Everyday thoughts my British roommate and I have on a daily bases whilst studying abroad in Bowling Green, Ohio. Even though we all speak English, there are many differences between our cultures.
1. Attempting to convert every purchase from USD to our local currenciesÂ
The only way to determine if something is truly a good deal.
2. Ordering a "lemonade" expecting a SpriteÂ
One of the greatest disappointments in life:
In Australia and England, "lemonade" = Sprite
Sprite = Sprite
"American lemonade" = Homemade lemonade (uncommon)
3. Asking for chips expecting friesÂ
To us fries are a type of hot chip not the entire food group itself.
4. Hold back our frowns when the bar repeatedly plays trap musicÂ
What even is trap music?!
5. Why is everything so sweet
Bread, Greek Yogurt, unflavored coffee... we are in need of answers!
6. Pumpkin spice EVERYTHINGÂ
This might be the most American thing we encounter on a daily basis.
7. The entire celebration of fallÂ
I mean, we are enjoying it; however, at the same time very confused that it even exists.
8. UGG BOOTSÂ
Yes, they are an Australian brand but they should never be worn in public, no expectations!
9. Why are we sharing a dorm Â
A rude awakening every morning and perhaps the hardest concept to grasp.
10. Calculating if we can afford to miss class
Compulsory class attendance is a rare occurrence back home and has not been an enjoyable adjustment.
11. Is that bright pink pepper spray actually considered a form of protection?Â
Because back home it is considered an illegal weapon and a bit of a joke.
12. Please stop getting mad at me for walking aloneÂ
Being from major cities with minimal police presence we know when it is and is not appropriate to walk alone. Have some faith in society.
13. Oh gosh, why are people screaming out of their car windowsÂ
Is therapy that expensive here?
14. Why can you drive through the bank
Is getting out of your car that inconvenient?
15. Whoops, forgot to calculate in the taxÂ
Back home if a shirt is advertised as $20, then you pay $20.
16. Does anyone really carry around pennies?Â
If so, what do they use them for And would you like some more?
17. She is really putting a lot of cold meat on this sandwich
Six slices of cold meat on a sandwich is a little excessive.
18. Why are so many drinks bright blue?
Are they just drinking flavoured sugar
19. Oh, look, another football team I know nothing aboutÂ
Can they tell I’m foreign solely because I do not own some form of sport jersey.
20. Wait they call this cheese?
Cheese should not be bright yellow or available from a dispenser.
21. When did boat shoes become trendy?
Sorry to all of our friends that own them.
