Initial observations in the first 48 hours

• Not only is the driving confusing, but even crossing the street takes some thought! (Not that I am driving at the moment.)
• Yes, a mile is like ten here.
• So far, NO ONE is shy. Especially when they hear your accent and realize your not from the area.
• The locals who are friendly are also very patient and forgiving.
• The young are not as pro-social as those in their mid-30's and older.
• I get excited everytime I hear a child's English accent.
• Yes, so far the food is bad....I'm trying to give it a shot! I think it will be better when I get more familiar with the area and hopefully more choices.
• Most people I have encountered are open to helping out as much as they can. In fact, they love to give advice!
• B&B's continue to be the way to go if you want friendly interaction and help to familiarize.
• Issues surrounding immigration and race relations seem more apparent here than they did in the States. Perhaps I was desentized to it on the home front...
• The sun does exist here.
• You can drive thru one town and be in another in two minutes.
• A GBP (pound) is smaller than a 50p piece; 20p is smaller than 10p; and then there's the 2GBP coin.
• As expected, tv news media is much better.
• There are no free refills.
• Weather is always the hot topic of conversation.
• Most locals seem to find it unbelievable I would want to leave Midwestern United States to move to the West Midlands. (ironic the similarity of terms, huh?)