So I am not characteristically the most
timely of persons... ever. I would like to say I have tried very hard this trip to be more so (especially because with seven people TOTAL it would be kind of noticeable and I don't want everyone to have to wait for me). However, it has seemed to be that in the more rural setting of Lincolnshire everyone is fairly relaxed about getting places. If a specific time is mentioned then people are fairly reliable about leaving when they say they are going to- especially in public transit situations (Doug is very faithful about driving the Harlaxton shuttle on time and there was only one train that did leave on time- only because of a technical malfunction that caused everyone to detrain). There is not the hustle-bustle, hurry up to wait, rushed feeling you get in the city.
In terms of personal space, my experiences in Europe have led me to believe that Americans put WAY more emphasis and value on personal space than Europeans do. Our hotel rooms are significantly larger- with more empty space and sitting room.
Also, our seats are bigger (both the material that you sit on and that with which you use to sit). I have noticed this on the shuttles and trains we have taken, as well as the amount of space for you to go through the kissing gate. Someone told me (Ruth perhaps?) that cars in the United States are now being marketed as "personal transportation vehicles" or something similar. I have not noticed British people bumping into each other without excusing themselves as much as I have observed it in other countries (but keep in mind the rural setting that the majority of the U.K. experiences has occurred in).
I'd say that overall people are very respectful to each other in my observations from this trip. People are very mindful about picking up after themselves. In the rural areas, they have "Tidy Street" contests. All of this promotes a very positive, clean experience. I have tried to be very mindful about not leaving my t
hings behind and tucking in my chair after dinner so that others don't have to pick up after me as much. I have appreciated the punctual, yet relaxed atomosphere of the places we have stayed and appreciated that fact that I am on the smaller side and can be comfortable with the less personal space during travel. That all will inevitably be altered when we head to the "big city" tomorrow!
So I am not characteristically the most timely of persons... ever. I would like to say I have tried very hard this trip to be more so (especially because with seven people TOTAL it would be kind of noticeable and I don't want everyone to have to wait for me). However, it has seemed to be that in the more rural setting of Lincolnshire everyone is fairly relaxed about getting places. If a specific time is mentioned then people are fairly reliable about leaving when they say they are going to- especially in public transit situations (Doug is very faithful about driving the Harlaxton shuttle on time and there was only one train that did leave on time- only because of a technical malfunction that caused everyone to detrain). There is not the hustle-bustle, hurry up to wait, rushed feeling you get in the city.
In terms of personal space, my experiences in Europe have led me to believe that Americans put WAY more emphasis and value on personal space than Europeans do. Our hotel rooms are significantly larger- with more empty space and sitting room. 
Also, our seats are bigger (both the material that you sit on and that with which you use to sit). I have noticed this on the shuttles and trains we have taken, as well as the amount of space for you to go through the kissing gate. Someone told me (Ruth perhaps?) that cars in the United States are now being marketed as "personal transportation vehicles" or something similar. I have not noticed British people bumping into each other without excusing themselves as much as I have observed it in other countries (but keep in mind the rural setting that the majority of the U.K. experiences has occurred in).
I'd say that overall people are very respectful to each other in my observations from this trip. People are very mindful about picking up after themselves. In the rural areas, they have "Tidy Street" contests. All of this promotes a very positive, clean experience. I have tried to be very mindful about not leaving my t
hings behind and tucking in my chair after dinner so that others don't have to pick up after me as much. I have appreciated the punctual, yet relaxed atomosphere of the places we have stayed and appreciated that fact that I am on the smaller side and can be comfortable with the less personal space during travel. That all will inevitably be altered when we head to the "big city" tomorrow!
You are so right about the SIZE of American space. In the US we are used to way more space. As "fun sized" people, people like us can deal with the European smaller sizes with more ease, but I do know some Americans who suffer a rude awakening when they don't have the space they expect. Cars, parking, rooms, meal portions, all of it. It will making getting home to the US seem positively luxurious.
ReplyDeleteDear Christy,
ReplyDeleteI noticed this "personal space" issue when I taught ELL students. They needed much less personal space in conversations and living situations. I am afraid we have become used to "wide open spaces" here in America because we have them.
Momma Scholl
7-8-09 3:30pm Hi from Georgia. I love the question about why cleaning up one's room when the world is such a mess. A lot truth in that. I am looking forward to some more updated things you are doing over in Europe. What is your itinerary for the remainder of your trip?
ReplyDeleteLove, Marge.....GO BUCKS