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"

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" :sick:

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)

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

Why would anyone move the car outside each shop? That's such a waste of time and petrol.

I take 3 hour walks as well. I don't care who thinks I'm mad, I love the peace and quiet.

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.

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

You probably shouldn't move to Canada, then.

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

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

Maybe, but they actually mean "sorry", they're apologising!

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.

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!

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.

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

Holy S***.

Come to NYC, On the streets/subway it's pretty much culture to have the "couldn't be less sorry" attitude :lol: Be prepared to 'get to know' your fellow commuters on rush hour though (though the same could be said for The Tube).

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) :nod:

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

Ha ha so true.

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

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.

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". :blink: