Language Lessons and Customs

"No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old familiar pillow."
--Lin Yutang

So, yes. I am home sick. I don't think I have ever been home sick while traveling by myself before. I am enjoying the experiences I am having, and I adore the people I've met, but there is something to be said for the warm faces and love you feel from those you see on a regular basis at home.

I am going to be multi-lingual when I return home. At least that's what I am being told by those I've been training this week. The dialect(s) here, on the Northwest coast, are completely different from those in Sunderland, on the Northeast coast. Thus, I will be learning a new language next week. But for now these are some of the things I have observed/learned:

Language Lesson (you may already know some of these):
Lift=Elevator
Laurie=Truck, as in big rig
Pissed=Drunk
Sick=Bored
Ill=Sick
Mountains=Hills (well, that's my interpretation especially when they pointed the "mountains" out to me...900' above sea level?)
Mate=Friend
Cheers=Goodbye
Tara (roll the 'r' with a proper English 'a')=Goodbye
Me=My (as in "I love me mom and dad")
Over the Moon=Excited, elated
Frock=Dress
Bloke=Man, guy

Customs:
When I arrive to work with my two carpool buddies, the office manager offers to get each of us tea or coffee, and in my case, hot chocolate. I've never been offered a hot drink so many times my whole life, let alone one day! This occurs throughout the day by each member of the staff. Whoa!

Cars:
I'd guess that 85% of all the cars I've seen are about the size of a Geo Metro. They have all sorts of brands as well. Ford, Fiat, Audi, Smart Car, BMW, Honda, Toyota, Peugeot (don't think I spelled that one right...) and others I haven't quite figured out yet. Even the brands we are familiar with in America have cars that are smaller than those offered in the U.S. I honestly wouldn't feel safe in anything this size in the U.S. though. Not with all the B.M.W.'s (Big Mormon Wagons) or M.A.V.'s ( Mormon Assault Vehicles). With gas or diesel at hovering at about £10 gallon, I totally understand the reasoning behind the smaller vehicle though. About 70% of the £10 is a tax imposed by the UK. Ahh!! And we think we have it bad! These people get taxed for EVERYTHING!

Scenery:
The scenery is beautiful. I haven't seen a personal garden/yard that is overgrown yet, but do know, that anything not on personal property could cause you to wish you had your own personal Edward Scissorhands with you on your trip! Overgrown is an understatement! Pretty. Pretty overgrown. I still think it is wonderful though. Everything is green, just like San Diego. But don't anyone worry. I won't be moving here. Ever. Period.