Quietly Overwhelmed

It is the first Wednesday afternoon since my arrival in the UK last Saturday. I have had four days to attempt to get my bearings and adjust to life here. That progress, however, is slow moving, I fear. I know I know, it all takes time. Doesn’t mean I can’t want to have it done now, yes?

Let’s see, the purpose of this blog was to compare the differences between the US and the UK. Specifically in terms of the education systems, but, well, let’s start with the basics of living.

The clime:
I have to say that so far I really love the weather here. It feels like pleasant fall weather to me. Cool but not cold, and even only chilly in the evenings. Usually the skies are filled with clouds (which I fully enjoy), but there have been hours of sunshine and blue sky, as well. As we’ve been walking around, at first glance it seemed that the local foliage was generally the same as at home. Upon further, closer inspection, I discover that they’re really not. The trees seem the same, but then I peer in to identify it and I realize I’ve no idea what kind of tree it is. There are lots of pigeons who make lots of noise and other animals. Currently, there is a dog in a neighbouring home who will not stop yapping. L Some things never change.

The people:
I’ve not really interacted with the people here too terribly much, but from what I can tell they are very friendly and helpful. Not really that different from what I’ve experienced from strangers in other parts of the world as well. From time to time, I am struck by a sense of delight upon hearing all the voices I here around me are British. I don’t think I’ve heard another American accent since leaving the airport. My roommate, Claudia, has a similar accent being from Canada, but there are subtle differences. We were in a nice little place called The Light Lounge yesterday (they’ve got free Wi-Fi, woo!) and a sort of blues/jazz duo was playing. Listening to them play Route 66 and similar songs, I commented on how voices in song seem to all sing with the same accent. The singer sounded as if he could’ve been American; it was only when he’d speak between songs that his true nationality was obvious. In general, walking around, it seems that the crowds are mostly the same. There are all shapes and sizes here and I suppose on average they are better dressed than in the US, but not by that much.

The shops:
While there isn’t a Target, Walgreen’s, or Best Buy anywhere, there are Argos, Primark, Boots, and Tesco’s around. There is also a Dominoes, Starbucks, Subway, Pizza Hut, and other familiar names. The closest grocery store to our house is actually a large supermarket, which, though I probably shouldn’t, I have to admit I find rather comforting. Unlike Minnesota, but like most any other state in the Union, there is a liquor store as part of the supermarket. I looked through it briefly while I was there last. There is a Scotch, which may or may not be any good, called Monkey Shoulder and I’m looking forward to sharing that (I’m looking at you here, Nicole). There is a nice big indoor mall within walking distance to us called Festival Place with a sort of open air mall leading up to it (and yes, the mall has a Lush store in it). Walking out the other side of the mall, you move into the shops in the town’s centre. That’s where The Light Lounge is, and a McDonald’s, the town Museum and theatre (the cinema’s in the Mall). The town centre is a cute little area. The shops here tend to group up, which is handy for pedestrian consumers. For example, we went to our letting agency yesterday, and the entire row of shops on both sides of that street were all letting agencies. It seems kind of strange, but upon further thought, it makes sense. That, in fact, may be the biggest difference. While I can’t speak to other towns in England yet, I notice that here it seem easier to get around by bike or foot power than by car. There are dedicated footpaths and beautifully muraled tunnels under the major roads for pedestrians. Unlike in the States, where they seem to want to punish the person who tries to get about town on foot.

Overall, I’d say that while the little things here may be different, it adds up to the same larger picture. Some things are very comfortingly different, and some things are disturbingly similar. *shrug* I just wish we could internet set up at home already. J