Not all of your experiences in a new country warrant the name 'culture shock'. Sometimes it's more of a little surprise...
For instance, you know you are not in the UK when:
1) The bus driver reads a book while opening the doors at the bus-stop, and even when driving the bus (in a straightish line).
2) The town hall officials ask you for some proof of your employment status and address, but when you make a superhuman effort to bring it in the next day, they laugh and say: 'There was no rush, we trust you to do it eventually!'
3) Your children have hot dinners for a full term before you ever get an invoice about paying for them.
4) You cannot have a joint account in both names (my spouse and I have different surnames), unless you are co-habiting rather than actually married.
5) It's mid-October and there are no Christmas decorations or advertisements anywhere.
6) Parents are asked to come in and help out with class activities such as library rota or swimming, without undergoing CRB checks.
7) People without children of their own stop and chat to your kids on the street, saying how cute they are.
8) But waitresses at restaurants tell your children off for making too much noise or not sitting properly at the table. Sometimes they even scold them for not eating up all their food!
9) The local Chamber of Commerce does not have membership for individuals (as opposed to syndicates or bigger businesses) and does not organise networking events.
10) Many businesses do not have an online presence, or a very out-of-date website, so it can be tricky to find out opening times.
