Observations

With all the space and time I've had to myself, I've been able to do a lot of thinking. These are some of the observations I've made of the UK so far:
"You alright?"- hello, or how's it going. I never know how to answer this. The attractive young guy who opened my bank account for me at NatWest asked me this and I was like,"ummm..yes?". At home it's like asking if something is wrong, expecting it to be... Not here.
"Half-eight"- eight-thirty. Or whichever time you insert that tickles your fancy. I also learned this from talking with Ducky last year, trying to plan Skype times. I was so confused the first time he stated a time like that to me. Although not very confusing at all.
People are very well dressed (especially in London). You can pick out the tourists and Backpackers no problem. Once I arrive in Manchester, the first thing I'm doing is buying a pair of cute heeled Oxford boots, just so I don't look like a tool. Tourists look like tools, it's a given. I was very impressed with the men in London. Suits! Suits suits suits! Barney Stinson would be so proud; everyone suits up. I particularly enjoyed this. Haley and I would people watch while eating our Sainsbury's sandwiches or pasta (I haven't mentioned how much I love Sainsbury's? Oh my god. I love Sainsbury's. Tesco is okay... But Sainsbury's! Maybe it was just be cause it was right across from our hostel in London and Haley and I were so thrilled to buy alcohol in a grocery store rather than an MLCC or LCBO. Convenience, you know.) and check out the suits and rate them. Even in tiny Stornoway, I saw a mom pushing her kid's stroller up a hill in wedge heeled boots and a well-cut pea coat. You just don't see moms in sweatpants or yoga pants here.
"Cheers"- also another one I had learned from Ducky. "Thanks" or "you're welcome" or other assorted words to replace it with to confuse foreigners. Today the ferry ticket guy gave me my ticket and after I thanked him, he said,"cheers". I particularly enjoy this one. There's something very jovial and British about it.
Tea- so much tea. You think you know about the Brits and their tea? Nope. So much tea. They are effing serious about the stuff too. I have never drank so much tea in my life. I love it. You drink it for breakfast, maybe a cup after, a cup while you're making lunch, a cup during lunch, a cup
In the afternoon, a cup at dinner, after dinner, before bed... And it's just second nature. I think it's that little chill that you get here, especially up north. As soon as you feel that shadow of a chill coming on, you make a cup of tea and it cures it.

Just a few things I've noticed and enjoyed over the past few weeks.

Playlist: I'm totally listening to Usher's Burn right now. Just saying.

Location:Somewhere in Scotland