I need to go to the toilet

So - in America people don't say toilet. This place is the restroom or less formally the bathroom. But in London - its the loo or the toilet.
I was in Marks and Spencer the other day and I asked a sales assistant where the rest room was. She looked at me in a strange way. And my cousin nudged me and said - say the toilet. Oh yeah.
Its funny because we don't say toilet in America and I'm sure if I asked someone where the toilet was - they might turn an embarassing shade of red!!!

Manners

Since I visited America on a regular basis I already knew that Americans tended to be much friendlier compared to English people. I remember once I came back from a visit and then when I went back to my job at the library, without knowing, I suddenly started saying 'thank you - have a nice day.' I cannot tell you how many strange looks I got from people. They must have thought I had gone bonkers lol. I wasn't conscious that I was doing this deliberately, but after being accustomed to the American friendliness during my recent trip, I guess some of this had rubbed off on me.

Since living there, the friendliness is just part of the whole culture. Its something you do. Its a part of us all there.

I used to work in retail and it was part of my job to be friendly, and caring, and compassionate. We had to check in on customers several times during their time in the store.

On my way into London for this vacation (holiday) my allergies (hayfever) was acting up. I sneezed about ten times in the immigration line. And after the first sneeze, it was weird there was still silence. I wondered if maybe nobody heard my sneeze - but that's impossible because I inherited my dad's loud sneezing and therefore, its enough to wake up the 'dead' apparently. Anyway - so after my multiple sneezes - still nothing. I guess I had been in America for so long and got used to strangers just saying 'bless you' that it was very weird to me that not a single person in line said anything when I sneezed.

I also suffered from some rudeness during various shopping trips. It was quite an expedition in Debenhams trying to find a shopkeeper to ask some help, and when I did, they told me they had no idea. In Marks and Spencers, I asked where the VAT desk was - I got a response, 'oh maybe on the first floor somewhere'. OK seriously - am i asking too much. Maybe I've been spoilt.
In Primark - the lady at the dressing room told me I couldn't take the shopping bag in with me. Fair enough. So I left it outside. She said - 'you can't leave it outside.' Ok so.... now I am wondering what am I supossed to do with it??? She said - 'are you going to give it to me or just hold up the line.' WOW!!!! I could not believe it. She told me where I could not leave it, but she never told me that I was able to leave it with her. Was I supposed to be a psychic? I didn't think I was that dumb. I do have a masters degree, but seriously this woman should have been much more clearer.

Anyway, I just thought some of these changes were interesting to note...

Which is better?

People always ask me - which place do you prefer, England or America? Its the toughest question to answer. Because there are so many factors to take into consideration. I miss the people and the places in England, as well as the familiarity. I am not really a fan of the cold weather, although the few weeks of sunshine is probably more appreciated because its a rare occurrence. In Florida, the sun is always shining and so its something that you really rely on rather than appreciate. Since the majority of my time in Florida has been spent in a classroom or behind books I feel like I can't comment that much on the social aspect of Florida. However, in London I always feel like there is so much to do. You can take a walk, visit museums, site attractions, such as the queen's palace, tower of london, london eye etc. In Florida, there are places to go, theme parks but there is limitations as far as transport goes. You have to have a car in order to get anywhere in Florida specifically. New York is a different story. I've visited Los Angeles, San Fransisco, Vegas etc... and most of these places seem to have more use of public transport but still a car remains a necessity in terms of travel. That's my opinion anyway.
London is my home because its where I grew up. It is the place I took my first steps, the place where I made my memories, well most of them. Its my childhood home, and thus is the place I will always consider to be a home. I had hesitation about moving to America especially because I hate change, but I guess Florida has become my home too. I learnt to drive in Florida because having a car there was a necessity. So many of my friends from school and college don't need to have a car because of public transport here which is readily available of accessible.
I miss the people I grow up with in London. Family and friends. Nothing can replace familiarity.
But I've learnt to accept Florida as my home. Its the place where I decided what I wanted to do with my life, its where I worked, and will work. Its the place I will be able to achieve my dream. But where do I prefer - I really can't answer that question, except to say - that I am a english yankee...!

Introduction

I was born and raised  in England and ten years before my 21st birthday I moved to America and I experienced a culture shock I never expected. Who would have thought that the two places would have been so different. I had visited America, specifically florida for most of my life since I had family there, but living there was a totally different story altogether.
I'm currently on vacation (holiday) in London and after being away for ten years the changes once again confront me as my friends and family remind me that I'm an English Yankee after all.....!