We’ve been living in the USA for around 3 weeks now and it hasn’t take long to start noticing how things differ between the two countries. Here are 10 differences between the UK and USA…
1. The bread is sweet. Even the seemingly innocent wholemeal organic kind that promises seeds and multi-grains still manages to sneak in some high fructose corn syrup or brown sugar amongst the ingredients. The only non-sweet bread we’ve managed to find so far is from Whole Foods and costs $5 a loaf.
2. Americans don’t drink squash and therefore don’t sell it – which left us wondering what our new beverage would be as squash was pretty much the only thing we used to drink, seeing as we’re not tea or coffee fans. We’ve had to settle for ‘water enhancers,’ which are also fairly difficult to come by.
3. The bacon here is the thin, crispy and streaky kind. I’m craving the thick, meaty cuts we’re used to in the UK.
4. Commercials are frequent and… unusual. Medications are often advertised – along with a long list of alarming side effects. I’m not sure how successfully you can sell a product when suicidal thoughts are mentioned alongside it.
5. It is spacious. No crowded housing, busy high streets or sparse parking. It does mean you need to drive everywhere, but we’re living in a neighbourhood where everything is within a short distance – malls and retail parks as well as beautiful parks and nature reserves.
6. Petrol is ridiculously cheap. $30 for a full tank of petrol cheap.
7. The people are friendly. Strangers stop to chat, numbers are freely given out and most people we’ve encountered have been so happy and enthusiastic.
8. Portion sizes in restaurants are huge. Starters can resemble main courses and when we ordered Henry a ‘child size pizza,’ it was the size of a regular pizza back in the UK. For this reason, it’s the norm to box up and take leftovers home with you – because you can almost be certain you won’t be able to finish it all.
9. There is an amazing amount of choice available. Whether it’s food and drink, toys or craft items, there will be hundreds of items to choose from – which can be quite overwhelming for an indecisive person like myself!
10. The weather has been incredible since we arrived. Most of our days here have been sunny with clear blue skies and temperatures in the low to mid twenties. This has opened up a whole new world of possibility when it comes to wardrobe options and outdoor activities.
I am rather jealous for the weather part. 🙂
Hi Amy, it was really interesting to hear those differences between the UK and USA. Hope you're getting on ok out there and enjoying it. I really need to go to America some time 🙂 xx
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This is really interesting! It sounds amazing, especially the weather! x
Oh stop! you make me jealous! Apart from the no squash or good bacon… that's a bit naff!
None of these surprise me haha, I've visited the America quite a few time and absolutely love it. Though we did spend a whole 20 minutes in the supermarket once looking for beetroot and when we asked, they said oh do you mean beets? 🙂
xxx Claire
http://wwwclairabelle.blogspot.co.uk/
I was shocked when I heard they didn't drink squash either, it's all we drink at home haha. Hope you're having an amazing time in your new home xx
I really loved reading this as I have always had such a fascination with America, though I've actually never been. I love that the people are often more friendlier and sociable and that there is no crowded housing. And of course, the idea of nicer weather sounds a lot more desirable. xx
So happy that you're loving it there so far, how about making you own bread? If the store bought ones are too sweet/expensive. You could make bulk and freeze as you go. I don't like the sound of no squash, i would probably falour water with lemon/oranges segments. The large spaces and no crowded housing sounds like heaven (i can hear my neighbour when they sneeze!). It sounds as though things are going nicely, im very happy for you (and slightly jealous also!) xx
Flavour* 🙂
The commercials are the first thing me and Dey noticed, they are so over the top and like you say full of meds! For bacon, they sell our bacon as 'English bacon' which you have to ask for or they will just give you Canadian Bacon. If you have a Marsh near you, you have to go there…it's incredible. I'd miss Ribena, it's amazing how just picking up simple things like squash, tea bags and bread make you feel at home. We always take Dey's brother a huge bag of tea bags, nando's flavourings and Dairy Milk in our suitcase haha! xx
All very true! Currently on holiday in the USA, can't get used to the sweet bread or chlorine tasting tap water!
I would move to the US in an instant. Having grown up in Mexico city, we used to go to the US a lot and I loved it there. I had to phone Disney world today and I could have chatted to them all day. It's just such a wonderful place and I do wish the UK could be a bit like it in some ways, especially with the weather. I'd miss our tea bags though. And the milk!
I have always thought about moving to the US there are matters of conversion courses for my profession but it is a dream. As i visit frequently due to family being there I am loving this list! Have you found an alternative for squash yet? Everything really is soooo sweet!
It's funny reading this as someone from America- hearing how different things are in the UK. And now all I want is to visit the UK and have some really thick bacon!
xo, Sarah
http://www.sarahhartley.net
Maybe you can plant some squash at your backyard. Yes american only love fruits & green. You can purchase a bread maker & its alot cheaper. Yes america have alot of choices but once you lived here for many years you get the hang. Pork is getting expensive in america… I meant all meat is getting expensive.
I love reading difference from other expats! I'm an American living in Australia but I think they have a major British influence 🙂
I'm English and lived in Australia for 10 years (and have lived in and visited various parts of the U.S.). Definitely agree with you, but I also saw a huge American influence too.
Such a lovely post, and it has made me want to extend my travels further to the USA!
Annabel ♥
Mascara & Maltesers
As someone who lives in the US it was really neat to read these! I look at this stuff as everyday things!
emauwi.blogspot.com
As someone who lives in the US it was really neat to read these! I look at this stuff as everyday things!
emauwi.blogspot.com
World Market sells Ribena, so they may have similar drink products as well.
I noticed Number 1 – they love sweet bread!
Lizzie Dripping
I've always had a mild obsession with wanting to move to the US but based on the sweet bread and bacon I might have to reconsider!!!
Whoa, I've never even heard of drinking squash!!
Whoa, I've never even heard of drinking squash!!
Oh I love the states, even though Ive only been once so far. I hate american bacon though, lol! but your right the choice is amazing! and the portions are huge for price compared to UK. Glad you enjoying it there!
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Loved reading this, especially about the housing being spacious, and the friendliness. I'd love to move to the Us but my other half doesn't like the idea! 🙁 x
Coming from New Zealand to Canada, I totally notice the high amounts of sugar snuck into the bread too!! Haha the friendliness of people is amazing though, as well as the variety in clothes & home decor. Loved reading this!
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Love this! I moved to from Sweden to the US five years ago, and I have written similar posts about the differences between the countries. I live in Texas now (so the differences are huge!) but am moving to Florida soon.
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