What a visceral reaction Jan. Weather, politics, Love Story or language seemingly all capable of evoking feelings…thanks for the observation. Very interesting x
The Proclaimers <3 (my partner is a Scot, so they hold a special place in his, and therefore my, heart).
RE UK v USA, one I notice a lot is when I say 'I'm sorry', some people act practically outraged 'don't you dare apologise!' or 'whatever for?' It's hard to explain that, alas, I am British, and this is Just How We Are. Sorry! (wince).
The other is when I go to visit my friend in Chattanooga, TN, I notice how immediately my own version of thank you shifts to 'I appreciate it'. It's funny how these small changes are immediately more understandable there than my usual 'thanks'.
My pettiest bug bear though is how Americans hold their knives and forks... Once you see it, you can't unsee it. It just doesn't make ANY sense! And I'll never forget my close friend (from Boston) asking ME 'why are you holding your cutlery incorrectly?' Me: "This is the right way!?!"
What a time to be in Boston! I spent 8 wonderful (haha) winters there freezing my whatsits off. Is the picture at the start of the post where you're living? It looks awfully familiar, that type of neighbourhood is very similar to where I used to live, in the Somerville/Cambridge area.
As a half American I'm qualified to say this, but Americans are weird with the things they say, especially in a customer service setting. I get you with 'of course.' Another odd one that grates is answering 'we're good' or 'we're all set' in response to 'How is everything over here, can I get you anything?'
As for recommendations - most of the typically recommended stuff to see and do is what I'd stick with. Harvard Square is interesting, I'd definitely walk the Freedom Trail if you haven't already, you've been to the Common already, but walking along Commonwealth Avenue can be pleasant (if the weather allows it). The North End is nice, and along the waterfront and harbour area is okay in decent weather.
I don't know that one. I wonder if it's new. Every time I return to that area old favourites have closed down, new ones have sprung up in their place. It gets hard to keep track.
Yes I’m staying close to where I took the picture in Cambridge. The truck was on my route from Porter Square ‘home’.
I can hear ‘we’re good’ almost literally from where I’m sitting reading in a local cafe, coincidentally post exploring Harvard Square.
I’ve partly done the Freedom Trail - TBC. And will check out Commonwealth Ave. I have plans for the North End and waterfront later in the week. Good to know I’m in the right track!
Funny to hear about these differences Ruth! One thing I’ve noticed a couple of times recently that makes me laugh is when you apologise to a young bar tender/ waitress / shop assistant and instead of saying “that’s fine” or “you’re fine” that add a ‘so’ as in “you’re so fine” which means something completely differently to me!! Stay warm 🥶
Look forward to hearing all about US. Xxx
Thanks Mum! X
Oooh this was a frosty one😁 maybe it’s the cold 🥶 weather. It’s interesting to note how things that we read actually make us feel.
What a visceral reaction Jan. Weather, politics, Love Story or language seemingly all capable of evoking feelings…thanks for the observation. Very interesting x
The Proclaimers <3 (my partner is a Scot, so they hold a special place in his, and therefore my, heart).
RE UK v USA, one I notice a lot is when I say 'I'm sorry', some people act practically outraged 'don't you dare apologise!' or 'whatever for?' It's hard to explain that, alas, I am British, and this is Just How We Are. Sorry! (wince).
The other is when I go to visit my friend in Chattanooga, TN, I notice how immediately my own version of thank you shifts to 'I appreciate it'. It's funny how these small changes are immediately more understandable there than my usual 'thanks'.
My pettiest bug bear though is how Americans hold their knives and forks... Once you see it, you can't unsee it. It just doesn't make ANY sense! And I'll never forget my close friend (from Boston) asking ME 'why are you holding your cutlery incorrectly?' Me: "This is the right way!?!"
Omg Emma, I hadn’t noticed the cutlery thing…I now will won’t I 🤣
It’s such a classic song isn’t it, and rocking double denim too!
Sorry. Yep. All the time too.
I also get that mimicking thing, I do it too. With accents as much as words. Nearly got lamped once in Liverpool for doing it 🤣
What a time to be in Boston! I spent 8 wonderful (haha) winters there freezing my whatsits off. Is the picture at the start of the post where you're living? It looks awfully familiar, that type of neighbourhood is very similar to where I used to live, in the Somerville/Cambridge area.
As a half American I'm qualified to say this, but Americans are weird with the things they say, especially in a customer service setting. I get you with 'of course.' Another odd one that grates is answering 'we're good' or 'we're all set' in response to 'How is everything over here, can I get you anything?'
As for recommendations - most of the typically recommended stuff to see and do is what I'd stick with. Harvard Square is interesting, I'd definitely walk the Freedom Trail if you haven't already, you've been to the Common already, but walking along Commonwealth Avenue can be pleasant (if the weather allows it). The North End is nice, and along the waterfront and harbour area is okay in decent weather.
Cafe Zing, do you know it? V cool, sells second hand books as well as cafe fare
I don't know that one. I wonder if it's new. Every time I return to that area old favourites have closed down, new ones have sprung up in their place. It gets hard to keep track.
Hello Daniel
You are so right about the cold.
Yes I’m staying close to where I took the picture in Cambridge. The truck was on my route from Porter Square ‘home’.
I can hear ‘we’re good’ almost literally from where I’m sitting reading in a local cafe, coincidentally post exploring Harvard Square.
I’ve partly done the Freedom Trail - TBC. And will check out Commonwealth Ave. I have plans for the North End and waterfront later in the week. Good to know I’m in the right track!
Thanks for the tips! 🙏🏼 appreciated
Wow, Porter Square. I know it well.
I have to ask - which cafe?
Funny to hear about these differences Ruth! One thing I’ve noticed a couple of times recently that makes me laugh is when you apologise to a young bar tender/ waitress / shop assistant and instead of saying “that’s fine” or “you’re fine” that add a ‘so’ as in “you’re so fine” which means something completely differently to me!! Stay warm 🥶
🤣 sounds slightly patronising to me Faith…I’m sure not the intent mind. Strange how language evolves isn’t it…
Thank you ! ❄️