In England they call it queing up. In America its called a line. But its the same at the end of the day.
Wow look at that queue.... but we'll still stand in it anyway. Because its the queue to our future and sometimes its worth the wait.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Queuing Up
Whether it be at airport security, at Walmart, or on Blackfriday - no-one likes to line up. But in England its not calling lining up its called a queue. Although now that I think about it, I remember my English teacher (whose name I won't mention) he would get very strict and particular that we were all in a line. If the line was not perfectly straight, either he would go off at us, or we would have to re-line up. He seriously had an obsession with everyone lining up really straight. Was he preparing us for the world? For the lines that would await us in the future. The line that we take when we drive to work everyday. The line that we wait in when we make a purchase, go to the bank, or pick up the kids at school. The line that becomes part of everyday life. The line that people don't like to wait in. Have you noticed that when there's a traffic jam, there's always at least one person who thinks that they shouldn't have to wait in the line (like the rest of us) and they try to go on the extra emergency lane or they try to cut everyone else off so they can get perhaps an inch further. How about the lines at the theme parks in the blazing sun. The lines that we all wait in just to get on a ride for about 3 minutes, for those few minutes of thrill and excitement. Has anyone ever calculated what percent of our line we spend lining up.
In England they call it queing up. In America its called a line. But its the same at the end of the day.
Wow look at that queue.... but we'll still stand in it anyway. Because its the queue to our future and sometimes its worth the wait.
In England they call it queing up. In America its called a line. But its the same at the end of the day.
Wow look at that queue.... but we'll still stand in it anyway. Because its the queue to our future and sometimes its worth the wait.
Sweet Tooth
I don't think the subject of candy can be written about too much. I know I've stressed about the absence of Cadbury's in the US (although you can find a small selection at an outrageous price in select store in the US) but the subject of this post refers to some other matters of the sweet kind.
I asked my niece the other day if she wanted a biscuit and she looked at me like I was crazy. Well perhaps... but.... she had no idea what that was. In America biscuits are actually called cookies. It doesn't matter what the shape of these are or what they contain. In America biscuits are actually those things you can get from McDonalds or Dunkin donuts that you have for breakfast (see below)
But in London if you ask for a biscuit... you will actually get what Americans call a cookie (see below)
Continuing with the discussion of sweet treats....
US Candy = UK sweets
so skittles are candy in America but in UK you would call them sweets.
I asked my niece the other day if she wanted a biscuit and she looked at me like I was crazy. Well perhaps... but.... she had no idea what that was. In America biscuits are actually called cookies. It doesn't matter what the shape of these are or what they contain. In America biscuits are actually those things you can get from McDonalds or Dunkin donuts that you have for breakfast (see below)
But in London if you ask for a biscuit... you will actually get what Americans call a cookie (see below)
Continuing with the discussion of sweet treats....
US Candy = UK sweets
so skittles are candy in America but in UK you would call them sweets.
Big Hats
Amidst the news of the Royal Wedding was of course the subject of big hats. I've always seen big hats being worn in England especially on auspicious occasions such as weddings etc. but now living in America I was seeing the hats in a different light. I tried to google some reasons why big hats were worn and to so much pomp and animation in the UK but this just appears to be a tradition that arose. Big hats are worn to racing events and weddings. So lets not argue... just watch and enjoy.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Vegetarian please
I am barely vegetarian but I have a lot of friends and family members who are either vegetarians or just eat halal meat. In London it was not much of an issue. It was easy to get vegetarian options. Only when I need to be vegetarian or am around friends and family who are vegetarian have I noticed the difference in Florida. I'm sure it is not so prevelant in other states, like New York where there is a more diverse population. Orlando is a big tourist spot, especially the theme park, outlets, shopping malls etc offer very little vegetarian choices. Each place will most likely offer a cheese pizza and if you're likely pasta with tomato sauce but that is usually the extent of the vegetarian choices and unless you want to engage in a diet of pizza and pasta you have very little other choices. I know that non vegetarian is the majority but if would be nice, especially in a tourist area, and attractions to appeal to everyone and offer choices that would be suitable to people of vegetarian and non vegetarian diets.
blouse, shirt, sweater, cardigans, jacket = all the same right?
The difference in terminology for the upper garment clothing made shopping with my cousin challenging to say the least lol. We survived.
Blouse (UK) = shirt (US)
Shirt (US) = T-shirt (UK)
Confused yet?
If its a nice top, its called a blouse in England. But in America we call that a shirt. But what's called a shirt in London is actually a T shirt. So when I yelled at her to come and look at a 'shirt' she was wondering why I was calling a blouse a shirt.
Similiarly in England a jacket is a heavy thick thing that people wear in extreme cold, but what we call a jacket is a light full length zip up hoodie that I may grab to take to the movies with me (see picture)
So if you like to shop make sure you know the differences when you visit!!
Blouse (UK) = shirt (US)
Shirt (US) = T-shirt (UK)
Confused yet?
If its a nice top, its called a blouse in England. But in America we call that a shirt. But what's called a shirt in London is actually a T shirt. So when I yelled at her to come and look at a 'shirt' she was wondering why I was calling a blouse a shirt.
Similiarly in England a jacket is a heavy thick thing that people wear in extreme cold, but what we call a jacket is a light full length zip up hoodie that I may grab to take to the movies with me (see picture)
So if you like to shop make sure you know the differences when you visit!!
R u mad?
One of my cousins in England wrote to me and said that he thought that this was an important difference. Said that when he visited America he noticed that when Americans used the phrase mad - they were referring to someone being crazy, but in the UK when someone says mad - they mean angry.
I haven't seen that too much actually or encountered a problem with offending someone or meaning something else and it being interpreted differently.
I haven't seen that too much actually or encountered a problem with offending someone or meaning something else and it being interpreted differently.
It's boiling
I love the phrase - It's boiling. I can't believe that I almost forgot it from living in the UK. I've recently begun to adopt it and the staff where I work sometimes look at me like I'm crazy but I think they're starting to understand what I mind.
People generally think of the term 'boiling' to refer to something in a pot that is boiling away, like water etc.
In London, the term 'its boiling' refers to the weather. Its just another way of saying 'its hot'. But I think the term 'its boiling' does a better job of expressing how you feel especially when it is super hot and you feel like you are actually boiling.
People generally think of the term 'boiling' to refer to something in a pot that is boiling away, like water etc.
In London, the term 'its boiling' refers to the weather. Its just another way of saying 'its hot'. But I think the term 'its boiling' does a better job of expressing how you feel especially when it is super hot and you feel like you are actually boiling.
The driving game
It seems like people in the UK seem to spend a large portion of their time reversing, whereas that is not true in the US. I actually began learning to drive in England. And almost every single lesson there was an exercise where I had to reverse around the corner. It was prettlucy tedious and exhaustive especially because 90% of the time there was usually cars waiting to move past me and were really aggravated with the extended amount of time it took me to reverse around the corner.
In addition, people also reverse park in London. On occassion I've seen people (mostly just my parents) who reverse park (back into a driving space) but this is not common in Florida. I think that the biggest reason why it is done so much in London is because the parking spaces are smaller and also there is more traffic.
Roundabouts luckily for me are not present much in Florida but they are everywhere in England. I wonder why. The lack of roundabouts makes it easier for people who come to America to drive, because they are less likely to drive on the wrong side of the road. Are roundabouts that helpful at the end of the day?
Of course I can't comment on all the US states just on the ones I happen to reside at.
To be honest - I'm kinda glad about not having roundabouts here... I never did like them.
And lastly.... in London if you are learning to drive you have to display a L plate which is prominently displayed on your car. And when you pass you have to display a P plate. But that isn't seen in Florida. I know that at school they offer drivers ed classes but usually most people learn how to drive from a family or friend member and they usually just have someone sitting next to them while they drive around. But I have never seen any indication on a car that it is a driver in training. Maybe that would explain all these crazy drivers I see on the road.
In addition, people also reverse park in London. On occassion I've seen people (mostly just my parents) who reverse park (back into a driving space) but this is not common in Florida. I think that the biggest reason why it is done so much in London is because the parking spaces are smaller and also there is more traffic.
Roundabouts luckily for me are not present much in Florida but they are everywhere in England. I wonder why. The lack of roundabouts makes it easier for people who come to America to drive, because they are less likely to drive on the wrong side of the road. Are roundabouts that helpful at the end of the day?
Of course I can't comment on all the US states just on the ones I happen to reside at.
To be honest - I'm kinda glad about not having roundabouts here... I never did like them.
And lastly.... in London if you are learning to drive you have to display a L plate which is prominently displayed on your car. And when you pass you have to display a P plate. But that isn't seen in Florida. I know that at school they offer drivers ed classes but usually most people learn how to drive from a family or friend member and they usually just have someone sitting next to them while they drive around. But I have never seen any indication on a car that it is a driver in training. Maybe that would explain all these crazy drivers I see on the road.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
That's naff
Naff is used in the UK to say when something is rubbish. 'That's naff' - i haven't heard that saying in a long time.
Air conditioning
Florida is the warm state.. there's no discussion about that. And that's why I love Florida but what I don't understand is that when you go into shops, the cinema or whatever the air conditioning is on something like 60 degrees so its freezing. You wear clothes based on the weather outside, so when its 90 degrees outside, you're wearing shorts and t shirts etc but then you go into a store and the AC is on 60 degrees and you're freezing. Doesn't anyone realize that this fluctuation between 90 and 60 degrees is enough to get anyone sick.
Coke no ice please
What's the deal with ice? Growing up in the UK I was never used to ice. Never had ice with my water or in my drinks. On the few occasions when the waiter asked if I wanted ice I declined because it seemed like the drink was watered down with the addition of the ice.
In the US you have to specifically state when ordering a drink that you DO NOT want ice because otherwise you will get ice. And sometimes when you do request no ice, you still get it ANYWAY. I hate ice in my drink, what's the deal with that anyway. It waters down whatever it is you choose. I guess if the drink has been kept out and is really hot, you may need ice to cool it down but otherwise if the drink is cool, I'll take it without ice.
'coke, no ice please'
In the US you have to specifically state when ordering a drink that you DO NOT want ice because otherwise you will get ice. And sometimes when you do request no ice, you still get it ANYWAY. I hate ice in my drink, what's the deal with that anyway. It waters down whatever it is you choose. I guess if the drink has been kept out and is really hot, you may need ice to cool it down but otherwise if the drink is cool, I'll take it without ice.
'coke, no ice please'
The selling game
We all know how enthusiastic sales associates are in the US and how keen they are to do everything they can to make a sale. Well most of the time they have to - its their job. And in certain stores they get a commission based upon how much they can sell.
Went to Macy's the other day w/ my cousin. She was looking at a designer bag. A sales associate approached us and asked if she could help. A few minutes that she approached us again in a different area asking again if she could help. After saying no both times, I was surprised when I saw her again for the third time, but this time she began asking us if we had a Macy's credit card, and if not, she would be happy to open one for us so we could get an additional discount on this purchase she was 'hoping' we would make. When my cousin told her that she was not a Florida resident, she went on to tell us that she could still try to open an account for her or would try to see if she could offer her an international discount if she could open a international credit card. Seriously - I think she was a little over the top, but I guess she was just doing her job.
Isn't it funny how sometimes when you do want help, you can never find someone to help you but when you don't want help, and you just want to be left alone to do your shopping - there is someone bugging you constantly.
You can't win - I suppose.
Went to Macy's the other day w/ my cousin. She was looking at a designer bag. A sales associate approached us and asked if she could help. A few minutes that she approached us again in a different area asking again if she could help. After saying no both times, I was surprised when I saw her again for the third time, but this time she began asking us if we had a Macy's credit card, and if not, she would be happy to open one for us so we could get an additional discount on this purchase she was 'hoping' we would make. When my cousin told her that she was not a Florida resident, she went on to tell us that she could still try to open an account for her or would try to see if she could offer her an international discount if she could open a international credit card. Seriously - I think she was a little over the top, but I guess she was just doing her job.
Isn't it funny how sometimes when you do want help, you can never find someone to help you but when you don't want help, and you just want to be left alone to do your shopping - there is someone bugging you constantly.
You can't win - I suppose.
That's awesome
Have you ever noticed how many times Americans say 'that's awesome?' Do we really mean it, or is it just another optimistic way of looking at the world, or just part of the American friendliness that we all try to portray.
Crisps or Chips
In the UK - crisps are those things that you get in small little packets in different flavors and shapes. Chips are the things you get in a newspaper that are fried and you can put salt and vinegar on.
In the US - chips are the things in small little packets. Fries are the things you get from McDonalds, burger king, wendy's etc.
At Washington airport my cousin and her kids were at the airport and fancied some 'chips' (the typical fish and chips). and when they asked for chips at a food stall, they were surprised when they got a packet of crisps (Doritos) which in America are actually called chips. So just remember when visiting.......... you have to know what is called what if you want a good snack.
In the US - chips are the things in small little packets. Fries are the things you get from McDonalds, burger king, wendy's etc.
At Washington airport my cousin and her kids were at the airport and fancied some 'chips' (the typical fish and chips). and when they asked for chips at a food stall, they were surprised when they got a packet of crisps (Doritos) which in America are actually called chips. So just remember when visiting.......... you have to know what is called what if you want a good snack.
Restroom privacy
The restrooms at the airport, at the outlets, at the malls they all seemed to have this same gap that we don't tend to think much of it but the gap is big enough to be able to tell if someone is in the cubicle or not. So next time you use a public restroom think twice becausre you might not be totally alone as you might think.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Celebrities vs. royalty
What is the difference between a celebrity and a member of the royal family. Well - it all depends on which country you happen to be in. In England the Royal family are celebrities. Of course they still have other celebrities too... but the Royal family are celebrities. The Royal family are constantly splashed on the TV, newspapers, and in magazines. People 'stalk' the royal family for photos and information just as they do here in America with celebrities.
In America its all about the celebrities but sometimes the two worlds can mix when there is a big event. For example, with the wedding of William and Kate even though I don't watch the news regularly, I've seen the information on the American news channel and even in magazines.
So - is there really a difference between celebrities and royalty. Not really. Celebrities are those that got to where they are either by doing something spectacular (actor/actress etc) or by marrying or being the child of someone famous. The royal family are people that were born or married into it. The media and the public are both fascinated by the lives of these individuals and will do almost anything to know about them better.
In America its all about the celebrities but sometimes the two worlds can mix when there is a big event. For example, with the wedding of William and Kate even though I don't watch the news regularly, I've seen the information on the American news channel and even in magazines.
So - is there really a difference between celebrities and royalty. Not really. Celebrities are those that got to where they are either by doing something spectacular (actor/actress etc) or by marrying or being the child of someone famous. The royal family are people that were born or married into it. The media and the public are both fascinated by the lives of these individuals and will do almost anything to know about them better.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Holiday..... celebrate
Sometimes if I'm not sure what holiday comes next, popping into the card store will tell me. Or sometimes I don't even need to go to a card store, its right there, its everywhere.
Right after christmas and of course the christmas sales, valentines day starts to appear. You can't miss the flash of red that greets you and jumps out at you. Encouraging those with loved ones to buy a card, buy a gift, sweets, chocolate anything. In England, from what I remember Valentines day was there but it wasn't as big as it is here. Here it takes over stores. Most stores have a special section dedicated to Valentines day. And its not just for those with lovers either. Its for friends and family, kids, teachers everyone. They have these special cards that kids can buy - of course they're themed with Dora, Mickey mouse, Tinker bell or Spongebob and kids can give these to other kids in their class and even their teachers. They never had this in England when I was a child anyway. And of course there's the candy, the chocolates, the heart shaped confetti not to mention the heart shaped plates, cups, glasses, napkins, clothes, jewellry....the list is endless. Libraries, restaurants, bookstores all have some kind of display, promotion for valentines day. No one wants to be left behind.
After Valentines day is Easter. Easter bunnies start poppoing out from the corner. Chocolates, baskets, furry bunnies. Easter was celebrated in England, but more spiritually than anything else. I remember them selling these huge chocolate eggs based on your favorite Cadbury's chocolate. And each year my dad would buy my sister and I one. It was usually milk chocolate and then would also include the actual chocolate of your choice. But I don't remember easter egg hunts like they have here, or bunny rabbits, or gifts.
After Easter comes Mother's day. In England Mother's day is in March but in America it is in May which is totally bizzare that it would be different but anyway.... Mother's day presents and cards flood the stores including TV advertisements reminding you not to forget that special person in your life.
After Mother's day is Father's day which is the same day in both countries.
In America we also have 4th of july and this means a lot of merchandise including cards which have the flag of America on it. People decorate their houses, cars, self for the occasion. There is also a firework show in the evenings, or people just lit their own fireworks to celebrate this special day.
Then its October and Halloween. Costumes in costume stores, as well as pharmacies, grocery stores, and other stores. Clothing which has something related to Halloween, jewelry, accessories and all that jazz. Even theme parks offer a Halloween special event. Halloween in England consisted of Trick or Treating but not much more. But here in America its huge. People dress up for work. People wear jewelry and themed t shirts the whole month long. People celebrate it for weeks. Parties, activities, games.
Then its thanksgiving. Cards wander into the stores. Grocery stores have a special section for thanksgiving. Not to mention you can wear a shirt or a sweater with a turkey on it, and of course jewelry. And then of course its the after thanksgiving sales so of course that's being advertised intensely.
And then of course Christmas. Christmas, Christmas Christmas. We all know what that means.
I might have forgotten some smaller holidays along the way but you get the jist of what I am saying and there is a store called Old navy which actually offers $5 t shirts for each of these holidays as they approach. Crazy huh? So what is it? Are these holidays a means of commercialization or is it just a way of bringing people together. Is Valentines day important to people dating, or married. Or does it matter if that special person can't be there to celebrate that day with you? Who made these holidays and how come in America they are so much bigger and so much more celebrated. Are they less significant because of how they are commercialized?
Right after christmas and of course the christmas sales, valentines day starts to appear. You can't miss the flash of red that greets you and jumps out at you. Encouraging those with loved ones to buy a card, buy a gift, sweets, chocolate anything. In England, from what I remember Valentines day was there but it wasn't as big as it is here. Here it takes over stores. Most stores have a special section dedicated to Valentines day. And its not just for those with lovers either. Its for friends and family, kids, teachers everyone. They have these special cards that kids can buy - of course they're themed with Dora, Mickey mouse, Tinker bell or Spongebob and kids can give these to other kids in their class and even their teachers. They never had this in England when I was a child anyway. And of course there's the candy, the chocolates, the heart shaped confetti not to mention the heart shaped plates, cups, glasses, napkins, clothes, jewellry....the list is endless. Libraries, restaurants, bookstores all have some kind of display, promotion for valentines day. No one wants to be left behind.
After Valentines day is Easter. Easter bunnies start poppoing out from the corner. Chocolates, baskets, furry bunnies. Easter was celebrated in England, but more spiritually than anything else. I remember them selling these huge chocolate eggs based on your favorite Cadbury's chocolate. And each year my dad would buy my sister and I one. It was usually milk chocolate and then would also include the actual chocolate of your choice. But I don't remember easter egg hunts like they have here, or bunny rabbits, or gifts.
After Easter comes Mother's day. In England Mother's day is in March but in America it is in May which is totally bizzare that it would be different but anyway.... Mother's day presents and cards flood the stores including TV advertisements reminding you not to forget that special person in your life.
After Mother's day is Father's day which is the same day in both countries.
In America we also have 4th of july and this means a lot of merchandise including cards which have the flag of America on it. People decorate their houses, cars, self for the occasion. There is also a firework show in the evenings, or people just lit their own fireworks to celebrate this special day.
Then its October and Halloween. Costumes in costume stores, as well as pharmacies, grocery stores, and other stores. Clothing which has something related to Halloween, jewelry, accessories and all that jazz. Even theme parks offer a Halloween special event. Halloween in England consisted of Trick or Treating but not much more. But here in America its huge. People dress up for work. People wear jewelry and themed t shirts the whole month long. People celebrate it for weeks. Parties, activities, games.
Then its thanksgiving. Cards wander into the stores. Grocery stores have a special section for thanksgiving. Not to mention you can wear a shirt or a sweater with a turkey on it, and of course jewelry. And then of course its the after thanksgiving sales so of course that's being advertised intensely.
And then of course Christmas. Christmas, Christmas Christmas. We all know what that means.
I might have forgotten some smaller holidays along the way but you get the jist of what I am saying and there is a store called Old navy which actually offers $5 t shirts for each of these holidays as they approach. Crazy huh? So what is it? Are these holidays a means of commercialization or is it just a way of bringing people together. Is Valentines day important to people dating, or married. Or does it matter if that special person can't be there to celebrate that day with you? Who made these holidays and how come in America they are so much bigger and so much more celebrated. Are they less significant because of how they are commercialized?
Weather changes
Who decided that it snows in December and that the sun shines in July? Who invented the saying 'white Christmas?' Its not always what it should be?
In Florida on Christmas day I was wearing shorts because it was 70 degrees Fahrenheit. For those of you England readers, 70 degrees F is approximately 20 degrees C. And I loved being able to wear shorts on Christmas day and in January and even February.
The weather in Florida doesn't always follow stereotype as some countries do. It was warm until the end of November and then suddenly got cold quickly, about 40 degrees F (about 5 degrees C) and then we had some huge chills before the weather got warmer again for Christmas and now its regulating at around 50-65 degrees F. The nights and mornings being colder of course.
But that's what I like best about Florida - the sun. The fact that you don't expect it to get cold in September and then stay cold until May. Its sunny all year round.
So - do I miss having a 'white Christmas'? Sometimes, maybe. But I love the sun way too much. And I can always visit in the snow, just to experience it, but I'm where the sun is :)
In Florida on Christmas day I was wearing shorts because it was 70 degrees Fahrenheit. For those of you England readers, 70 degrees F is approximately 20 degrees C. And I loved being able to wear shorts on Christmas day and in January and even February.
The weather in Florida doesn't always follow stereotype as some countries do. It was warm until the end of November and then suddenly got cold quickly, about 40 degrees F (about 5 degrees C) and then we had some huge chills before the weather got warmer again for Christmas and now its regulating at around 50-65 degrees F. The nights and mornings being colder of course.
But that's what I like best about Florida - the sun. The fact that you don't expect it to get cold in September and then stay cold until May. Its sunny all year round.
So - do I miss having a 'white Christmas'? Sometimes, maybe. But I love the sun way too much. And I can always visit in the snow, just to experience it, but I'm where the sun is :)
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