Blog Post Number 1

Now that I have lived in England over two weeks I can honestly assert that the English speak more softly than Americans do. I have been on a crowded train/platform several times and was unable to hear the conversation's of the people around me. (I am not an "ease dropper" but when you are standing only a few feet from someone I would expect to hear a few words, but in England you only see lips moving!!!) .
I also enjoy hearing the English speak and I have been engaging in short conversations with a few strangers (here and there). The way in which, they pronounce their words makes the conversation very interesting. I remember our cab driver Tom and the young lady Iseara pronounced Nottingham as Nott-in-ham. I believe in the States (depending upon where your from) our accents differentiate us from one another. My friends from Akron, Ohio would call me "country" because they said I say "warsh" instead of wash. I never considered my self country because everybody in Cincinnati considers all Kentuckians country!!!
The people in Grantham move about the shopping centers, library and train station just like we do in the states. I really don't see much of a difference because everyone goes to the store to shop and libraries to read and train stations to travel. Therefore, Americans and the British every day activities such as meeting with friends and taking family members to the store is just the same as it is back home. The most notable difference is the prices and selection in the stores. Everything that I have taken for granted to be dollar or two (thanks to Walmart) is double the price in England. I feel oppressed because my money doesn't equate.
In conclusion, I believe that the English culture emphasis privacy. Many people keep to themselves and communicate softly not to disturb the others around them. They also maintain their privacy because many grow large shrubbery around their homes which also isolates themselves from the world. I admire their awareness of themselves and the respect they show for their fellow country men. I can only hope that I can take what I have learned about personal space (physical and verbal) and incorporate it into my life effectively.