What was the biggest culture shock when you moved to the USA?
#31
Banned
Joined: Dec 2015
Location: california
Posts: 6,035
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"
"it's a beverage strictly of acquired taste my love"
Last edited by dc koop; Dec 13th 2016 at 5:50 am.
#32
Re: What was the biggest culture shock when you moved to the USA?
Damn right with "it's a beverage strictly of acquired taste my love"
#33
Heading for Poppyland
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: North Norfolk and northern New York State
Posts: 14,453
Re: What was the biggest culture shock when you moved to the USA?
It is apparently an infallible power, though
AP1581 - The Pope and Bovril!, Victorian Advert (30x40cm Art Print)
AP1581 - The Pope and Bovril!, Victorian Advert (30x40cm Art Print)
#34
I have a comma problem
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: Fox Lake, IL (from Carrickfergus NI)
Posts: 49,598
Re: What was the biggest culture shock when you moved to the USA?
I take 3 hour walks as well. I don't care who thinks I'm mad, I love the peace and quiet.
#35
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.
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.
#36
I have a comma problem
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: Fox Lake, IL (from Carrickfergus NI)
Posts: 49,598
#37
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
#39
I have a comma problem
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: Fox Lake, IL (from Carrickfergus NI)
Posts: 49,598
Re: What was the biggest culture shock when you moved to the USA?
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.
#40
Re: What was the biggest culture shock when you moved to the USA?
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!
#41
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.
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.
#42
Re: What was the biggest culture shock when you moved to the USA?
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)
#44
Re: What was the biggest culture shock when you moved to the USA?
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.
#45
Re: What was the biggest culture shock when you moved to the USA?
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".