Opposite Land

They say the drains swirl in the opposite direction south of the equator.   I am not sure about that, because I can get them to swirl in either direction here in Buenos Aires.  But, there are so many things that are the complete opposite of the norms I am used to in the U.S.

Some examples:

Transportation:
-Instead of 4 way stops, we have intersections with a 4-way-go system.  Video to follow...
-Instead of seeing several accidents per day - I have only seen 12 accidents in 10 years living here.
-Trains stop for cars (not always but they certainly don't hit them)
-Police cars have their flashing lights going at all times.  How do you know if they want to stop you?
-Cars do not use their headlights at night - optional.
-I have only seen one car with an automatic transmission since I have been here.
-Most cars run on propane, not gasoline (yet the air pollution is much worse here)
-Cars are ticketed for moving violations (rarely). If your car has committed a crime, you can't sell it until it has been resolved.
-Lane markings are painted on the street so you can line them up with your hood ornament.

Housing:
-There are no house fires (to speak of) and if they burn, only the contents is consumed. Wash and refurnish.  They are made of non flammable materials - imagine that.
-Apartments are to be bought, not rented.
-If you do find an apartment for rent, it's no heater, no A/C, no refrigerator, no water heater,  no fixtures (just bare wires hanging out of the ceiling).  They do leave the toilet and plumbing.
-Landlords are responsible for getting money.  You pay property taxes, association fees, bills, and you have to repaint it when you move.
-The ground floor is 0, if you want the 1st floor, you have to go to the second.

Food:
Eggs, milk and ham are sold warm, they are not refrigerated in the stores.
Oatmeal is eaten with spaghetti sauce.
Popcorn is eaten with sugar on it - not salt.
Same for avocado - eaten sweetened.
Anything and everything can be delivered. Yes, cleaners, groceries, McDonalds, Burger King, even a Ravioli dinner (they come back for the plates and silverware. )

Purchases:
Houses are purchased in cash - usually in dollars. My survey has shown that only 2% have mortgages.
Cars are purchased in cash.  Then you wait 3 weeks for delivery, longer if it's not in stock.
Bills are paid in cash at any convenience store (Kiosco).
Tax is included on all price tags.  If you have $1 and it says $1, you pay $1.00 (nice).

Robberies:
First and foremost THERE ARE NO GANGS here. (what I miss the least)
Cities are safe, and suburbs are dangerous (comparatively)
Subways are safe, and driving a car is dangerous.  You are more likely to be robbed while driving.
Officers will be criticized and sometimes beaten while arresting a thief.
Thieves will neither be pursued nor arrested.

Language: (just a few - there are thousands of opposites)
When someone calls, you say "I'm going" or "voy"
If you would like to cancel a debt, it means that you will pay it off.
"Diversion" is not a redirection, but rather "fun".  'que diversion' = 'what fun!'

More fun and useful information to come....