1. I looove target.
It's true. No Northern Irish supermarket quite compares. Target is a one stop shop (with cute clothes and nice makeup, I might add) It feels, kind of like Tesco and Primark mixed together, only a little classier.
2. Sunglasses are more than a fashion statement.
I was expecting heat. What I wasn't prepared for was the light intensity that comes with it. It hurts. For the first time in a long time I've actually had use for them. I can look people in the eye, behind tinted shades and nobody will find it suspicious. Jealous?
3. All tea is better with tapioca balls in it.
Boba tea? It's a thing. Well not really in Northern Ireland... I mean there is one place that sells it in Dublin which I haven't had the pleasure of visiting but as I said, not in Northern Ireland. Here, it's kind of a different story. Seriously though (as a pretty committed tea enthusiast myself, I'm rethinking how I drink tea)
4. NEVER buy a large drink.
A couple days ago I was at In-n-out (They're burgers are divine) and I asked my Dad for an iced tea. (I do, have a bit of a weakness for good old iced tea) When my Dad handed my drink to me I was a little surprised. Expecting a smallish paper cup, I found my hands cupped around a, well, not-so-smallish drink. I guessed my Dad must have gotten me a large but when I asked him about the matter, he confirmed that it was indeed a medium. Not only was this "medium" iced tea rather too big for my liking, it was refillable for no extra cost, with any fountain drink of my choosing. (I have to admit, I did take advantage of that perk.) After this experience I'm a little frightened of what larges and extra larges look like. I have also resolved not to even go there.
5. McDonald's is not really THAT good.
Ok, so I like healthy food. Let's get that straight from the get-go. I always have. This having been said, I've always had a weakness for perfectly salted fries and processed bits of chicken that come with a toy. McDonalds had me hook, line and sinker from a young age. I am now having second thoughts. After experiencing In-n-out for the first time (in a long time), I must admit, McDonalds, has some pretty tough competitors. Something tells me my McChicken sandwich days are over, or at least may have greatly reduced. It's on to greener pastures.
So those are just a few things I've established over the past few days. Re-adjusting and re-learning the American culture may take a while but it's very, very exciting.
