A few odds and ends - Back in Badgworth, England

It's been a few days since I last posted but we've been busy. The grandson (with his aunt and uncle, my daughter and son-in-law) landed on Monday and it's been a whirlwind ride of public transportation, sightseeing, and picking up delayed luggage at Heathrow.

Let's get started, some of these you will already know but bear with me.

Driving and walking - 
You don't yield you "give way". 
If you see a sign that says "Cats Eyes Removed" it means the reflectors that were embedded in the center line of the road have been removed (why? they seem useful).
The roads can be so narrow in parts that you have to take turns getting through when meeting oncoming traffic.
There is help for the foreign pedestrian, many times, especially in the city, the words "Look Left" or "Look Right" are painted on pavement where you cross the road.
In train stations, the tube stations, etc. you don't look for the "Exit" signs, it's the "Way Out".
The oddest thing for me while driving at first was to learn that the speeds are not in kilometers per hour but are in MPH, just like in the U.S.
It is rare that you see posted speed signs on the motorways (freeways) or on many of the other roads, unless you're required to reduce speed because of construction, or coming into a town (or "built up area"). You're supposed to know the speeds and there are speed cameras everywhere. It's 70 mph on all the motorways and the fast lane (far right) is for passing only.

Words - 
jacket potato = baked potato
chips = fries
crisps = potato chips
biscuits = cookies
torch = flashlight
washing up liquid = dish soap
bins = trash cans
concession or conc = discount for seniors, students, etc.
tube = subway
plaster or sticking plaster = bandaid
holiday = vacation (we're on holiday!)
take away = take out food

Homes - 
Energy is expensive so many hot water heaters are set on timers to give you maximum hot water in the morning, and heating systems are set to give you heat only in the mornings and evenings during cooler weather.
Lights for the bathrooms are on the outside of the door (just like when we were in South Africa)
Many, if not all, of the electrical outlets won't work unless what looks like a light switch next to them is turned on.

Out and about -
You don't tip the person at the bar if you order while sitting at the bar, whether drinks or food.
Tipping here is 10% to 12.5%. If the service (tip) has been already added to the bill it will be for 12.5%.
Everything you buy has the tax already added to the price tag, no unwelcome surprises at the cash register.

I believe that Renic, the grandson, is going to post about our trips to the Tower of London and to the Globe Theatre, I'm looking forward to it!