Moving across the world...well just to DC for now

I have gotten multiple comments about us moving across the world, and the "culture shock" and dealing with all the changes and ways that people do things. I know it might be a struggle at times for sure. However, I like to remind myself that I've already done it to different degrees many times before. My new realization, in observing things here in DC is that you can experience "culture shock" even when you just move to a new state:) While we are still here, in the United States, our fabulous capital to be exact... we have encountered several things that have made me question where indeed in the world we are living! I'm kidding of course, but truly, even here I have made some fun observations about DC area living. Some good, some bad, some just odd. I thought I'd share some of them with you here today.

1.We are in a major city, yet I am not not the least surprised anymore when the restaurant or store I am at only takes cash. (also toll roads and parking lots) Now we always make sure we have at least some!

2. They have a strict no eating or drinking policy on the public transportation system that is actually enforced. Good for them I guess. I hear even a sippy cup can be bad news.

3. They like to think of themselves as a place that doesn't really get a lot of snow, even not including this year though...I think they get a decent amount. (This year of course they are the snowiest city in the country!!) They should just accept it.

4. It is near impossible to find Velveeta Cheese. I have found some Velveeta Shells and Cheese packs, but not the actual cheese. Sad. If anyone knows of where I can buy some, please let me know!

5. The museums and most of the amazing and cools things to see here are free! Love it.

6. Their metro system is really very clean and efficient. Also, most of the stations have escalators and elevators! yay for mommys with small children. unlike some other cities I have been in.

7. There are hardly any Wal-Marts. I have yet to lay my eyes on one. Noah found one when we needed to return something we had boughten there before Christmas, but it was like 20 minutes away and pretty complicated to find.

8. There are tons of Targets though! Yay for me. I love Target.

9. If it is going to snow people stick up their windshield wipers so they won't freeze to the window or something. Then after it snows it looks like all the cars have these little antennas sticking out through the snow. It is kind of cute, and makes me laugh.

10. You MUST pay attention to the road signs here. I have never seen a place like this. They have tons of roads that you can't turn on during certain hours, and lanes that aren't really lanes except during certain times. Maybe most cities are like that, I don't know. But for me it is weird. They also have lots of HOV on and off ramps. That has worked out well for us!

So anyway, just a few of my tidbits on DC living. Things that I have found to be new or different. We love it here though. We are so lucky, and I can't wait to experience even more of this great place!