Pounds, Petrol and a GPS that sounds like Mary Poppins!

 

First things first, English and American are two different things!  We don't speak English in America, we speak American.  We came to this realization within our first few days, and here we are thirty days later still learning new words and phrases every day.  In attempt to offer a small sample of the TRUE English language here are a few of our favourites (yes, that's how they spell favorite).

1: Pounds= money; used in the place of dollars ($1.64 = £1.00)

2: Petrol= gas; measured in litres (yes, that's how they spell it); $6.00 per gallon



Petrol Station - Only Two Options Unleaded or Diesel

 

3: MOD= Ministry of Defence; Is it ironic that the Ministry of De-Fence signs are only posted on the fence?

4: Cheers= universal word used in every possible situation; still unclear on how to respond

5: Garden= yard; size is irrelevant, flowers/plants optional
6: Take Away= Carry out or take out; Don't ask to carry/take out your leftovers, they'll want to know where you plan to carry them to.
7: Bob's Your Uncle= like saying "...and there you have it"

Although the language is taking some time to get used to, possibly the hardest transition is on the road.  Thankfully, we have Mary Poppins, the 21st century version, in our car helping us navigate the British streets.  I will say, the English GPS is substantially better than any American GPS I have ever used.  To date, we've not truly been lost once.  Mary always gets us there.  Driving is made slightly challenging by a few items.  First, you're on the left side of the road, but sitting on the right side of the car.  Ever shifted with your left hand?  Here are a few more challenging bits.

 

1: Roundabouts- Found at most intersections, no stop signs.  Kinda like a theme park ride on the road, fun, terrifying and efficient all at the same time.

 

 

 

2: Give Way- Similar to a Yield in the states, but takes the place of a stop sign in 99% of American situations.  Seriously, there are no Stop signs.
3: Speed Limits- Just look around.  There won't be a sign, but the surroundings determind your speed.  Rooftops= 30MPH Treetops= 60 MPH Motorways(Interstates)= 70MPH  There are a few instances of posted speeds, but typically not.

These National Speed Limit Signs Indicate 60 MPH

 (Yes, on this little two lane road!)

 

4: Carriageways- Their version of a road.  Narrow, bumpy, curvy, no lines, lots of hills, buses, tractors, lorries (18 wheelers),bicycles, people and no shoulder.

We see this daily, tractors rule the roads!

England is a beautiful, historic and proud country with a firm sense of self.  It is also an island.  Which means they are stressed for space.  So, houses, streets, cars, basically everything is a little bit smaller...except the tractors and birds which seem to be quite larger than we are used to.  A typical English house will be 3-4 bedrooms and two story with a one car garage.  The house will not have central air or heat.  Air conditioning isn't needed because of the climate and the house is heated with a furnace that burns oil and pumps hot water through radiators located throughout the house.  Your wash room and kitchen are one in the same and your washer and dryer competes with cabinet space below the sink.

We still have plenty of time to learn more about the English culture and language.  The Brits have been very welcoming and patient as we learn, at least they are too polite to say otherwise.  We are all happy this adventure has only just begun!