Things I Learned in Yorkshire

A spot o’ tea

* I learned that “Tea Time” is actually “Dinner” time.

* There is a noted difference between Southerners (Londoners) and Northerners. It seems the opinions are that Northerners think Southerners can be stuck up and unfriendly, while Southerners tend to consider Northerners brash and common. Ha! Like East Coast vs. West Coast? Maybe not.

*I learned that I prefer Northerners! Perhaps I’m not the only one?

*I learned in Brit-speak (or the King’s English) cookies are small snacks, and biscuits are cookies. What American’s call biscuits… are scones or buns. Wrap your head around that… full circle. Also, crisps are chips and chips are fries. I could go on and on. And here we thought we spoke the same language!

*I learned who Guy Fawkes was.

*I learned Brits cannot understand the way I say water since don’t use a hard ‘T’.

*I learned what a moor is. No joke, but I made it through Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights without ever really understanding what the hell a moor was. The characters were just always running through them or gazing out at them, without every properly describing.

*I learned… a lot about Vikings.

*I learned… or confirmed… that one can never spend too much time in a bookstore.

Things I Learned in Amsterdam

"Live and let live" is one of Amsterdam's favourite sayings.

* I love french fries with mayonnaise!

* I’ll never actually get used to almost-naked girls in windows looking at you… whether seductively, expectedly, or bored.

*I learned that liberal does work. Decriminalize ‘problems’ and it’s not so taboo, thus readily ‘abused.’ Also, talk about going green with all the bikes!

*Holland is a part of the Netherlands… not just the old name. (Note to self – back off of Italy, France and England and start reading more about the Netherlands)

*Americans can always be found at the NY Pizza shop.

Things I Learned in Paris… the 2nd time.

River Seine

I discovered plenty my first time in Paris… but still learned more on round two.

*There are more pigeons than in Italy. Fat pigeons… and lost pigeons.

*Drivers look at you and only see a moving target.

*When in a group… do NOT rush and jump into a Metro train with closing doors, thus separating yourself from your friends.

*That I need to learn what “terroirs” are… and how they go with wine.

*Children are not welcome ANYWHERE in Paris… except gardens apparently. I never noticed before, but they’re scarce!

*I am willing to sacrifice a hand to frostbite to get the perfect photo.

*The French like to drink everything out of wine glasses.

*Parisians really do sauces, desserts, and quiches brilliantly.

*Finally… I learned I still cannot pronounce French words.