I had certain expectations in me about what “life in England” must be like. Now that I live in the UK, I can tell you that some of those expectations have been fulfilled (the Brits really love tea) and some disappointed (but they’re actually not that polite, sorry-not-sorry). However, there are a few little things about living here that have taken me completely by surprise.
Category: Two Cents
Jolly Good: 5 British Expressions I Love (and 3 I Hate)
OK, so I laugh derisively whenever one of my coworkers, who’s basically an old Englishman trapped inside a young Englishman’s body, says “jolly good”… but secretly I find it a little endearing. British expressions are excellent day-to-day entertainment for this expat, and I’ve even adopted a few of them (with mixed results).
Here are just five of my favorites, with a more complete running list I’ll keep at the bottom of the page.
Been Doing Some Code-Switching… Again
Britishisms sound about as natural coming out of my mouth as Princess Beatrice’s hat looks on her head… but I can’t stop.
Heaven is a Train From Hell
In a shocking twist, my fellow passengers saved the day.
Grad School in the UK: My Two Pence
Are you from the US and thinking of applying to grad school in the UK?
The Third Language
Living in Europe and working in ESL, this has enabled me to become fluent in my “third language.”
Revehse Cultcha Shock
It’s strange to need to re-adjust to American life
Hiking Tips for Indoor Kids: The Day Backpack
day hikes, or even multi-day hikes with nights spent under roofs, don’t require you to make a purchase at your local purveyor of rugged-person equipment.
The 10 Worst Things About Living in France
Ten things about life in France that I will be happy to leave behind me
The 10 Best Things About Living in France
Getting ready to say “au revoir” has me reflecting on what I’ll dearly miss about France…and what I really, really won’t.