I was browsing through B3TA.com’s weekly newsletter and they had a picture of a l33t road sign painting. Not too amazing in itself, but it got me to thinking about another US/UK difference. Obviously there’s the left/right side driving thing (It’s easier to use your lance if you’re driving on the left, or deliver milk, or something…) but another thing is that you read US road signs (in California at least) up the page, so to speak and UK ones from top to bottom. Ie. in the UK it’s “Slow, All traffic turn left”. and in the States: “Turn left, traffic all, Slow”. I’m pretty sure about this one but keep an eye out in case…
UK signs
Artist’s impression of US signs (it’s too early to be photoshopping…)
I remember when me little sis was in Oakland for sita’n’me’s wedding and she saw XING painted on the street and assumed it was Chinese. Each language has its quirks. Pelican crossings, anyone?
Anyroad, last night’s meal was wonderful once again even though we had to wait half an hour for a table. I’m scared to order anything which isn’t caña de lomo though, which has to be the best cut of beef in the world. I was so tired afterwards though I managed to fall asleep half-way through one of the last two episodes of Lost. Which says more about how tired I was than the quality of the episode. I’ll watch it this evening while Sita’s at her last *sob* tequila class. Tomorrow we’re going to Tequila again to visit a friend’s agave ranch/farm/plantation. I’m really looking forward to taking photos there.
And our water’s working again. It ran browny/red for a minute or so then back to normal. I’m thinking twice about carrying on drinking the tap water now. Hopefully the tank will be full in 10 mins or so and I can have that shower I wanted at 7:30 today…
I have always thought that the American habit of painting road signs up the page is completely imbecilic.
You might be right there, Chris. But you’re an expert in signage. I used all the tips from your garage sale signage when I flogged our stuff in SC.
I was surprised to learn that the United states of melting pots only switched from “Walk. Don’t walk” to little green men 20 odd years ago. Common sense takes time apparently 🙂
Some dodgy perspectives on life there. And turning left into a wall may not be a good idea- neat mockup otherwise!
I said it was early… it takes at least 2 coffees before it’s wise to open photoshop…
“It the differences”? Go edit your title. 🙂
You know I have always thought that messages on the road were the wrong way up, but when you turned it around I realised we have it right after all. If you just get a glimpse between traffic, though, you will be confused if you only see part of it. Doesn’t matter which way up it is, I think it should be one line per message. “Slow” and “TURN LEFT” would do.
As for “Xing” – you made me think! I suppose people do say “Kings X” and similar, but Xing? Is that expanded to “Christing” as in Xmas?
Mind, your “little sis” was a bit confused by the bingo game “full house” because the announcer called “Full-‘Ouse-Ah!” and she didn’t know about the game with the flowers… But I expect she will kill me, so I will stop now.
Hope all’s well, etc.
Hi Flash, etc’s all well…
Ta for pointing out the deliberate orthographical errors in my title 😉
Now you’ve confused me- what’s the game with the flowers? If it’s bingo-related, I’m happy to admit my ignorance…
Cheers then me old chin-Ah!