Though not applicable to everyone who lives in England, here are some things I have noticed during my first week in England:
1. It is acceptable to drive at 50 mph with only half a car-length separating you from the car in front of you.
2. Gravy is served with nearly every cooked meal. Mushroom gravy, onion gravy, turkey gravy, duck gravy, and chicken gravy...it all goes well with meat.
3. English mustard is hot. Like, wasabi-hot. Mushy peas are not as disgusting as they sound, and are quite good, actually. Steak and kidney pie is pretty good, and even better with that English mustard.
4. Beer goes with everything and is appropriate just about any time of the day. Room temperature is preferable.
5. Well-dressed English children in their school uniforms are not necessarily better behaved than their American counterparts, although they look like they would be.
6. Biscuits are NOT cookies, though they would like you to believe so.
7. Potatoes are chips, chips are crisps, rubbers are erasers, and pants are underwear. Do not confuse them.
8. Hunter boots (or Wellies) are acceptable for any occasion. Do not buy them because they are cute. Buy them because they will prevent your feet from getting cold, wet, and muddy. Be prepared to get said cute Hunter boots wet and muddy, and don't be sad because they are no longer in pristine condition.
9. Smiling or making eye contact while passing someone on the sidewalk is not necessary, nor is it preferred.
10. Kids will do funny imitations of Americans, that sound like a cross between a Southerner and a California surfer dude. They will expect you to say a sentence or two in your best English accent, in return.
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