Alligator City

April 14, 2007 - 10:20 AM by Stephanie

Whenever you live somewhere for a stretch of time and then travel back to your country of origin, a surprise or two lies a’waiting. There’s no way around it.

Because there you are, a stranger on the turf you once called home. And if the U.S. is your destination point with Israel serving as the newfound springboard, then the vast open spaces, strip malls stocked with merchandise and REAL service industry employees greeting with “Have A Nice Day!” at every turn can be oh-so-startling.

“Wait, did the server just ask me if there’s anything she can get for me and if everything’s okay? Get me my heart medication.”

somethingsomething’s Liza – generally an Israel dweller and currently in the States with her toddler – has hit shock mode but not necessarily because of the blue light specials.

She’s in Florida and for those who haven’t been there lately, let’s just say: STAY AWAY FROM THE REPTILES!!

A few of the choice bits from Liza’s “You Know You’re in Florida When…” posting.

1) You see an alligator behind the house within an hour of your arrival.
2) Your hosts talk about hitting the early bird special for lobster night at one of the local restaurants.
3) You’ve seen three alligators behind the house within three days after your arrival, and are told that you might see more, because it’s mating season.
4) Your Little One begins to say words in Spanish before he feels comfortable in English.
5) Your host strongly recommends not going past the last house at the end of the street, as just beyond the grass is the beginning of the lake, and alligators like to hang out there. To bring the point home, your host mentions how she once took a walk down to the end of the street, walked in the grass, looked down at the lake, and saw an alligator staring back at her.
6) Streets downtown display signs with arrows, indicating evacuation routes in the event of a hurricane…

Read here for more…Have a good time Liza. And don’t get bitten in the toochas!

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