Ten things I have learned in England:
1. People don't acknowledge you when you pass each other on sidewalks. Being from the south, I want to say hello to everyone who passes or at least give them a smile, but here people just look down or straight ahead like you're not even there. I've probably creeped a few people out by saying hi or smiling as I passed by before I knew it wasn't socially acceptable to talk to strangers. And it's not even people purposefully being rude, they just keep to themselves.
2. The pound is worth more than the dollar, so I don't get too excited when I see something I like with a price like £5, because that's $8, or £20 because that's $33, or just for kicks £100, because that's $173. Basically I just double the amount in pounds and subtract a little to get a rough comparison for what it would be in U.S. dollars. However tax is already included in the price, so what you see is what you pay, no tax surprises at the register.
3. British English is not always the same as American English! Sometimes I have to ask what words or phrases mean because sometimes it really does seem like a different language! Some words are said and/or spelled differently (my favorites being centre, fibre, and litre, because I pronounce them with a Spanish accent just to annoy Joe). The pronunciation of Nutella is still a hot topic between me and Joe. Plus Americans and Brits just have different words for some things. At least now I now have new colorful ways to tell people to go away or that they're stupid... haha! (Not that I ever would, Memaw) It definitely keeps things interesting!
See how well you would do! http://www.playbuzz.com/rachaelg/can-you-speak-british-english
4. People walk everywhere. It's actually pretty uncommon for people my age to have a car. Plus gas is like twice as expensive as it is in the States. People walk, bike, and rely on public transportation to get to and from. I've enjoyed it though, I've never lived in a place where you can walk to get anywhere you want in town in 20 minutes or less. And everywhere you go in England you have to pay to park, be it the grocery store or a restaurant or tourist attraction.
5. The reason I've almost died like ten times: people drive on the opposite side of the road, which yes, is common knowledge, but knowing it and getting used to it are two totally different things! I almost always look the wrong way first when crossing the road because I'm used to traffic in the States. I just wait at the corner now until there are no cars coming from either direction and then make a move, just to be safe!
6. People here, and in Europe in general, recycle everything. And most stores are making strides to reduce plastic usage by making you ask for bags at the counter or charging a small fee for each bag; they aren't out and available to take as many as you want like at our grocery stores. It makes me realize how much the States wastes and how so many cities as a whole do not pick up recycling bins.
7. Football is life. And never call it "soccer!" It is a very passionate sport here, everyone loves it. I've had so much fun playing again and I got to see Joe play with his team for the first time last weekend. I've been taught all about the Premier League and which teams to love and hate! I've visited Joe's favorite team's stadium in Fratton Park and got my Portsmouth FC hoodie. :)
8. There is a lot of diversity in England. From locals to tourist, there are people from all over the world here. Huntsville is pretty diverse with all the different kinds of people that NASA and other big businesses attract, but there is even more here. I've seen people from all over the world who dress, think, and act differently. I get most excited when I hear German speakers around, then I creepily follow them around listening in... :) I've always been very interested in people who have grown up differently than me and I've loved seeing a little bit of everyone's languages and cultures just by being around them. It's been really cool.
9. Fashion here is a little different than in Alabama. Southern cute and British cute are two different things! Brits like to look dressy and smart when they're out while most Americans like to look casual cute or like they are on their way to the gym, but take this with a grain of salt because I've lived in a college town for the last three years of my life... it takes a special occasion to make us dress up. ;) In the bigger cities I've been to everyone is usually dolled up, even if (in my opinion) it's freezing. Crop tops and 80's fashion in general is here in a big way. I usually feel a little underdressed when I'm out and about in comparison.
10. There's fascinating history everywhere you go. British history dates a LOT further back than American history, so I feel like a kid in a candy shop when I'm in a new place because there is so much to learn about in each big city, small town, or village. For instance, we were driving home the other day and stopped to visit the field that Cricket was first played on so many years ago. There is beautiful architecture still standing from thousands of years ago, memorials built to honor war and political heroes, and ancient artifacts that tell stories of the beginning of metal working and coinage in England.
Thanks for reading!
Bethany
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