An English perspective on the US and vice versa

[Dbkrantz 16]

Hey guys,

Just saw this article about an American journalist moving back to New York after years in London.

I think it offers a good perspective on the joys of both countries and the differences in culture.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/18/opinion/sunday/ta-ta-london-hello-awesome.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0&smid=fb-share

Hope you enjoy,

[Azsara 110]

Interesting read, thanks for sharing, I have to say there were a variety of cultural differences between Britain and America that I wasnt even aware of before I met an american guy!

[Hotter Otter 1,211]

This is a really interesting article. I think she understands us Brits pretty well! I particularly liked:

"I’ve grown accustomed to British friends who, when it comes to personal matters, don’t ask much, don’t tell much and really, really, don’t want to get into it. We lived for more than 15 years next to a couple who corresponded with us almost exclusively by letter. I have become an expert in the art of the anodyne weather discussion. I’m chronically sorry."

[Dbkrantz 16]

That was my favourite part as well.

She spent a lot of time in the UK and I was also surprised by how impersonal conversation can be in the UK. Even with close friends.

I just loved the article and the differences in culture. Found it very interesting.

I'm glad you enjoyed it as well

[lynndy38 64]

Im from the north of England.....southerners are way more aloof than us northerners

Her experience of London sounds quite accurate, and we do tend to say sorry for everything!!!!!

[N&S 32]

For a comical - though somewhat dated - read of a similar experience pick up Bill Bryson's Notes from a Big Country / I'm a stranger here myself (different titles and slightly different content depending on if you get the US or UK version )

[Owen_London 65]

I have to say, that's a really good article. London is not Yorkshire or Scotland, and New York is not Seattle or Texas, but the biggest differences he highlights remain the same.

[Jacque67 7,328]

Great read. I am not used to discussing money so found it most embarrassing when my fiancé said he would talk down the cost of membership and monthly payments for me at his local Equinox. But , bless him , he talked down my membership fee and monthly payment to a third of the cost! This would not happen in the UK or Japan unless you were related to the owner.

As he often says "welcome to NY!" (Which does piss me off at times)

[Dbkrantz 16]

Haha love the story of the membership.

I have no problem talking about money. Probably because of my French/US origins, I suppose.

I know it is pretty particular to London and New York so very different from the rest of the country, but I found that some cultural differences highlighted remain similar to other parts.

I am glad you enjoyed it!

[Cam54 84]

I'm from the south east of england (margate) and find that my friends and strangers here offer personal information even if you don't want to know but when living in California found that everything was very superficial and people didn't really offer emotions so it definitely differs by state