Assimilation into a “different” culture…but rightly called enculturation…is an interesting process of taking in information and trying to make sense of it. Allowing others to be teacher. How we see it all through our personal filter or lens. It’s difficult at times to put those filters aside…we never want to be un-comfortable.

Part of my struggle here has not been an unwillingness to learn…not at all…I am a child…but I have spent too much time I think, looking for the familiar.

There is none. The framework I have doesn’t “work” here. Much of what I know doesn’t apply. I need to work on taking the lens away.

I am hyper aware.
From taking note of voice inflection with each and every word or remembering where the ocean (Makai) and mountain (Mauka) is when I travel, to where the panel is on each of the three elevators in my building (door #1 & door #2 on the right but door #3 on the left). There is a bit of stress about it all.

It is a work in progress from the un-familiar to the familiar. From becoming easy instead of strange. It is also I think best viewed as lifelong…not in a week, or a month, or a year.

The Filipino bread seller taught me about Balut yesterday at the Farmers Market. I had to stifle a my feelings. I know he saw through my wide-eyed look as he laughed and asked, You want? I replied with head shake and a grin back, Not so much.

Now I know…