A "very American" British Experience

Andrew likes to remind me just how “very American” I am. This became even more evident when I arrived here in the UK. I apparently become even more “very American” when I’m around other British people. As I’ve been on a bit of an extended stay here recently, I have actually begun to settle into the British way of life. However, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing, let me tell you!

Take for instance… Day one here in England. I had just arrived at Heathrow Airport and we had to take the underground into London. Totally fine. I had never been on a subway or anything like that in the States, so I was excited for my first experience. Everything went fine at the airport as we caught “the tube” and settled in for the long ride into the city. The problem came when we got off at King’s Cross Station. What you may not know is that in order to get on or off the trains, you have to go through these gate-like ‘turnstiles’. I walked up to the turnstile, ticket in one hand and dragging my bag behind me with the other, I inserted my ticket into the machine. The gate opened. I took two steps through, the wheels of my bag caught on the edge. The next thing I knew, I couldn’t move! The gate had closed on my ass, my hand still behind me gripping my case, my backpack wedged over the top. I didn’t know what to do, I was completely stuck! Thankfully, Andrew came to my rescue. He lifted my backpack over the top and pushed me through the gate. Once he stopped laughing, he came through himself. With the ever encouraging word of the attendant, “Use the bigger gate next time,” we walked off still laughing.

That was just day one of me in the UK!

Since that first day there have been a few other things I have had to acclimatize myself to. For example, coffee. Like many Americans, I generally drink copious amounts of coffee. I make a full pot each morning (for just myself) and I make it strong. Imagine my surprise when I was offered a cup of coffee my first day here and it was followed by heating up a kettle and spooning some coffee into a mug! Definitely not what I expected… However, you’ll be pleased to know I have found myself growing accustomed to the flavor of instant coffee (even if I still make it stronger than most).

Andrew and I like to talk about how so many things between Britain and America are “similar yet different.” Food is definitely one of those things. Take for instance, they have Doritos over here. However, none of the flavors that exist in the States exist here. That isn’t to say that I haven’t found a flavor that I like. I actually found one I like very much. I have also been introduced to Steak and Kidney Pie, Sausage Rolls, Pork Pies, Pasties, Crumpets, and Toasted Tea Cakes.

Now, one of the things I have yet to fully acclimatize to here in Britain is – the currency! The notes aren’t the issue. They have fives, tens, and twenties just like we do in the States. It’s when you get into the coins that the struggle comes into play. 1 pound coins, 2 pence, 20 pence, etc. It’s a lot to try to figure out … Unless, of course, you want to stand at the check-out and read each individual coin as you’re trying to pay. I’m sure I’ll figure out at some point though… maybe.

I’m still “very American,” of course. Even if someone couldn’t tell right away, all it takes is me saying something for them to know the truth. Often times this makes them smile, or I also get the furrowed brow of confusion. I’m not sure if it’s them trying to figure out what an all-American girl is doing here in the UK, or if they are simply trying to figure out what the hell I’m saying. Either way, I flash them a smile and go on my way. The reality is, no matter how long I’m here in Britain, no matter how acclimatized I become, Andrew and I are in full agreement …

I will always be “very American.”