Mistakes

You'd think living in a different culture for two years is long enough to learn the ropes and to know how to avoid making mistakes, right? Well, not for me. I haven't made any hideous horrible mistakes, but, with all of these semi goodbye parties and gatherings I've been hosting and attending, I've made quite a few little baby mistakes.

Mistake 1: Coffee. I forgot that Romanians typically like their coffee very strong and very small. So when I brought out a tray of large mugs brimming with weak American style coffee for my tutor and some other friends, they immediately and kindly asked to pour half back into the pot, half of which ended up on the counter due to my own shakiness. They drank the rest of the coffee without complaint, though I'm sure it was too weak for their liking. Oops.
Mistake 2: Diplomas. I also forgot how much people here love diplomas. You can hand out diplomas for ANYTHING and often times they are expected after a special class, meeting or session. During the party at the EPA, somebody not in the English class asked when the English class was going to get their diplomas. It had never even crossed my mind to make them diplomas, but of course they deserve them and how could I not have thought of that? Four hours later, I was busily designing generic diplomas for both the English class and the drama club, which were received with beaming smiles. Phew.
Mistake 3: Cake. A friend made a cake for one of the going away parties. It was a beautiful huge chocolate thing that looked heavenly. After they brought it and some presents out, I hugged and pup'd them and opened the presents and then we all sat back down and started chatting. Time went on and I kept staring at the cake...wondering when we were going to eat it. Finally, after twenty tortuous minutes, I asked if we should slice into it. The lady who made it said, a little exasperated, "We're all waiting for you to cut it! You have to serve it because it's your cake!" I jumped into action and five minutes later, we were devouring the cake. It was delicious.

They're all little harmless mistakes, but still mistakes that a local wouldn't make. I wonder what mistakes I'd be making after living here for ten years. Or would I then finally be a pro.