Crossing with the Light
I was somewhat aware that large swathes of America laugh at Seattleites for being so punctilious about waiting for green lights. I don't think it is something that we particularly worry about so much as something that 'everybody' just does. It's been a long time since I have been in a large city other than Seattle and here in Liverpool I find myself suffering from anxiety every time I approach a crossing light. It has become easier for me to jaywalk mid-block than stand on the curb like an idiot waiting for the walk signal as everyone else crosses without me.
Food Waste
At the risk of being serious for a moment, I'm going to address the issue of food waste. I think it would be acknowledged that Americans are the world's worst when it comes to wasting food. Thousands of the poor and homeless could eat well on what the rest of us throw away. I've been working hard at home to minimize my waste, challenging 'sell by' and 'use by' dates and making frequent pots of what I call fridge soup.
I don't know if it is a conscious movement or just a business decision but it has become clear that restaurants in Liverpool (and I am assuming all of England) only prepare what they are certain will be purchased each day. Whatever the reason, I find this heartening. Here, when I ask for the soup of the day an hour before closing I am most likely to be told there is no more left. At home, there would be plenty left and undoubtedly servings to be thrown away at closing.
Alright?
That means hello. That's all. Much as we would say "How are you?" without expecting any detailed response greater than "Fine, how are you?" I know that. Nevertheless, my initial reaction always goes something like "My headache is gone thanks, you but my ankles are killing me." I'm still not sure exactly what the proper response is but for now I'm going with "Good, you?"
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