Cultural Brokering Adventure

I was hurrying out of my office on Wednesday to drive very far north in Minnesota for a conference. The warning sirens were blowing, and I realized it was 1 PM on the first Wednesday of the month. To leave the parking lot, I swipe a card. However, the cashier opened her window. She was obviously an African-born young woman. She asked me what was going on. I explained that the warning sirens were tested every first Wednesday at 1 PM. She was much relieved with my explanation, for she was puzzled by way the wiring sirens were blowing on a beautiful day. Things we forget to tell to new people!