The Blighty Culture Shock Experience

Expats Blog is running a series of competitions over the coming weeks, the first of which is themed Culture Shock. 

And yes I've entered!... An excerpt from my entry is below;

From Vegemite to Marmite: The Blighty Culture Shock Experience

My initiation into the culture shock experience was my first trip out of Australia. Rather than ease my way into overseas travel like most normal people do, I jumped head first into Nepal and India starting with a 20 day trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It sounded good at the time and it actually was, but when I landed in the tiny airport in Kathmandu to be greeted by soldiers in camouflage greens holding machine guns I was a little scared. The alien like scenery I then saw through the bus window on the way to my hotel also left me wondering what the hell I was doing. Needless to say it was one of my top travel experiences and the catalyst to seek out more.

As I sit here admiring the scene of Tower Bridge on a rare sunny afternoon I realise I’m a world away from that first ever travel experience and the ones that followed. If I could list all the culture shock experiences I’ve had I’d need a book, but today we’re here for Blighty.

I’m lucky as I’ve been here before. I’ve done the working holiday visa that a lot of Aussies do and now I’m here for love. Yes I’m now a Mrs and not a Miss.

So what stands out for me in terms of Blighty culture shock that I’d share with you whether you’re new, old or never been?

1. That black liquid gold we Aussies know as Vegemite isn't a staple over here. Instead they have something known as Marmite. Don't expect it to have the same consistency or taste. And I will let you be the judge of whether you like it or not. Personally I'll stick to Vegemite.

2. Be careful if you're going shopping for a pair of thongs .Thongs actually are g-strings, so you may get an odd look or two when asking for them in a shoe shop. Instead ask for flip flops.

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