My first impression of Britain is that people are much more formal. For example, in the States we use first names almost immediately but here I have to be more careful. And British people are generally more polite. A New Yorker says, “Give me the check, will you?” when he finishes a meal. But here in Britain they say, “Excuse me. Do you think you could give me the bill?” I don’t find a lot of differences in prices. They’re about the same as in the States, I guess. It’s the same with accommodation (住所). I think it’s a bit cheaper in London than in New York but there’s not a lot of differences. One thing is certain, though, London is not as violent (暴力的) as New York. Some friends of mine who live in the Bronx have four locks on their doors! I also prefer the subway here. It’s cleaner and quieter, although the service isn’t as efficient. On the whole, though, London is more polluted than New York because everyone there has to use lead?free petrol (无铅汽油) but in Britain it’s not compulsory (强制的). When it comes to work and business, my impression is that the British are much less hardworking than Americans. Sometimes I think the British don’t know what a day work means. |
