Living in a new country is a crazy experience. It's exotic, it's an adventure, but for me, it's been mostly a great humbling experience.
Yes, I speak the same language.
Yes, our cultures are similar.
Yes, we share a Queen.. whatever that means.
Yes, we celebrate many similar holidays.
However, nothing seems the same to me. I have such a hard time understanding some people. The accent, the pace and the expressions they use are often new to me.
In the past, I would of simply pretended to understand and go on with my day. Now, I have to actually understand, because this person may be my family doctor or the police officer trying to warn me.
The food is similar but the names often require me to do a quick Google search:
Who knew Gammon was a type of pork like ham?
Who knew clotted cream would be delicious?
Who knew spotted dick was a desert?
Well, in most cases.. I find myself simply starting a conversation with someone near me and simply asking what is it?
People are very sympathetic to my ignorance and will often go out of their way to help me find what I am looking for. Brits are cold and reserved but I've found that if I show some vulnerability, they open right up and want to help.
I find it humbling to be new. There is no expectations to know exactly where I am going and what I am doing. If I talk to people they automatically know I'm not a local. I usually have to specify I am Canadian and not American, and then..poof, they are so helpful, friendly and welcoming.
I am more modest and not scared to ask for help now. I am comfortable admitting when I don't know something or if I need more information. My pride is less present. I no longer pretend and then relying on Google for clarifications.
This experience is becoming more and more like an onion. Every week, every layer makes me discover something new about myself, this country or something completely random.
I truly hope this new part of me is to stay, because I love this new found freedom of not knowing everything!
-M.
Yes, I speak the same language.
Yes, our cultures are similar.
Yes, we share a Queen.. whatever that means.
Yes, we celebrate many similar holidays.
However, nothing seems the same to me. I have such a hard time understanding some people. The accent, the pace and the expressions they use are often new to me.
In the past, I would of simply pretended to understand and go on with my day. Now, I have to actually understand, because this person may be my family doctor or the police officer trying to warn me.
The food is similar but the names often require me to do a quick Google search:
Who knew Gammon was a type of pork like ham?
Who knew clotted cream would be delicious?
Who knew spotted dick was a desert?
Well, in most cases.. I find myself simply starting a conversation with someone near me and simply asking what is it?
People are very sympathetic to my ignorance and will often go out of their way to help me find what I am looking for. Brits are cold and reserved but I've found that if I show some vulnerability, they open right up and want to help.
I find it humbling to be new. There is no expectations to know exactly where I am going and what I am doing. If I talk to people they automatically know I'm not a local. I usually have to specify I am Canadian and not American, and then..poof, they are so helpful, friendly and welcoming.
I am more modest and not scared to ask for help now. I am comfortable admitting when I don't know something or if I need more information. My pride is less present. I no longer pretend and then relying on Google for clarifications.
This experience is becoming more and more like an onion. Every week, every layer makes me discover something new about myself, this country or something completely random.
I truly hope this new part of me is to stay, because I love this new found freedom of not knowing everything!
-M.
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