7 weird things in California for an Aussie. So far.

In a world where you can literally see almost any place on the planet from the comfort of your screen/tv and armchair, it seems likely that there is little about any destination that would surprise a physical traveller.

Yet, having been in California for little more than 3 weeks, I’m surprised at how many day to day things I’ve not expected, and find a little weird.

#1 – Toilets

No, not the whole water going around the bowl the other way (yes it does), but US toilets are lower, wider and flatter. Yet the water level in them is higher. Sounds like nothing right? Well there are two consequences:

(a) the kids have less of a height to descend to get to the pool. I’m still not entirely sure what that means except to say that sometimes they already have their feet in the water before they let go of the diveboard so the entry is smooth. However if they decide to jump, the risk of dad getting a little splash is higher. Depends on the state of the kids I suppose.

(b) the distance from the undercarriage to the water’s surface is also shortened. For those of us of the “Sweet Chariot” persuasion, this can be disconcerting, especially on hot days, where the odd wheel or two might catch an errant wave.

Plus, despite California being in a harsh drought state, they are still using drinkable quality water in their loos. Go figure.

#2  – Light switches

Here Up is On. Somewhat phallic given the traditional America toggle switch but still something that takes getting used to, especially when fumbling around in the dark

#3 – Showers

Ok, so I’m not staying at the Hilton or the the Marriot, where I assume there are separate hot and shower taps. Most of the showers I have encountered seem to have this strange single knob situation.

Turn left for hot, right for cold.

The further you turn in either direction the more pressure, and the more extreme temperature you get.

How do you dial in WARM? Buggered if I know.

Google and others tell me there is some second inner dial that regulates temp, but I’m yet to find it.

Which means that you have to alternately endure both “it’s too cold” and “it’s too hot” turns to arrive at the statistically (but not practically) “it’s just right”, Goldilocks outcome.

#4 – Driving (1) – 4 way stop signs

Whereas back home we went down the roundabout path, here in the US, they have marched to a different drum and adopted the 4 way stop sign method.

Every car approaching one of these intersections has to come to a complete stop. Unlike Australia, where we give way to the right, here it’s first in , first out (FIFO). If you come to a complete stop first, you then go through the intersection first.

It’s quite practical and only requires that you  know who got their first, but the first time you reach one you are liable to be a little confused, remain over cautious and annoy the crap out of every other driver. Be warned.

#5 Driving (2) – indicators

We all know what an indicator or blinker is don’t we? A flashing yellow light on the side and back of another car to tell us where they are intending to go. Back home there are even regulations – color must be yellow/amber, it can’t blink more than X or less than Y times per second, it must be used BEFORE you turn etc etc.

We’ve become accustomed to the difference between a brake light and an indicator – and are hard wired to understand red = stop, yellow = movement.

Well over here that’s not quite the case. Whilst some indicators are yellow, others are red, in fact others are just blinking brake lights, or brake lights arrowing from left to right or right to left, or brake lights with a flashing outer circle, or the outside two red lights performing the indicator function and the inside two red lights the braking function.

There is no standard – every manufacturer has come up with their own cool, different way.

All that means is that the cues for movement across lanes and turns in traffic are lost. Still, given the about 80% of drivers don’t bother to indicate anyway (not in traffic, not in car parks, not even cop cars when turning) makes this one a bit moot.

Just don’t expect to know when anyone is intending to change direction in any way shape or form and you’ll be right.

#6 – Driving (3) – turn right at anytime

Red lights mean stop. Green is for go. Right?

Well unless you’re turning right it seems. Whilst there are exceptions (which will be posted with “no turn on red” signs, or are based on geography), the general rule of thumb here is that you can turn right anytime, as long as you don’t impede traffic or pedestrians.

Research tells me that this improves traffic flow with little or no increase in accidents, so it’s not a bad thing, but unless you are aware of this, you’ll either:

(a) sit and wait for a green light, whilst being unceremoniously honked from behind

(b) panic a little every time you hit a T intersection or a cross street, as  cars look like they are going to race on the road and t-bone you instead of stopping. It seems “not impeding traffic” is a subjective judgement, as apparently turning right a couple of metres in front of a car going 35 mph is fine by most people’s reckoning. Try and resist the instinctive urge to brake!

#7 – Prices

How much are you going to pay for your $1.49 10 pack of nuggets from Burger King? Or how much is that $399 telly going to cost you at the checkout? A little more than you think.

Whilst at home, prices in general are GST inclusve, here prices are usually exclusive of all State and Federal taxes. Which means that you can add 5% to 15%  right off the bat.

Oh and if you are dining out, don’t forget the 15% to 20% tip for your server.

You’ve been warned!

Well that’s it until more weird stuff pops up. Given I’m heading for the deep South that’s more than likely to happen sooner than later.