Accents

Although i've been here just under a week, i've already become used to people asking where i'm from or saying that dreaded cliche - "Oh, i just LOVE your accent!" Before i came here, i had the impression that it would drive me up the wall but I have to say it's become kind of endearing. Being from the UK automatically makes you an object of interest to a large number of the US population - given that only about 15% (i think it's about that) have passports and of the remainder, i'd guess, quite a percentage have probably never even left their own state - in some ways it's quite pleasant - if you can bring a bit of the outside world into someone's life, it can only be a good thing. However, when you explain that you've moved here to work, they look a bit puzzled - a sort of "why on earth would you want to move here when you're from such a neat place" look. Alas, one question that almost immediately follows the response to the "You're from England?" is the dreaded "So you're from London?". After trying a sarchastic reply the first couple of times - and being met with very blank looks indeed (they just don't get it), i've managed to restrain myself to being reasonably polite (No, really).

Of course, the first week in a foreign country wouldn't be complete without having at least one English vs American-English argument...er, debate, which is absolutely hilarious to anyone not English or American who happens to be watching. This is primarily because both sides of the argument are convinced that they are right. This would have gone on for some time until i pointed out that it's American-English - and not English-American - and the Americans had to leave for the airport - it being 4th July weekend and all. Ah, yes - the 4th July is here on Monday - America's 229th Birthday. I've been invited to a party and am definitely attending (with a crate of Newcastle Brown Ale - the major English beer that i've come across in most restaurants/bars/supermarkets). I'll just have to stop myself from referring to the locals as "bloody colonials".