Before this journey, I have never been on this side of the world before. I literally (LIT-ER-ALLY not "lit-rally" as the English say) love it here! So far, so good! But wow... I didn't realize how many things I would learn each day. The complete list, I will admit, is endless. However, here are the 25 most interesting things I have noticed in my first 25 days here.
1. People in the United Kingdom are OBSESSED with American politics
Not that I particularly mind... but I think that my feet were maybe on European land for a total of 30 minutes before having my first discussion on the topic with my taxi driver, and the conversations with locals haven't stopped since. Which brings me to my next point...
2. The Queen is not a common point of discussion the way our president is.
I've had many discussions about President Trump with locals but NOT ONE about the Queen, the royal family, or the wedding.
3. SO. MANY. COINS.
2 pounds, 1 pound, 50 cents, 20 cents, 10 cents, 5 cents, 2 cents (yep a 2 cent coin), 1 cent, are all only in coin form.
4. Didn't bring your own grocery bag? You have to pay for one.
In the US, it would be weird if I brought my own previously used Walmart bag to reuse when at Target days later. But here, that's the norm! If you don't bring your own bag, you have to pay at least 50p for one. It's annoying at times, but a very effective way to reduce waste!
5. The rumors about the cold, cloudy weather are true.
Womp. Womp. Wommmmmppppp.
6. Before crossing the road, look RIGHT and then LEFT.
If you don't, I would bet money that the cars here really don't stop for pedestrians. Which is interesting when taking into consideration the next point.
7. Jaywalking is legal!
If you really want to chance it.
8. People only drink so much tea here because the coffee SUCKS!
I've only been able to find instant coffee... and it's always mild.
9. All local foods are bland
Either the US salts the heck out of everything, or the British RARELY ever add any extra seasoning. However, my bet would be the first.
10. I under-appreciated how great American peanut butter was.
The bland concept applies here.
11. LET THE CHICKEN THAW BEFORE COOKING
This is also my first time off of a meal plan so... life has been interesting
12. Things I'm used to are difficult to find.
Baby carrots, microwave popcorn, bobby pins, whitening strips... Is it just me? Or have I been looking in the wrong places?
13. Going out for a drink any day of the week is normal.
Yep, even on a Monday night, the bars are busy.
14. Greek life is a very interesting concept to many.
"Is it like the movies?"
"But what do sororities DO?"
Both are questions I'm asked on the reg.
15. Having a Brit try to do an American accent is the funniest thing ever.
"Hell-ow Thar. I'm Ah-merry-can!"
16. There isn't "one" single British accent.
I can't tell the difference to be honest. But apparently just like there isn't one American accent, there are multiple British accents as well. The "scouse" and "posh" accent to name a few.
17. American stereotypes most likely come from television.
They do watch a decent amount of American-made television here. But here's the brief list of what the reality shows consist of: Judge Judy, Man vs. Food (I too thought that the show no longer aired), the real housewives, and dance moms.
18. America is very patriotic
Both the British and the international students I've met have mentioned America's patriotism to me. "Wearing your own country's flag? That's weird!"
19. Smoking is not stigmatized at. all.
The pictures of decaying body parts on the packaging stops no one.
20. Instead of "Hi! how are ya?" it's "Are you alright?"
No, they don't think you look sad and distressed.
21. Endless differentiating terminology
"Lori", "Trousers", "Lolli", "Crisps", "Chips", the list continues...
22. The class time is longgggg
Yeah yeah, I only have class 5 times a week. But class is TWO HOURS LONG! This definitely took some getting used to.
23. There's no Homework!
Just one big assessment for each class that determines whether or not I graduate on time.
24. Huge Cathedrals, few religious.
Perhaps it's the age range I'm exposed to... but one local told me that people who practice faith are of the minority.
25. The stereotype of the British being "stand-offish" and "always proper" is wrong!
Not once have I felt left out, alone, or out of place. Each local that I have met have been open to conversation and has been more than willing to answer any question I have had as a constantly lost American! These people are just as genuine as anyone else!
