Impressions:Living in a Foreign City

"You alright?" Yes actually, I am. I was caught off guard at first. It took me a couple days to figure out why everyone seemed to think I wasn't and kept asking. Turns out it's just an equivalent to the common Canadian greeting "How are you?"

When I first stepped off the train in Stoke, I was lost. So lost. I had no idea where to buy food, how to use the transit system, or which areas of town to avoid. I hadn't the foresight to look those things up beforehand. Typical. The camera roll on my phone was cluttered with screenshots of maps and addresses. At least I had planned enough in advance to reach my accommodation. It's amazing how much I rely on data at home to look things up on the run.

Now two weeks in, I have found the supermarket, take the bus to work, and know to stay out of Hanley park. The city is not that hard to navigate, especially with my all-you-can-eat UK data plan for only £15/month. I definitely couldn't get such a good phone plan for that price in Canada. Everything else is much more expensive than I'm used to. I still have to pull out my currency conversion app when I go shopping. 'Culture shock' may be a strong term to use, but there are definitely differences I've had to adjust to.

After 19 years of looking left before I step onto the street, it's not a habit that can be easily adjusted in a matter of days. I haven't been run over yet, thankfully (and I intend to keep it that way). Driving in the 'wrong' lane, even as a passenger, is somewhat unnerving. On more than one occasion, I've subconsciously gone for the right side when getting in a car. A questioning glance from the owner of the car always requires an explanation about North American driving, and not that I'm trying to hijack the driver's seat.

I hadn't anticipated this being a problem as a pedestrian, but even walking down the sidewalk has become a task requiring concentration. Everyone here expects you to stick to the left so they can pass by, which is fine when I remember to do so against my natural tendency. Otherwise, it usually results in that awkward little shuffle where you're not sure which way to move. That's followed by an apology in the most Canadian accent I can muster up as an attempt to garner some sympathy for my inability to properly walk down the street.

Speaking of accents, the British one is charming. It varies depending on the region, but as a foreign listener most dialects are easy to adapt to. I've come across some people where I find myself continuously asking them to repeat themselves. Awkward, but I'm getting used to it. They seem to find the Canadian accent equally as charming, although most assume that I'm American. It's always a great conversation starter.

And conversation is one thing the Brits love. I have never met more friendly, easy-going people anywhere else. Whether I'm waiting in line at the supermarket or sitting on the train, there's always someone new to meet and a conversation to be had. This aspect of the culture has made my transition into everyday life easy and smooth.

In short, I'm learning as a I go and have settled quite nicely into the new culture.

I love it here in the UK.

#sarahveber #ssimexchange