What did you think of the U.S., before you moved here?
Aug 1st 2007, 7:08 pm
#63
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Re: What did you think of the U.S., before you moved here?
Yes I thought it would be advanced. Amazed how many forms you have to fill out for everything and how poorly laid-out they are. Banking is very primitive. My 12 year old had a current account back in England but can't here. Health provision is so cumbersome. Smear test means 5 mins with the nurse in England. Here I need at least 2 months notice for a going-over by the doctor. I didn't realise how bad things like homelessness were. I knew they had a lot of commercials but was still surprised by the number, intensity and crapness of them. Radio stations play the same handful of songs approved by advertisers.
I thought women would be more liberated than us, but many seem to be in the 1950s as far as pleasing their men and being obsessed with appearance and houshold gadgets goes.
Didn't realize drinking alcohol was pretty much a no-no.
I did think there would be a lot of cops leaping over their vehicles and saying "Make My Day", and that things would be bigger, which is generally true.
I think a lot of people here have an idealized view of Britain which would be rudely shattered if they visited. "All English people speak correctly don't they?", "I would love to see all the beautifully stylish outfits you guys wear"
I don't think they would be prepared for how crowded a lot of places are, meagre food portions when eating out and plain grubbiness like chewing gum on streets, cracked pavements, dog poo, litter.
I thought women would be more liberated than us, but many seem to be in the 1950s as far as pleasing their men and being obsessed with appearance and houshold gadgets goes.
Didn't realize drinking alcohol was pretty much a no-no.
I did think there would be a lot of cops leaping over their vehicles and saying "Make My Day", and that things would be bigger, which is generally true.
I think a lot of people here have an idealized view of Britain which would be rudely shattered if they visited. "All English people speak correctly don't they?", "I would love to see all the beautifully stylish outfits you guys wear"
I don't think they would be prepared for how crowded a lot of places are, meagre food portions when eating out and plain grubbiness like chewing gum on streets, cracked pavements, dog poo, litter.
Aug 1st 2007, 7:09 pm
#64
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Re: What did you think of the U.S., before you moved here?
Before you ever moved or visited, what images popped into your head when you thought about life over here? Cowboys and indians? Red carpet celebrities? Racist bible thumping rednecks? Amber waves of grain? A nation without poor?
I'll admit that when I think of England I think of the typical touristy stuff, Red phone booths, double decker busses, gray misty weather, everybody carrying an umbrella, Dickensonian urchins groveling in the streets, (I'll be very dissapointed if I ever visit and there are no urchins!) narrow roads and tiny cars. I figure my perceptions are about 5 decades off (Thanks Disney!
) if not more... Of course, having never been there, and not seeing much of the "real" modern England in the media here, my perceptions were formed by all the old Disney stuff to an extent. Being a member here is helping to change that, of course...
Kind of an odd question I know, but it's early, I'm curious and I think the answers will be interesting. To me anyway.
I'll admit that when I think of England I think of the typical touristy stuff, Red phone booths, double decker busses, gray misty weather, everybody carrying an umbrella, Dickensonian urchins groveling in the streets, (I'll be very dissapointed if I ever visit and there are no urchins!) narrow roads and tiny cars. I figure my perceptions are about 5 decades off (Thanks Disney!
) if not more... Of course, having never been there, and not seeing much of the "real" modern England in the media here, my perceptions were formed by all the old Disney stuff to an extent. Being a member here is helping to change that, of course...Kind of an odd question I know, but it's early, I'm curious and I think the answers will be interesting. To me anyway.
Some reasons:
Did not like, Americans aggressive "Take no prisoners" attitude. They tend to smile at you, whilst dipping into your pockets. Hate bible punchers. Most Americans are the worst dressed people in the world. Disgustingly large plates of food.
Moved here for my dearly beloved "She who must be obeyed". I have grown to like the bits that "Suit" me & try to ignore the rest. I became a USC & have no intentions, of returning to Blighty, in the near or distant future. Guess I like some things about the place.
Reg. Frank R.
Aug 1st 2007, 7:09 pm
#65
Joined: May 2006
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Re: What did you think of the U.S., before you moved here?
Aug 1st 2007, 7:13 pm
#67
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Re: What did you think of the U.S., before you moved here?
Water heaters you just leave on all the time.
Aug 1st 2007, 7:14 pm
#68
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Joined: Jul 2007
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Re: What did you think of the U.S., before you moved here?
Wish someone would tell my wife the fashions are behind the times, maybe she'd spend less time here.
Aug 1st 2007, 7:17 pm
#69
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Re: What did you think of the U.S., before you moved here?
Programmable heating and cooling thermostats.
Aug 1st 2007, 7:18 pm
#70
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Re: What did you think of the U.S., before you moved here?
Aug 1st 2007, 7:19 pm
#71
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Location: it's still too dark to tell
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Aug 1st 2007, 7:19 pm
#72
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Re: What did you think of the U.S., before you moved here?
When I first came to live here no one used a debit card...yet I'd been using one for years in the UK.
Aug 1st 2007, 7:21 pm
#74
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Re: What did you think of the U.S., before you moved here?