24 Days of British Culture: Day 24 - WC, Toilet, and Loo

Brits have lots of funny names for bathrooms - Water closets, toilets, the loo.

The thing is, they all are super small, usually cold, and they stink.  During our trip home last week, it was interesting to look at public American bathrooms that were 2-3x the size of what you would see in England.

In this bathroom, I think I could pee into all three urinals without moving my feet.  It makes it easier to play swords, but not great if you get stage fright...

"I'm going to pop to the loo to have a wee"

24 Days of British Culture: Day 23 - Greetings and Goodbyes

We found it quite unusual when we were first asked, "you alright there?"

This translates to lots of different meanings:

• How are you?
• Can I help you?
• What's new?
• Hi.

Similarly, "cheers" has lots of meanings as well.

• Thanks
• Goodbye
• Cheers!

Some of these will take a little while to break once we get back in America.  I've found myself saying "Cheers" and "you already there?" all the time.

Finally, I've always find greetings with women a little awkward.  How well do I know them? - do I give a kiss on two cheeks?  In Switzerland, it is three kisses.  Or is it more formal and a handshake?  Does the person prefer no touching at all?  Whatever the answer, I always seem to come up on the awkward end of this one.