I went to England during the summer of 2005 and I saw some cultural differences as soon as the plane was taking off. One cultural difference is the amount of tea drinking. In American culture we drink tea minimal to individuals in England. We probably drink tea in the morning only but they drink all throughout the day. In some restaurants they just provide tea and water. I was like "where is my juice?" Another cultural difference is when I say "Hi, how are you" they answer with "Good" or" Fine" with some explanation. When Americans ask that question, it is usually understood that we don't really want you to go into depth about how good or fine you are. When they start explaining in my head I would say, "Damn why are they really telling all this information". It makes me not want to ask that question when seeing someone again but then again I do not want to be rude. Furthermore, obesity is associated with American culture. You can walk anywhere and you are going to see individuals that are considered obese. In England, you hardly see individuals that are considered obese. Drinking tea approximately 3 times a day most likely plays a factor in that. Additionally nightlife is a big part of American culture. At night there are many things to do such as go to bars, lounges, parties, arcades, and so forth. In England there are very few places to go due to the early closing of England stores. Shopping stores and supermarkets close at like 5pm, in comparison to 8pm. Parties there start at approximately 8pm and end like 2am. 2am!! I leave my house at approximately 1: 30am when I go to parties.
wow so true in America we are obessed with coffee not tea. I also found the night scene in england rather interesting. i Know exactly what you mean, when they are closing in england thats the time we are leaving to go partying here in new york.
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned England, but that's pretty much every European country. I have been to a few European countries and I believe that America more than any other country has a crazy night life, especially New York. It's very normal for people to get home at 4 AM in the mornign, which is not very acceptable in most European countries.
ReplyDeletethis is definitely true. i think america is one of the only places where coffee is such a big thing. places in europe and asia commonly drink more tea as opposed to coffee. this is why starbucks has a somewhat hard time to market themselves in asia. i think its a definitely plus to drink tea instead of coffee because of the many health benefits it provides.
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