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What was the biggest culture shock when you moved to the USA?

What was the biggest culture shock when you moved to the USA?

Old Dec 13th 2016, 5:47 am
  #31  
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Default Re: What was the biggest culture shock when you moved to the USA?

Ten dollars incl tax for a medium sized bottle of Bovril at the Tudor House in Santa Monica. My wife visibly recoiled when I spooned it out into a cup. "What in God's's name is that"?
"it's a beverage strictly of acquired taste my love"

Last edited by dc koop; Dec 13th 2016 at 5:50 am.
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Old Dec 13th 2016, 8:34 am
  #32  
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Default Re: What was the biggest culture shock when you moved to the USA?

Originally Posted by dc koop
Ten dollars incl tax for a medium sized bottle of Bovril at the Tudor House in Santa Monica. My wife visibly recoiled when I spooned it out into a cup. "What in God's's name is that"?
"it's a beverage strictly of acquired taste my love"
Damn right with "it's a beverage strictly of acquired taste my love"
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Old Dec 13th 2016, 9:08 am
  #33  
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Default Re: What was the biggest culture shock when you moved to the USA?

Originally Posted by tom169
Damn right with "it's a beverage strictly of acquired taste my love"
It is apparently an infallible power, though

AP1581 - The Pope and Bovril!, Victorian Advert (30x40cm Art Print)
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Old Dec 13th 2016, 1:56 pm
  #34  
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Default Re: What was the biggest culture shock when you moved to the USA?

Originally Posted by Pulaski
The impact of the pervasive driving culture can be unexpected. Mrs P still doesn't understand why I park in one place and then visit multiple shops built around one large carpark, rather than driving around the carpark to park outside each shop.
Why would anyone move the car outside each shop? That's such a waste of time and petrol.

Originally Posted by dc koop
I came here in the fall. I like to walk . They thought I was mad when I took walks lasting around 2-3 hours. I thought I was walking in a city of the dead. When July came I went native. The only creatures out in 40.C heat were stray dogs and mail carriers
I take 3 hour walks as well. I don't care who thinks I'm mad, I love the peace and quiet.
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Old Dec 13th 2016, 2:40 pm
  #35  
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Default Re: What was the biggest culture shock when you moved to the USA?

Saying "I'm sorry" all the time. I hate it, especially when it doesn't mean sorry. Personal bugbear is when it means "get out of my way NOW, I do not expect to have to wait at all" .
This was a big culture shock for me coming from France where saying "sorry" at all is like admitting you just killed your favourite pet. on purpose.

On a good note, being complimented by complete strangers - well usually women, on your hair or clothes or smile. The first time it happened to me and my daughters we were all completely gobsmacked.
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Old Dec 13th 2016, 2:46 pm
  #36  
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Default Re: What was the biggest culture shock when you moved to the USA?

Originally Posted by petitefrancaise
Saying "I'm sorry" all the time. I hate it ...
You probably shouldn't move to Canada, then.
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Old Dec 13th 2016, 5:19 pm
  #37  
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Default Re: What was the biggest culture shock when you moved to the USA?

I think Brits say "Sorry" and "Thank you" a Lot more than the merkins
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Old Dec 13th 2016, 5:24 pm
  #38  
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Default Re: What was the biggest culture shock when you moved to the USA?

Originally Posted by BubbleChog
I think Brits say "Sorry" and "Thank you" a Lot more than the merkins
Maybe, but they actually mean "sorry", they're apologising!
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Old Dec 13th 2016, 5:31 pm
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Default Re: What was the biggest culture shock when you moved to the USA?

Originally Posted by petitefrancaise
Maybe, but they actually mean "sorry", they're apologising!
I say 'sorry', when I can't hear what someone said. Picked it up from my dad. I know it's short for 'sorry, I couldn't hear you', but I'm not actually apologising when I say it because I'm not in the least bit sorry that I didn't hear them.
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Old Dec 13th 2016, 5:35 pm
  #40  
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Default Re: What was the biggest culture shock when you moved to the USA?

Originally Posted by petitefrancaise

On a good note, being complimented by complete strangers - well usually women, on your hair or clothes or smile. The first time it happened to me and my daughters we were all completely gobsmacked.

I agree -- and now I make sure to pass it on by extending a compliment when I see someone whose look I admire. If it makes my day, hopefully it does the same for them!
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Old Dec 13th 2016, 5:36 pm
  #41  
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Default Re: What was the biggest culture shock when you moved to the USA?

My experience is different to some. i have 5 grocery stores all within 5 to 10 minutes away, plus many other stores all being so close.

Having to stop every few minutes either for a stop sign or traffic lights.

Constantly having to deal with contractors for home repairs. I do have an older home built in 78 though.

Being able to take goods back to the store without having to give a reason.

Slow trains.

The amount of people that think it's OK to not wear seat belts, drink and drive, and texting while driving.

Salty and sweet food

I found out just how bad cakes can be. This was probably the worst shock.
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Old Dec 13th 2016, 5:53 pm
  #42  
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Default Re: What was the biggest culture shock when you moved to the USA?

Originally Posted by username.exe
Part of my annual mandatory training at work includes an afternoon dedicated to: 'Surviving an Active Shooter Event'.

Holy S***.

Originally Posted by petitefrancaise
Saying "I'm sorry" all the time. I hate it, especially when it doesn't mean sorry.
Come to NYC, On the streets/subway it's pretty much culture to have the "couldn't be less sorry" attitude Be prepared to 'get to know' your fellow commuters on rush hour though (though the same could be said for The Tube).

Originally Posted by petitefrancaise
On a good note, being complimented by complete strangers
Yup yup, and random conversation in line/at stores.etc people can be very friendly, and quite interesting (especially senior citizens). The only exemption I have with this is on public transport (as documented, earbuds solve some of this)
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Old Dec 13th 2016, 5:57 pm
  #43  
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Default Re: What was the biggest culture shock when you moved to the USA?

Originally Posted by SultanOfSwing
You probably shouldn't move to Canada, then.
Ha ha so true.
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Old Dec 13th 2016, 6:03 pm
  #44  
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Default Re: What was the biggest culture shock when you moved to the USA?

Originally Posted by username.exe
Part of my annual mandatory training at work includes an afternoon dedicated to: 'Surviving an Active Shooter Event'.

I did mine couple weeks ago , along with a video where someone came in with a gun threatening to shoot himself, into the reception of one of our sites. One of the people in the class had been siting in the exact same chair the week prior to the class.

I didn't find it any more shocking that the station closure due to bomb threats working in London.

Last edited by mrken30; Dec 13th 2016 at 6:06 pm.
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Old Dec 13th 2016, 7:08 pm
  #45  
 
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Default Re: What was the biggest culture shock when you moved to the USA?

Originally Posted by username.exe
Part of my annual mandatory training at work includes an afternoon dedicated to: 'Surviving an Active Shooter Event'. ....
I was given a booklet to read covering evacuation, fire, earthquakes, burglary, kidnap/ extortion, bomb/chemical/biological threats, threatening behavior, and "active aggressor" threats, among other "workplace hazards".
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