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-   -   Old habits (https://britishexpats.com/forum/trailer-park-96/old-habits-773645/)

yellowroom Oct 14th 2012 10:54 am

Re: Old habits
 
Easy to pick up new habit unawares. Im currently in London for a brief visit. Just popped down to reception on the ground floor and got in the lift and automatically punched "1".

Oh the shame. I blame jet lag......

Pulaski Oct 16th 2012 12:19 am

Re: Old habits
 

Originally Posted by GeoffM (Post 10326734)
As for U-turns, they're great! Wa-hey! I find I'm relaxing more as time goes on but hey, if there's no sign saying I can't, then let's go for it!

In a country with almost no roundabouts, I have learned to improvise - when I miss the green left arrow on the way home I just go straight through about 50 yards, do a quick U-turn and make a right. I have found a number of places this manoeuvre, or a similar one, works. My daughter calls them "Daddy's roundabouts". :D

rivit Oct 17th 2012 3:36 am

Re: Old habits
 
A trick i used so as to not look foolish for opening the passenger door when i started driving over here was to throw something on the passenger floor befor i got out, then if i did open the wrong door i just picked up the object and walked around to the other side holding the object aloft for all to see so they would realize this was my intention all allong :thumbsup:

I got a magazine in the mail from a mate in the UK and it just had my address on it, inside was a note from him with his return address on it. I'd forgotten that's how we did it in the UK, return address on the inside of the letter, you have to admit putting the return address on the outside of the letter is one of the better ideas the Yanks had. :nod:

Charles

Cardienscarf Oct 17th 2012 3:53 am

Re: Old habits
 

Originally Posted by rivit (Post 10335705)

I got a magazine in the mail from a mate in the UK and it just had my address on it, inside was a note from him with his return address on it. I'd forgotten that's how we did it in the UK, return address on the inside of the letter, you have to admit putting the return address on the outside of the letter is one of the better ideas the Yanks had. :nod:

Charles

As long as you can open the envelope without ripping the house number :D

N1cky Oct 17th 2012 6:13 am

Re: Old habits
 

Originally Posted by rivit (Post 10335705)
A trick i used so as to not look foolish for opening the passenger door when i started driving over here was to throw something on the passenger floor befor i got out, then if i did open the wrong door i just picked up the object and walked around to the other side holding the object aloft for all to see so they would realize this was my intention all allong :thumbsup:

I got a magazine in the mail from a mate in the UK and it just had my address on it, inside was a note from him with his return address on it. I'd forgotten that's how we did it in the UK, return address on the inside of the letter, you have to admit putting the return address on the outside of the letter is one of the better ideas the Yanks had. :nod:

Charles

It takes all the excitement out of opening your birthday and christmas cards though

Bob Oct 19th 2012 4:33 am

Re: Old habits
 

Originally Posted by rivit (Post 10335705)

I got a magazine in the mail from a mate in the UK and it just had my address on it, inside was a note from him with his return address on it. I'd forgotten that's how we did it in the UK, return address on the inside of the letter, you have to admit putting the return address on the outside of the letter is one of the better ideas the Yanks had. :nod:

Charles

First I've heard of that.

Always have written the return address on the envelope, just at the back rather than the front though.

kimilseung Oct 19th 2012 10:18 am

Re: Old habits
 

Originally Posted by RICH (Post 10314052)
Dates!! ..... I always go for longhand "October 4 2012" or "4 October 2012"

I kind of go half way, I follow the US syntax, but write the month short, I understand it and the locals do too.
like this Oct/19/12

yellowroom Oct 19th 2012 10:32 am

Re: Old habits
 
Working in a scientific environment for 20+ years with colleagues on both sides of the Atlantic, I got in the habit a long time ago of writing in the format "19 Oct 2012". It's engrained now, can't write it any other way, home or work. At least it's unambiguous to every one.

In fact, I have been mostly successful in persuading many other colleagues to write their dates in that way too. You don't have to face too many FDA auditors asking "5th April or 4th May?" before changing habits!

yellowroom Oct 19th 2012 10:40 am

Re: Old habits
 

Originally Posted by rivit (Post 10335705)
A trick i used so as to not look foolish for opening the passenger door when i started driving over here was to throw something on the passenger floor befor i got out, then if i did open the wrong door i just picked up the object and walked around to the other side holding the object aloft for all to see so they would realize this was my intention all allong :thumbsup:

Like it - when I did it regularly in the car park at work I conspicuously placed my handbag/coat etc on the passenger seat before walking round to the drivers side. Same idea. :)

Bob Oct 19th 2012 12:12 pm

Re: Old habits
 

Originally Posted by yellowroom (Post 10339952)
Like it - when I did it regularly in the car park at work I conspicuously placed my handbag/coat etc on the passenger seat before walking round to the drivers side. Same idea. :)

I used to just have something to hand and chucked it on the passenger seat, like a coat, before walking around if I made that mistake :)

mamasue Oct 20th 2012 2:50 pm

Re: Old habits
 
Also the MPG on a car is confusing.....I just bought a new car....it's a tiny thing....just 1.2 litre engine...but I was totally unimpresed with the MPG rating...
Until I was reminded a US gallon is 3.7 litres, and a UK one about 5 litres!
Now I'm a bit more impressed with my MPG!!!:lol:

Norri Oct 21st 2012 4:02 am

Re: Old habits
 

Originally Posted by Bob (Post 10339413)
First I've heard of that.

Always have written the return address on the envelope, just at the back rather than the front though.

That's what I've always done too.

Lothianlad Oct 21st 2012 10:53 am

Re: Old habits
 
I


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