Coffee for Hannah

Despite being fluent in English, in the U.S. I encounter interesting linguistic challenges.  Some relate to my non- American accent. When at a coffee chain, I am getting used to hearing "coffee for Hannah". It is very nice feeling when I manage to buy it under my proper name. 

Today, when talking on the phone with energy company, a helpful speaker wanted to know is it better to say Hel -e- nah, or rather Hey – ley – nah. For some time now, I stopped using my long Polish surname, thereby eliminating the problem of long spelling (S like school, Z like zebra ..)

A few days ago on the bus to Seattle, I asked which stop would be the best to arrive at the center. I was sure that I heard two people saying the name Wesleys. After a few minutes, I saw a sign Westlake Station. Fortunately I asked if I should get off. It turned out that in fact it was the right stop.

Other situations concern different vocabulary. Before going to the U.S., I received a gift - a pocket English dictionary. It was not such an obvious help as it covered translation from American to British. It contained such well-known conversions as store- shop, fall - autumn, movie theater -cinema, yard - garden. From experience I learned that rajtki (for Warsaw readers - rajstopy) are not tights but pantyhose.

One day I told Dean that he should put on a jumper, otherwise he will catch a cold. However, he treated my concern with amazement. It turned out that in American jumper is nothing but a dress. Another time, I asked for a tissue. I quickly realized that in fact I needed a Kleenex.

The American language is full of regional accents, slangs, abbreviations. It also includes words and idioms of e.g. Indian, Jewish, Spanish origin. After experimenting a with menu at a Mexican restaurant, I ended up with small, cold, spicy snacks. They were obviously not suitable for the main course.

It is worth mentioning that US government protects non-English speakers.  To illustrate: I recently I took a driving knowledge test and on request, it was also available in foreign languages.

To finish a small linguistic quiz: A caballero and a mensch were kvetching during a pow wow.What might improve Their mood: chipotle, moccasins or DOA ?

                                         

        

H.

Go Blue !

In Chicago winter has hit fiercely. In California catholic priests pray for rain, and in Bellevue it rains almost every day. However, regardless of the weather, the majority of Americans will stop and watch American football.

I see now many teams banners hung at the shops, and TV presenters wear supporters shirts for a change.  Last Saturday, as part of the National Football League playoffs, our local team Seattle Seahawks played against the New Orleans Saints. The rain on the field was less familiar to the players from Louisiana. The victory led the Seahawks to the Super Bowl semi finals.

We watched the match at our friends taligate party, which loosely means held by the open trunk. It takes place before and during sporting events. What if not a barbecue and good beer will help the determined fan cheer? Remember that a football game lasts about three hours.

For me American football is a sport quite difficult to understand (like baseball, which I had the opportunity to see live) and also too brutal. Nevertheless, the social aspect is undoubtedly its great advantage.

Before the matches the national anthem of the U.S. is sung and, telling from my experience, it really makes an impression. Football attracts fans independent of age, gender, skin color, zip code or vocation. Top athletes are celebrities and often millionaires. It is worth noting that the price of tickets for important games starts at a minimum of two hundred dollars.

The stadiums are very friendly and safe. I have not heard about skirmishes between supporters. Recently I’ve seen a cult American film Invincible. It tells a true story about a player who starts professional football team at the late age of 30. In one scene, main character’s a girlfriend puts on a shirt of her hometown club. Although sitting in section supporting the opposition, she encounters only minor pokes. That is where team antagonisms end.

Yesterday I noticed a blue flag with the number 12 on it. It was attached to a flying  helicopter. By the street blue water was splurging from the fountains.  Let me explain. Each team fields eleven players and twelve symbolizes the fans. Blue is the official color of the team from Seattle. Next Sunday Seahawks will play against San Francisco. Go Blue !

H.

My Movies 2013.

New Year's is just around the corner, and in the United States holidays sales are everywhere you go.  I am enjoying the beautiful weather and picturesque sunsets. As I am not far from Hollywood, I decided to review a few American films that had their premiere in 2013.

Yesterday we went to see Saving Mr. Banks with the wonderful Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks. It is set between Australia and Los Angeles, and it dramatizes the creation of the Mary Poppins film against the backstory of the writer's youth.

One of the main characters is Walt Disney. His tenacity, diligence and unique sense of art ​​still provide us, through his empire, memorable American films and television. The film is also full of subtle differences between British and American culture. The first cannot live without milk in tea; the latter, although similarly hardworking, would not hesitate to serve the tea in a plastic cup.

Another film which opened in 2013 was 12 Years A Slave, which is now a favorite to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Picture. The amazing and tragic story of a free man sold into slavery, pictured sometimes very plainly and realistically, captured the hearts of Americans. As Poles clap their hands after airplane landing, Americans often applaud at the end of movie. In this case, there was a thorough applause. When I was leaving the cinema, I saw many emotional Afro-Americans.

Frances Ha, was one of my most liked films. It is a black-and- white production about a dancer and her friends, who like most of the younger generation, are trying to find their place in the world. Witty dialogues are used to define the younger and more mature American middle class. It left me wondering about today’s realization of the American Dream.

Finally, the Hunger Games, Catching Fire, which broke box office records, not only in the United States but also abroad, impressed me. The second part of the sci-fi trilogy about a girl named Katniss, attracted crowds of not only teenagers but also their parents. It shows the beginning of the revolt of the oppressed citizens who have had enough of authoritarian rule and the brutal Olympics. Hawaiian scenery adds magic to a concise story, which taught us that society has a chance to survive, when the individual does not act alone.

Certainly I did not manage to see every important cinematographic offering this year, and I am sure that I could also mention a few more titles that attracted my attention, but those stand out.

I wish you all a happy New Year, full of new challenges, exceptional premieres and many desired successes.

                                                    

                                           
H.xx

Dear readers,

Best Christmas wishes from California. There will probably be no snow, (the last was here half a century ago), but so far we had borsch with dumplings and poppy-seed cake. Polka Deli saved our Christmas Eve, although I did prepare the traditional Polish vegetable salad. In the pantry I still have special sausage, paté and chalva for breakfast. The American accent for today's dinner was the eggnog. The non-alcoholic version is very close to a kogel- mogel dessert. After singing couple of carols, we unwrapped presents symbolically. Traditionally, presents are opened the morning of December 25, although oftentimes a single present is exchanged Christmas Eve.  The day after Christmas, shoppers will line up to return gifts and buy new ones. 
And now we can also enjoy waiting for New Year:) 
                                                                                      

H.xx

Dental Care

I am publishing this entry late, as I recently had to cope with nagging dental issues that knocked me out for a while. My wisdom teeth wanted to come in, but there was no room; as a result, I was able to experience the American health care system first hand.

The nurse sat me down in the dentist chair and treated me to an exotic nature video while I waited. The dentist walked in, took a quick look in my mouth, and declared that I needed to see a specialist. Since I was in a lot of discomfort, and since I had an infection, the dentist personally phoned his friends, which could accept me on short notice.

I felt horrible, and at first I thought that I only needed a solid gargle. It was only when I read my patient card, when I realized that it was not enough, and learned that the teeth might need to go.

That same day I saw the surgeon. Aided by the friendly staff, I filled out the required documents, and I went straight to X-ray. Then a kind surgeon, who was ironically of Polish origin, saw me. He said that I was in good hands and prescribed me antibiotics. He added that we now often hear about the social and economic aspects of treatments and, therefore, it is best to remove all wisdom teeth in one swoop.

I also learned that I would be admitted the next day. Another patient postponed his appointment, because his health insurance did not cover such a procedure. I did not have to worry. Dean has a good employer, which means most of the costs will be covered. The cost of the surgery is not insignificant - about half of the median monthly household income in the United States.

The procedure was performed in a relaxed atmosphere and under anesthesia. Later, a nurse wheeled me to the car. After I got home, the surgeon himself gave me a call. He wanted to answer any questions and ask how I felt. A few days later, I received a letter of thanks for choosing the clinic and a request to assess the quality of service.

In the United States changes in the healthcare system are happening. The fraction of uninsured, compared to European standards, is surprisingly high. In principle, there is no distinction between the private and public health sector. American clinics remind me more the Polish private clinics. Apparently the quality of care depends on where one lives. From my experience I can say that in the state of Washington, it is of a very good quality.

Almost two weeks later I had a check-up, and I decided it was a good time to use the coupon for a free milkshake in McDonalds, which I had received at the clinic;)

I am attaching a holiday video promoting Obamacare.

Dear readers, I wish you pleasant holiday preparations. We are departing for Southern California this weekend, but I still dream of a White Christmas.

H.xx

                                                

Holiday Season

It is only the beginning of December and yet the festive season is quite present.

Every fourth Thursday of November Thanksgiving, the feast of ''thanksgiving to God for the fruits of the earth’’ is celebrated in the US. The roots of this tradition are religious and date back to the seventeenth, or maybe even to the sixteenth century. During these first celebrations white newcomers gathered together with the Indians. 

Unfortunately, later in time the settlers and the natives did not get along so well..

Most Americans spend this special Thursday preparing the family dinner. We decided to go to a local restaurant. Excellent turkey served with stuffing and cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and pumpkin cheesecake, all completely fulfilled our culinary expectations. It is interesting to note that a unique dish is offered for vegetarians - tofurkey.

The holiday weekend cannot take place without the Black Friday, the day of frenzy markdowns and shopping. Fortunately, at the shopping mall, where we stopped, the atmosphere was rather calm. However on the way to Oregon, we passed parking lots filled to the brim. I must admit that the abundance of choice and discounts was a little overwhelming.  Additionally, not taking take advantage of the better deals is compared to losing a winning lottery ticket.

On Cyber Monday, those who were not shopped out could find more discounted prices of online clothes, telephones, computers, and airplane tickets.

It is common in the U.S. that Christmas celebration starts the day after Thanksgiving. So on Saturday we went to the artistic and eco-friendly Christmas Market. In the town of Corvallis we admired a local festive Parade. In the long march, I spotted, among others,  Boy Scouts , ecological groups (holding banner wishing you very green Christmas), as well as Mrs. Mayor and Senator from Oregon. I even noted a Polish flag being held by group of perhaps listeners of language school. The cold lasted, but we managed to see the illuminated track with Santa Claus himself.

It seems to me that the two holidays are as important to Americans. Let me add that, the last week – exceptionally ​​this year - the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah also took place.

Thanksgiving is perhaps more universal in its message and is not aimed at economic profit, as Christmas. There are a lot more television advertising and Christmas decoration around. However, all show a commitment to the common tradition and a desire to be together with the loved ones.

A few days ago, Dean brought from the store a miniature of a Christmas tree. From its fresh scent, I feel that the holiday season is not yet over.

H.xx  

                         

                                         

California Love

I put together the memories of recent weeks in a lucky seven California list:

 * On Nov. 10 our Big Day took place. The ceremony was secular, but to our request , charming officiant read the piece of biblical Hymn of Love. The Best man, lovely bridesmaids and an adorable flower girl all did a fantastic job. The party lasted until late evening hours. Everyone received favor boxes, filled with almonds and folk designed magnets, brought straight from Poland by my sister.  Cake cutting, surprise slideshow for guests and tossing the bouquet to Single Ladies song will remain for long in my memory.

* We really wanted to show our guests the Mission San Juan Capistrano, started by the Spanish Franciscans in the eighteenth century. It is famous for the “miracle of the swallows''. Every year they come back from Argentina exactly on St Joseph Day, which falls in mid-March. Even in California, November is a cold month for them, so we only saw their nests. Luckily, mystical chapel, extremely high and thin palm trees and beautiful gardens await visitors throughout the whole year.

* Newport Beach, where we all stayed is famous for its spacious and very clean beach (alcohol and dogs are not allowed on it). One of the brave guests took a refreshing swim in the Ocean. Cycling, extraordinary sunsets, burgers and hot dogs barbecue hosted by my father-in- law and rehearsal dinner in a buffet type Japanese restaurant– were our local attractions.

* In California, it's hard not be tempted by solid shopping. It seems to me that most of the stores in this beautiful state are bigger than elsewhere. When we were looking for clothes substitute for lost baggage, we found an enormous branch of national chain Forever 21. Abundant selection and concrete discounts immediately put everyone in a good mood.  It is no wonder that apparently tourists come to California just for shopping, to continue it later in Las Vegas.

*A little bit of culture. Although time was in value, we were able to see the Getty Villa (and some also the Hollywood Museum), founded in the last century by an oil tycoon.  After the ancient art exhibits and after walking around the impressive outdoor pool, we went for a drink on the beautiful Santa Monica Promenade. Another cultural itinerary highlight was a movie ''About Time” in an elegant theater, where the waiters deliver drinks and snacks to the screening room . .

* Happy Birthday Martha - a moving inscription read below our bowling score at the Irvine Lanes, where we went for my mother's birthday.  It was great fun, and the after party was continued with wedding cake leftovers and a tasty pizza. Dean received a higher mark than that those playing at the same time local league. #proudwifemoment

* For the final lucky seven, let me go back to wedding. As it is a tradition, my dad spoke during the round of the newlyweds families toast. He wisely referred to the Polish poet Zbignew Herbert - "be faithful and go" to the line of American poet Walt Whitman  ‘’The Song of the Open Road ''. After two weeks our Californian voyage come to an end, but I'm sure, the coming ones will be, also for you Dear readers, similarly great:)

H.xx