italian, Spanish, Mexican, and even Filipino). I have dark skin. I don't burn. Except for earlier today. It's almost bedtime, though, and the burn is almost all tan. I'm sure I'll regret not reapplying sunscreen when I'm 45 and look like a California raisin, but for now, I'll thank my Hungarian genes. The boys looked like mimes as they headed outside today - that baby sunscreen takes forever to absorb. Thankfully, they're still pasty white.

Today we played around outside, met our neighbours (who later brought us fresh mussels and shrimp!), and did some groceries where I made friends with some locals. I'm still amazed* at some people's preconceptions of Canada. Here's the exchange I had earlier today at the Food Lion...oh, a preamble. I pulled out my VISA to pay, and the cashier asked me for identification because I was buying wine. I looked at her like she had just proposed to me. With glistening eyes and a huge smile, I breathlessly said, "Yes! Oh yes...thank you!" and handed her my licence. The middle-aged man behind me (I can only assume) noticed that I wasn't from around here. And here we go...

Man: Where y'all from?

Me: Canada!

Man: What part?

Me: Nova Scotia!

Man: Yeah, I know where that's at on a map, but, heh-heh, you know I don't really know.

Me: Oh...it's on the east coast...right on the ocean!

Man: Must've been a long drive for you with the baby and all. [I had Oliver with me]

Me: Yeah, it took us three days. We have 2 other little ones, so it seemed longer than it was.

Man: I bet. So this weather and people must be quite a culture shock for y'all...[Was this a question? A statement? Hmmm...best just agree with whatever he says and say 'Have a nice day, eh?']

Me: Well, it is getting warmer at home. We'll be in shorts and t-shirt before you know it!

Man: Really? Wow! That's great I had no idea. Well, y'all enjoy the other culture while you're here then!

Me: Yes, thanks.

'Other culture'? Like the pelicans? Maybe I'm missing something, but we're in a beach resort town in North America, no? We have beaches in Nova Scotia too, and I'm pretty sure the culture's the same. I find it humorous** that some people still think it's still winter year 'round, or that Canada is one homogenous population, where we likely know all other Canadians (no, Man did not say this, but I have experienced it).

Tomorrow's weather forecast is rain. Wednesday: rain. Thursday: more rain. Let's hope the weather's as accurate in NC as it is in NS.

TODAY'S GRADE: A+

__________

*I'm not amazed.

**I don't find it humorous at all.