On my way home to Norway I decided to do a little stay-over in Wimbledon, London. I’ve been to London many times before but flying straight from the United States to the United Kingdom make the differences appear. This is what I’ve noted so far:

Starbucks: Yes, they do have that Coffee brand in the U.K as well. And just as in the U.S it’s on every street corner. But it’s funny to see that the default cup is a ceramic Starbucs cup and not the regular paper cup. You have to ask explicitly for the paper cup.

Books: Looking through bookstores I see there’s much the same from the States. However, the Brits also have some more books about the US. Like “the country we love to hate” and “making it through the US without paying money to the Man (corporations)”. Britain loves to analyze their offspring in the west.

The war on terror: Both countries are heavily engaged in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Both countries limits the news coverarge of the wars to more grand-scale situations. However, both countries are very proud of their fighting sons and daughters: As the U.S honour their Marines or Rangers, the Brits glorifies their SAS or Para troopers. Interestingly enough, both countries were proud to present that Prince William served in Afghanistan.

David Beckham: While both countries have taken an explicit interest in the fact that David Beckham now plays for LA Galaxy the press covers this fact in two very different ways. While the U.K press gives detailed game reports of L.A Galaxy recent matches and how David Beckham performed, the U.S press (covering ‘Soccer’ in their own country) finds it much more interesting to tell about all the paparazzi outside the Beckhams house in L.A or the fact that a major soccer star adds to another impressive list of stars in the L.A area (with Jay Leno as his closest neighbor). “oh, and by the way, the L.A Galaxy played a booooring draw against the San Jose…”

Language: I love to get engaged in random conversations when I’m abroad. And I must say I do find it quite refreshing to practice my Queens Best. Today I met a Madam in her Best Age walking her puppy who immediately enganged in a conversation. I believe the conversation went something like this:

Lady: “Ah, good afternoon”

BS: “Good afternoon” (about to run off)

L: “Lovely weather today. At least it’s not raining” (light giggles)

BS: “It certainly is. I find it much appealing”

L: “Ah, yes. This is England at its best! How it’s supposed to be.”

BS: “Oh, do you say so? I figured England a bit cloudy and grey”

L (a bit worried about my statement): “No, certainly not. Sunny with a perfect temperature as today. Much better than yesterday, if you don’t mind me saying” (why would I mind)?

BS: “Quite so, quite so”

L: “Well, on your horse and off you go!” (fascinating picture got in my mind of ME getting on a horse!)

BS: “Good bye madam. All the best to you!” And yes, off I went.

As you see, this conversation was very different from the random conversation in the US:

BS: “What’s up dude!”

Am: “Chillin’, you?”

(no answer)

Driving: Just as crazy in the U.K as in the U.S. Just keep in mind that they come at you from the opposite side of what you’re used to.