A stranger in a strange land

Day 9. The natives have accepted me as one of their own.

They’ve expressed tribal greetings such as “you’re a Tweasel now” and “once you’re in you’ve always been in.”

I understand the significance these people have to each other. They are trusting, yet cautious and inquisitive. One of them had expressed something they found funny in an alarmist way. Another asked “what is alarmist and funny about this? Perhaps I am missing context.” The two tribespeople discussed their viewpoints. No hackles or weapons were raised and they came to an agreement. The one who was misunderstood retracted their statement to prevent further confusion. Both apologized to each other for any misunderstanding or harmed emotions.

What is this comradery? I am not accustomed to the lack of insults or blanket accusations. Neither tribesperson’s mother was brought into the conversation, which seems a strange custom.

Another strange custom is that of the open-mouthed possum. They use it to express joy. They use it to express anger. It seems to be a multi-faceted emotion represented through the imagery of the open-mouthed possum. While I do not fully understand, it brings me great joy when I am presented with a possum by a member of the tribe.

One of the tribespeople initiated a custom of presenting me with coins, presumably as accolades for contributions or achievements. I appreciate this gesture immensely, as it reminds me of a television show I am fond of, although the coins themselves are without real value.

I hope to report back soon. They are a confused and newly-formed people, and are greatly in awe of standard system conventions such as “permissions” and “user groups.”