A Nice Cup of Chai: Accents, Faucets, and Other Bits

Cheerio!

So what’s so different about the UK compared to America? Well, not a whole lot really, but then again, quite a bit.

Let’s start with the obvious: accents. Just like in America, there are a ton of different accents here and it goes way beyond just Scottish, Irish, and the “typical” British accent. I can’t even begin to tell you where specifically people are from when they speak, but I can tell you that at times I have to listen very hard to try and understand what they’re saying. It does get easier though the more you listen to it. Anyway, I may not know all the accents, but this lady sure does:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyyT2jmVPAk

But here’s the funny thing. A lot of people are fascinated by American accents here, and I really didn’t expect that at all. Numerous people have told me they love my accent and wish they had it and all the while I’m thinking, “Hello. You’re the one with the accent!” It makes sense though that they would find our accents intriguing because how often do we go around pretending to have a British accent (and usually failing, I might add)? My forced British accent is rubbish, but a few times I’ve been told I sounded British when I just said something. One time it was in reference to tea, which is amazing by the way. I’ve also been told I don’t have a really strong American accent, which I still don’t understand. What does that even mean?

I haven’t figured out their school system yet. I’ve probably had around five people or more try to explain it to me, and they might as well be trying to explain quantum physics. Okay, maybe it’s not that difficult, but seriously. From what I gathered, they have primary and secondary school and then they have A levels, which I think can also be referred to as college, but don’t quote me. And those A levels prepare students for University (aka Uni). So around the ages 17 to 19 you’re in A levels, taking courses that pertain to what you want to study at Uni. Then you go off to Uni for typically 3 years. Are you confused yet? Because I am.

Okay, now for the fun part: phrases and slang. I absolutely love hearing their phrases because sometimes they’re similar to ours and sometimes they’re completely different. Here’s one that made my day: When I was volunteering at Soul Survivor, we were sitting at a roundabout and cars just kept coming. I thought, “Everybody and their brother is out today.” And just as I was about to say it, the driver said, “Everybody and their dog is out today.” I lost it. I’m not even kidding. So I told everyone in the car with me, and we all had a good laugh.

Speaking of roundabouts, they’re everywhere. Absolutely everywhere. I’ve only seen two stop signs while being here, and they were way out in the country. Traffic lights aren’t that common either. I mean, they have them, but not near as many as we do. How many of you know that stretch of 31 in Franklin where there is a traffic light every two feet? Yeah. Let’s get some roundabouts in there because I think everyone’s life would be a little more pleasant. Just thinking about that road makes my stress level go up. I mean, how many times must I stop within less than a quarter of a mile? Don’t think about the time during construction because it will all be worth it in the end.

You know how back home (or where you are) practically everyone drives an automatic and only a few people have stick shifts? Reverse that and you have the UK. I don’t know why it is, but it is. And the process to get your license just sounds grueling and very expensive. But since learning the basics of driving a stick while at home and then being here and watching people drive them, they don’t seem that intimidating anymore. In fact, I’m hoping they let me drive sometime soon. Driving a stick and on the left side of the road sounds like a fun challenge. I have to really concentrate and think about what’s going on in the car or when I’m walking down the road because if I don’t, I get disoriented. The other day Darbi and I were walking home and there cars passed and for a moment I was very confused as to why everyone was on the “wrong” side of the road. But really, as long as you remember that the driver is supposed to be in the center of the road, you’ll be peachy.

Here’s what gets me. And I’ve tried to understand it, and I just can’t. Take a look at this picture:

Notice anything? Yeah, there are two faucets. What’s the deal right? Well, one is cold and one is hot. Not every sink has two faucets, but quite a lot do and frankly I find it annoying. Here I am, trying to wash my hands or my face and the water is scalding hot or ice cold, and I have no way of making it a nice warm temperature. So what do I do? I turn on both sinks and cup my hands and get a bit of each. It works okay until the hot water is really hot. I really don’t like these sinks. They just seem silly to me. I apologize to anyone who likes them.

Moving on from my distaste for these sinks, you’ll fit in a little more if you call the restroom or bathroom the “toilet.” I’ve said it a few times and it just doesn’t roll off of my tongue. It’s just too literal. I’m going to go to the toilet now. The doors and signs in public places even say “toilets.” It’s like it’s a hall of toilets. But it’s not. It’s just a restroom. Maybe they’re just more open about these things, but I just can’t say “I need to go to the toilet” and feel like myself.

Outlets are a little funky, but I don’t mind them. You just have to remember to flip the switch to on, otherwise you won’t be getting anywhere. I think it is kind of nice to be able to turn them off and on. It honestly probably has to do with health and safety.

Oh, health and safety. Pretty much what that means is that they’re much more concerned about my safety here than they are in the US. At Soul Survivor we were standing outside of the tent entrance where the service was going on, and we were told to move to the sides because we were causing a fire hazard. Excuse me, sir, if there is a fire, I think I’ll be the first one to run. In public places, all doors are fitted with this little plaque:

I’ve come to the conclusion I would hate to have the job of putting them on every single door. It would take ages or as they like to say, donkeys years. But in all honesty, I do feel very prepared in case of a fire. On my first day at UCB, I was shown where every fire escape was and where the meeting point was in case of one. I know what to do. Whereas at home we get little charts that say, you are here. And vaguely point me in the direction I should go.

Just a few more tidbits and I’ll let this blog be.

I think you should know that KFC still professes to have great American food. I tell everyone I beg to differ. On a brighter note, Starbucks lives! But doesn’t have iced tea. You can order iced tea, but they’ll basically get hot water and put a tea bag in and then pour it over ice. They don’t have our “fancy” teas, which is disappointing.

And soda is so not the same. I do not drink soda much, but one day some people were talking about how great American Coca-Cola was and how theirs wasn’t as good. I thought, really? Can it be that much different? And it is. Their Coke tastes flat. We would pour it out. Their other sodas are similar. The flavor isn’t near as strong and they just taste bubbly, if that makes any sense.

But tea is great. And they really do drink a lot of tea, but a lot of people drink coffee too. Tea, however, is amazing. A little sugar, some milk, and some biscuits, mmm. I’m happy.

Lastly, fish and chips (or a chippy) is really good, especially with some minty mushy peas. And I think I've eaten some form of potato nearly everyday since I've been here.

I must say though, being here has made me very proud to be an American. And maybe it's just because I'm away from home and representing it in a way. I love the UK, but the US will always be home. But here are a couple shots of some of my new friends and I! They're a great bunch!