It’s often hard to describe how fundamental differences are between apparently similar cultures, so lets stick with something managable, like the Potato Chip. Perhaps out of homesickness, or mere hunger, I’ve been eating more than normal. Here are a few observations.
Flavors can be shockingly different. While Salt & Vinegar made it to the US from the UK a while back, many flavors have not, like Prawn Cocktail. Yes, that’s shrimp flavored potato chips.
The bag sizes are similar, but called something else entirely. A large bag is under the Share Bags category. “You mean, I’m not supposed to shove these into my mouth all by myslef in one sitting?” Yes – these bags are meant to be shared by multiple people, not eaten by one person alone. How silly of me.
Finally, even though I know this, I keep calling them chips instead of crisps, but UK Chips = US French Fries.
So here I am, in a new country, wandering around aimlessly, barely understanding the humble potato chip crisp.
In other news, I’m still trying to figure out what the hell I want to do here, and not getting much closer. I did go hashing at least, and am waiting to get a copy of the pictures before I tell that story, in which my sneaker has a starring role.
