9.27.2012

Learning How To Tie My Shoe

I've met a few Americans while living in the U.K., and recently a group of us got to talking about the differences between London and our respective hometowns. It's a misconception that the British culture is similar to American culture; on the contrary, it's VERY evident that I'm living in a completely different country.

Sure, we share a language (sort of) and a democratic government system (sort of)...and if I keep going with a list, you'll notice a lot of 'sort ofs' added on. It's the little things that add up to a lot.

For instance, I have to mentally remind myself which way to look while crossing the road because it's the opposite I've been trained to look my whole life. When checking for packages at the post office, I need to remember to ask for "parcel." The debit cards are different (they aren't swipe cards). There are more coins to memorize (the 2 pound coin exists). Fries are called chips and chips are called crisps. Zucchini is called courgette, eggplant is called aubergine and cilantro is called coriander.

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This may seem like a list of complaints to you, but don't fret, it's not. I simply want to show all the little changes that add up to a lot. While some days the changes are exciting, other days they can be frustrating. It's like being a kid and learning how to tie your shoe. Everyday, I've been learning how to cross my laces and tie a proper knot. Everyday, every single day, I learn something new here.

Doing all these new things, in turn, makes me new. I no longer feel stagnant or stuck in the same old routine.

I can already see how this is going to be one of the best experiences of my life.

6 comments:

  1. How exciting! I think I'd really love being in a situation where I learn something new every single day. Life gets so boring without learning new things.

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  2. Ha- you'll settle in in no time. Don't worry!

    The crossing the road thing is a big one- I continue to nearly kill myself every day in the UAE!

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  3. definitely understand where you are coming from, i am STILL learning new things here. and yes, spring sounds like a lovely time for you to visit if you can, i'd love to show you around!

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  4. "ries are called chips and chips are called crisps. Zucchini is called courgette, eggplant is called aubergine and cilantro is called coriander." i like that :D diffrences are everywere

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  5. It's good to hear that you're loving the change and that this was the right decision for you! Change is good! Tell the other Ashley that.

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  6. I hear you loud and clear!! I feel the same with Spain and Spanish. Some times I get really tired of all the non-familiar stuff, while other times (most of the time) I just love how there's always something new to learn every single day. Enjoy the experience and good luck at uni! :)

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