Misconceptions from a Foreigner

[lzyjo]

HAHAHA, OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!! I thought English and English would match up perfectly.....
I had to google cotton buds... I thought it meant the actual flower of the cotton plant.

[Arachne]

We are part of the European union yes, but not part of Europe.

No, actually, we are. We may not be on the European mainland, but we are part of Europe, Union politics aside. We're on the European Continental Shelf, after all (and were part of the continent known as Europe since long before the European Union's existed.

[HeyWayne]

No, actually, we are. We may not be on the European mainland, but we are part of Europe, Union politics aside. We're on the European Continental Shelf, after all (and were part of the continent known as Europe since long before the European Union's existed.

Depends on your definition of a continent. If you use the theory that a continent is generally considered a large land mass, then we clearly are not a part of Europe - despite the tunnel. It's in part why there is now a North and South America (see aforementions Suez Canal).

The word "were" is past tense no? Besides, if you use that theory then everywhere was a part of Europe at some point - a little presumptious.

When I'm sat around the table with all my European colleagues (as I am at least twice a year), trust me, the UK is not considered part of Europe.

[Nicos]

Certainly the North of Scotland is not of the same era rock-wise- as the rest of the UK- ore attuned with Iceland and Northern USA/Canada

[bluemoon]

Well we can have a few misconceptions too. I finally got my head around peanut butter and jelly sandwiches after years of wondering how they got the jelly on the bread, do they slice it? Mash it up and spoon it on? Now I know you mean jam. But biscuits and gravy? Yeeeuk! What's that all about? And if I visit the U.S. can I at least ask for my biscuits without the chocolate chips?

[Shortie]

When I'm sat around the table with all my European colleagues (as I am at least twice a year), trust me, the UK is not considered part of Europe.

We're not considered part of Europe in the Banking World either. Our Manager Reports have the breakdown as Asia, USA, North America, Europe, UK&Eire, etc....

[rogesse]

My mother-in-law has just returned from America, couldn't you have kept her

[marigold007]

Well we can have a few misconceptions too. I finally got my head around peanut butter and jelly sandwiches after years of wondering how they got the jelly on the bread, do they slice it? Mash it up and spoon it on? Now I know you mean jam. But biscuits and gravy? Yeeeuk! What's that all about? And if I visit the U.S. can I at least ask for my biscuits without the chocolate chips?

No. Jelly is like clear apple jelly or grape jelly. Instead of using gelatin to "Jell" it, the fruit pectin is used. Jam has mashed up fruit in it, just like in the UK. A biscuit in the US is like a savory scone in the UK. I've been a foreigner in the UK for 4 years and there aren't many misconceptions I haven't seen.

[lzyjo]

EWWW Biscuits and gravy. There's lots of nasty foods here. Before I went vegetarian I ate a "southern-fried steak." Gross. With that same white gravy that's used with the biscuits and gravy. YUK! I don't partake much in American fast food.

[marigold007]

Damn Yankees.

[Shortie]

Damn Yankees.

Was that said in jest?

[marigold007]

Was that said in jest?

It's a term of endearment down South. Really.

[Arachne]

Sorry, should have said "have been" instead of "were".

I take continents as what I was taught they were in School - otherwise the landmass that is Europe also contains China, and I'm sure we can agree that China isn't part of Europe.

We're on the European Continental Shelf, as I said - therefore, Europe. All politics and "considered to be" aside.

(Not that I'm at all pedantic. oooooh no)

[HeyWayne]

Sorry, should have said "have been" instead of "were".

I take continents as what I was taught they were in School - otherwise the landmass that is Europe also contains China, and I'm sure we can agree that China isn't part of Europe.

We're on the European Continental Shelf, as I said - therefore, Europe. All politics and "considered to be" aside.

(Not that I'm at all pedantic. oooooh no)

Depends who's doing the teaching. China is part of Eurasia which, by some is considered a continent.

Aside from all political, geological and other "considered" aspects, we are still an island. If you refer to landmass below the level of the sea, then really, there is no more than one continent surely?

[TonyF]

When we first arrived in France jenny pointed out the allotment in a nearby tow with all it's glass greenhouses.

I gently pointed out to her that it was the cemetery and the greenhouses were those peculiar French glass structures that they build over the tombs.

Great compost there tho, so I'm told.