3 Bedroom Bungalow to Let in Crazytown: Observations

Monday, September 6, 2010

Observations

Things in the UK that are amusing to Americans when they first move here:

Funny looking keys.

Chocolate frogs. Cadbury makes them and they are lovely. (Not as cool as the ones in Harry Potter, but CHOCOLATE FROGS!!)

Funny looking coins.

Coins that are actually WORTH something.

Things that are NOT amusing to Americans when the move to the UK:

No electrical outlets in the bathrooms.

Washers and tumble dryers in the kitchen.

No double sinks in the kitchen. (I am sure they exist but have yet to view a property with a double sink)

Coca-cola that doesn't taste like Coca-cola, Dr. Pepper that doesn't taste like Dr. Pepper.

Anyone have anything else they would like to add?

Comments (17)

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susie · 760 weeks ago

lol-had some of those when moved here but things have so changed over the years.

For me here it was the money that looked like monopoly money

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Michele · 760 weeks ago

Chocolate frogs have got to be better than crunchy frogs.

Sorry about the Monty Python reference. I couldn't help myself.

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A Mom on Spin · 760 weeks ago

I think I might like the washer and dryer in the kitchen. Saves on trips to the basement. . . or do the Brits say "cellar"????

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Gina · 760 weeks ago

Things in the UK are amusing, full stop. But all you said up there my husband says about my country, especially when it comes to Cadbury.

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Mom in High Heels · 760 weeks ago

You have no electrical outlets in the bathroom??? Even in Germany we have outlets in the bathroom! How weird. Crazy Brits. How do they straighten their hair?
I prefer European Coke. I hate Coke in America because it's icky sweet (artificial sweeteners), but in Europe (where it has sugar in it), it tastes so much better IMO. Indy and I will be in Warwick, England in a few weeks. Are you anywhere near there?

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Aunt Juicebox · 760 weeks ago

I grew up with the washer and dryer in the kitchen, because my parents have a huge kitchen. I was always amazed that other people's were all the way in the basement. Annnnnnd now I want a chocolate frog.

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Captain Dumbass · 760 weeks ago

At least they know how to eat breakfast, unlike the rest of Europe.

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Amy · 760 weeks ago

The first difference my family members noticed in the UK was that the handle to flush the toilet is "on the other side". And if you want ice in that Coke (as we say in the US), you gotta ask for it. Then usually it might be one cube. Ha Ha! I love all the little differences. That's the best reason to travel! And yes, you do have the best breakfasts, even though I can't quite get on board with the baked beans ;-)

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Expat Mum · 760 weeks ago

I'll just copy and paste all this when I have to update my book then. Obviously I'll credit everyone here. Makes my job SO much easier. (Just kidding BTW).

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lily ruth's mama · 760 weeks ago

1) lack of mixed taps in older homes - my face washing was sadly lacking whilst in the UK

2) tiny bathtub - my pregnant butt had a REALLY hard time with that one

3) teeeeeeeeny-tiny streets - combine that with breakneck speeds. I spent 2 months with my eyes squeezed shut for any car ride.

4) EGGS NOT REFRIGERATED IN THE STORE!!!! In South Texas, you can't even leave eggs on the COUNTER for a day, never mind out all free-range in the grocery store

and that's just the tip of the iceberg, folks :-P Differences aside, I love the time that I get to spend in England!

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ecogrrl 35p · 760 weeks ago

good stuff to know, i'll be visiting for 2 weeks on thanksgiving, you know, that holiday in late november :))))

however i love mexican coca cola way better than the artificial stuff here!!

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Cassie · 760 weeks ago

I would add that:
- I found it strange that banks never issue credit cards with a first name on them here - I am always Mrs so-and-so and never with a first name.
- At first I was not amused to find ALL stores including the malls close by 5:30pm...now I enjoy having evenings focused soley on family time.
- The number of houses that only have bath tubs and no stand up showers. My husband would be crazy if he had to bathe every day!

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turtleturtleturtle 21p · 760 weeks ago

Living in the U.S., I find it odd that there are outlets in the bathroom. I live in constant fear of being electrocuted, which is why there are no outlets in the bathrooms, light switches either, usually.
It's the little things that are odd, isn't it?

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D-Rod · 760 weeks ago

I am cracking up because as I read all of these, it reminds me of the shock I felt when we first got here five months ago. Of course, some of these fade away and become less important. Instead of repeating all of the above I thought of two things that have impacted me and my family. The size of the refrigerators, the term "bacon" has a much different meaning, and the fact that it's so hard to find a decent place to eat. I'm not the greatest cook in the world so I've REALLY had to brush up on my skills!!!! :-)

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D-Rod · 760 weeks ago

I apparently meant to put three things not two.....

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ruairi · 760 weeks ago

I always like the quarter after= quarter past, quarter before= quarter to confusion :-)

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Jim · 756 weeks ago

I remember when I took a bus to London from Poland. I was in a large group of people who were all conversing in Polish and the first one from that group to walk up to the customs guy when we got off the ferry in Dover. His first question to me was: "Do you speak English?" Then I laid my US passport on the counter and he answered his own question: "I guess so."

Then I remember our group tour was milling about in front of St. Paul's Cathedral and I saw a sign directing traffic to the Burger King nearby so I figured I'd sneak away for a moment to get some home-style cooking. I asked for the order to go so that they wouldn't notice my absence from the touyr group. The girl taking the order said: "You mean take-away?"

Monday, September 6, 2010

Observations

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