English Differences

Since being over here, I've realized how different English society and culture is from American.  Here are a few differences of staying here that I've experienced.

• American accents aren't necessarily as obviously American as I imagined they would be.  It's obvious that I'm not from here, so I usually get asked where I'm from.  I have been asked if I'm from Australia, though.  That question definitely took me aback, since I usually have a hard time distinguishing English and Australian accents!
• Brits are reserved people in public, such as in shops.  However, most people that I've met are absolutely warm and lovely people who are always willing to share a biscuit (cookie) and bring a cuppa tea to you, even taking the time to add milk and sugar to it when you "forget" to say that you wanted that.  (Lol)
• For whatever reason, I just feel that British children are better well-behaved than American kiddos, at least in the doctor office (aka "the surgery" here).  I don't know if it's my accent that kind of befuddles them or the fact that there is almost no preventative health here so kids don't learn to hate doctors offices (very likely), but these kids listen to their parents and are so sweet.  Not all of them, of course, but most of them. :)
• Don't ever tell someone you are going to roll their pants up for them.  It means something very different here.  
• Cellphones are present, but people are not constantly on them everywhere they go.
• Butter and cream are king, but there is not the obesity problem as much here.
• English people are unfailingly polite.  When I bring a patient back to the exam room, most will stand until I invite them to take a seat.
• Believe me, they are really really polite!  If a train is late, the transport system actually apologizes.  Several times.  They even make posters a week after a delay (just a delay, y'all) to explain WHY there was a delay and to apologize again.
• English cheese is really, really, really good.  It also is usually really really really SHARP.  It makes extra-sharp cheddar seem wimpy
• American driving system is a CINCH compared with the English.  The roads here are narrow, signage is difficult to see, and there are many many rules that we don't have.  I don't think that people here CAN multitask while driving.

Look for the upcoming Laura's Guide to English Lingo!