So, I've been re-learning the English language. Or, said more correctly, I am learning about the Queen's English.
For example, the other day one of my staff asked for "a rubber" after several moments of gathering myself and trying to figure out what this could be I asked "WHAT!?!?!?". After some explanation of what we both thought, I handed over an eraser with a small flush to my cheeks.
Another good one: I was at the venue for a friend's wedding that will occur at the end of May. While we were there, she wanted to take dimensions of the marquee. Now, I was trying to understand why the English would want a terribly tacky sign scrolling their names at this beautiful venue. I finally mustered up the courage to ask what a marquee was and learned it just meant "big tent". Again, after a bit of amused exchanging of information we had a nice laugh. She could finally understand my horror when I explained myself.
The basic view I've received of most English on the Americans are (in no particular order):
1. We all support George Bush and think he can do no wrong
2. We love our advertisements (i.e., american football is a 60 minute game with 3 hours of commercials)
3. We are fairly full of ourselves. What other culture would have actors who gush for 3 minutes when they win an award
4. We all carry handguns
5. We all have had plastic surgery
6. We all talk EXTREMELY LOUD and fast
There are several more that are escaping me at the moment but you get the gist. It's funny what a little American tv can do for the stereotypes of a nation. (I guess we should all evaluate the English stereotypes before we assume they are correct.)
On a personal note, all my stuff arrived from the US this week. It is wonderful to be surrounded by some of my creature comforts. I am definitely settling in while still having serious ups and downs. I know it will work and am trying to take each day with a sense of hope and opportunity.
That's it for me on this rainy (suprise) Sunday. My internet gets installed on Thursday so I will write more when that happens!
Chat soon.
B-
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2 comments:
Bird, it's Corn. Just got sent your blog and have been reading it from cover to cover. Glad you got your gear, very Jealous that you are in London. Great city. I highly recommend the Churchill museum.
My sister is living in Barcelona so I have been following her activites via a blog, and now that I can follow yours I feel so plugged into Europe.
Tomorrow at work, ask any of your coworkers if they want some "Spotted Dick" for lunch :)
While it sounds dirty as hell for us, it's actually some sort of like rice pudding w/raisins. HA!
Mwah!
-Clarkie
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