Friends and family have been frequently asking me questions about what I find different about living here. I've been on this side of the pond for nearly 6 months now, and although I still encounter lots of stuff I didn't know I didn't know on a daily basis, I think I can better answer those questions. So let's "give it a go", shall we?
Things I've had to Adjust to:
- Traffic on the left side - I knew enough to expect it, but I didn't realize how completely ingrained I am in ways of the right-side... to the point of having to re-learn how to be a pedestrian. I'm still not 100% used to it!
- The inability to make certain phone calls without a BT landline (British Telecommunications) - It just so happens that I don't have access to a landline without walking a couple blocks to a payphone AND that I need to make these calls on a regular basis. Eg. making "reverse" calls (collect calls) or calling the international operator. Nothing like hauling ass in the pouring rain with all my banking information to a public pay phone to resolve issues with my bank/Visa!
- Nobody puts mustard on their sandwiches; they're so bland - Subway doesn't even have mustard as an option! No dijon, no honey mustard. Nadda.
- People say, "You alright?" when they see you instead of, "How are you?" - It's a subtle difference but it always makes me think that I look sad or ill and people are checking if I'm ok.
- Bedding packs don't come with a sheet! - You'll get a fitted sheet ok, but I had to REALLY go out of my way to buy a regular old flat (and now mis-matching) sheet. Weird.
- Machines talk to you instead of just beeping - My favourite was the backup alarm on a giant dump truck ("lorry") that repeated in a polite British female voice, "Caution, vehicle is reversing." But it did become rather annoying when the elevator was broken in my flat... I got to listen to the same voice repeat, "Doors open... Doors closing..." all night long.
- Chips are crisps and fries are chips - I'm getting better at this one!
- Customer service in general is awful. And I'm not a hard person to please.
- The indoor exercise facilities - both private and public, they're just not the caliber of North America. I think it's because outdoor activities like football are far more popular.
- The incredibly ineffective washer/dryer combo - That's right, because of lack of space, most people have one machine for both washing and drying clothes and it does neither of those things very well. Oh, and it's rare to have a separate laundry room so you can expect to do your laundry in the kitchen.
Best Things about Britain:
- CHEESE - the supermarkets are just filled with all kinds of interesting, fresh, and very delicious cheese. Anyone who knows my love of cheese can vouch that this makes me VERY excited!
- Reliable transit - well, more than at home anyway. Oh, and double decker buses. It just makes sense!
- British Airways - best economy class flying experience so far. Sorry, WestJet, but I've yet to fly overseas with you.
- Mild winters
- The NHS - Brits can talk at lengths about all the things wrong with their health care system, but they've really got it together compared to Health Canada. Also, my patient experience was SUPER efficient and awesome.
- The people - polite and a great sense of humour
- Everything everywhere has so much history
- Cell phones and mobile services are far superior.
- Booze is super cheap, even with the exchange rate
- The BBC (although I do miss CBC)
- If you want to get around, everything is so close! Even Europe!
- 3 weeks holiday at Easter - yes please :)
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