First Impressions

Just wanted to make a brief list of things that I thought were very strange in Great Britain.

1. Crossing the street whenever you want. This is probably still the biggest one for me. The cars always have the right of way unless it is a zebra crossing (that's correct, not striped!). There are no laws prohibiting pedestrians from crossing the road whenever they want so it always ends up being an accomplishment to make it across safely!
2. Differences in language. Of course everyone knows that Brits use words such as cheers, fancy, and bloody. However, sometimes I find myself in conversations where the other person and I are unable to understand each other. For example, a Brit came up to us and asked for directions to a store we actually knew the location of (they thought we were Londoners!... which technically I am at the moment). We said that it was 3 blocks down, assuming that these directions were perfectly clear. Apparently Brits do not use this term. They simply say 3 roads down because their roads go in such strange directions.
   
3. Grocery shopping. There are usually no shopping carts or conveyor belts at the checkout stand (except at Waitrose, a nicer market). It is impossible to buy things in bulk, probably because the food expires much quicker than it does in the US (hello processed foods). You basically have to go to the market several times a week. A lot of their food is either very bland or very spicy (because of the large Indian population, the largest minority in London).
   
4. Tax is already included. It is so nice to not have to figure out how much items will cost after they are rung up.
   
5. No tipping necessary! This is one of my favorites! Restaurants already include the service charge if you eat in. Bartenders don't even expect a tip.
   
6. The tradition of the monarchy. It is so interesting to see the juxtaposition of modern buildings, technology, and clothes against the uniforms and behavior of the guards and the beautiful old architecture. It's so fun to watch and almost seems like it is all just for fun. You forget that the guns they carry are actually loaded and their uniforms were created back when the design was in style.