UK and USA: A Comparison (Part Two)

Since I've not done anything remotely interesting since my birthday, mostly because exams are fast approaching and I have to study at least a bit, I've decided to finally post the second part of the comparison between the USA and the UK.

So here it is finally!

1. Window Screens. They don't have window screens over here. I've not seen one the whole time I've been here. I wonder how they keep the bugs out during the summer... don't they have mosquitoes?
2. Fast Food. The U.K. does have plenty of familiar fast food chains, such as Pizza Hut, Domino's, Subway, and the occasional Taco Bell. But they don't have Dairy Queen, or Sonic, or any of my favorites really. Ranch is a rarity, as I've mentioned before. I've also really been craving dill pickles recently, but they just aren't the same as at home. 
3. Pigeons. There are tons of pigeons here; I'm sure there are in the States as well, but not where I'm from. And because Manchester is pretty populated, the birds are totally comfortable around humans. They won't even move if you're walking right at it. I kicked one once (it was an accident, I promise!) and now I move for the birds.
4. Accents. I know there are different accents in America. There's the southern drawl, and the Boston accent, the Canadian-ish accent in Wisconsin.... But America is a big place; it makes sense that we have different accents. But the UK is so tiny!! It doesn't make sense that there are over 40 different accents in the British Isles. If you live in the south, you have a different accent that the north. If you live in Liverpool, you have a different accent than those that live in Manchester. London has it's own special accent. Here are some maps for visual effect:

A Birthday to Remember

When I woke up this morning, on my birthday, I was both excited and very sad. This is the first time I've spent my birthday away from home and my loved ones, yet one can't NOT be excited on one's birthday.

I woke up not expecting a huge celebration, or gifts, or anything really. But when I came downstairs, there were a couple "Happy Birthday" banners on the walls. There was a giant balloon tied to my usual chair at the table. Ray and Susan surprised me with a gift; a Willow Tree figurine that is completely appropriate for the situation.

Forget-Me-Not

Andrew and Charlotte got me this book, which is absolutely pointless (obviously) and amazing. I can't wait to use it. 

Then I was gifted with a beautiful necklace with a Blue John stone, which is mined locally in Derbyshire (which is the only place it's found) and looks something like this:  

The most amazing gift, though, was that I finally got to meet the rest of my family. Not all of them, there were a couple who couldn't make it, but most of them. It was absolutely amazing; a bunch of strangers came to celebrate my birthday, and they welcomed me completely. They were so wonderful,  all of them. I realized how lucky I truly am, to come to a foreign country and have people who want to meet me and get to know me. They didn't ask questions or judge me. They were family, right away. 

Back rows: Charlotte, Andrew, Paul, Susan, Ray, Kaan, Maureen, Irving
Kneeling: Tulin, Kaya, Me, Lindsay

And that was the best feeling ever. 

English Tea in England

Mady and I decided we needed a nice day out, so we found a tearoom close by and went for afternoon tea. The best thing? IT WAS ALICE IN WONDERLAND THEMED!!!! 

The Richmond Tea Room, located on Richmond Street, is absolutely charming. 

Here's the outside; Very cute!

"Eat Me" and "Drink Me" just like Alice!

It's just so adorable! I loved it sooo much. I'll definitely have to go back at some point. And take some pictures. Because I stole these ones from their website.








We took a really long time to decide what we wanted. They had carrot cake, and you all know how much I love carrot cake! But eventually we both decided on the "Alice Tea," which included a pot of tea (of which you had like 20 choices) and a scone with clotted cream and jam. We both chose English Breakfast tea. I think we were both overwhelmed with the choices that we stuck to the known. But it was very good, and the prices weren't bad either.

Doesn't it look delicious? It was.  

So yeah, just thought I'd share that with you!!