My time in the UK is drawing to a close, and after 10 months, there are still some things about life here that I don't quite understand.
1. No Outlets in the bathroom - I don't understand this. I just want to dry my hair with a mirror, is that so much to ask?! (*I have recently been informed this lack of outlets has to do with hydroelectric shock safety. But still...)
2. No light switch in bathroom - it's a string. The first few times I was terrified to pull the strings (in each new bathroom of course) because, well, because I don't know why. I just was. Maybe I thought it was a prank?
3. Separate cold & hot faucets - Many sinks have separate hot and cold taps. Which makes it difficult to wash your hands in warm water. Your choice is cold or scalding. Good luck!
**Found this helpful video 10 months too late.**
4. Driving on the left - I'm better at looking right first, but I'm seriously concerned about my driving skills upon my return to the states. Watch out, Nebraska!!
5. Northern English accent - It's so difficult for me to understand the Northerners. It just takes so much brain power for me. Guess I will just have to return someday so I can get this down.
6. Which side of the pavement do I walk on? - Left? Right? No one knows. Between the number of tourists, and people who just don't want to run into others/are in a hurry, you end up weaving quite a bit while you are out and about. General rule for escalators: Stand right, walk left.
7. Royal Mail: okay, this one is confusing. The deliverer of letters is the Royal Mail, but the letters themselves are called POST. In the States, the deliverer of letters is the Postal Service, but the letters are called MAIL. Who mixed this up?!
8. Welsh... seriously, it's difficult.
9. Town Names: Aberystwyth, Worcester, Marylebone, Edinburgh, Guildford, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch and so many more.
I'm sure there are more things that confuse me still, but this is what I could think of at this time.
Does anything confuse you about the UK? Post it in the comments and I'll see if I have an answer!
~Lina
