First Observations

The learned skill of looking both ways before crossing the street becomes the bad habit of looking both ways while crossing the street and, in our case, one begins walking while looking the wrong direction first (to the left). 

Pedestrians do not have right of way in Dundee. 

At bus stops, people queue to get on the bus and get agitated if you jump the line or approach the bus doors from more than one direction.  This results in a sidewalk long line consisting of people who do not necessarily want the bus you want but just want to be first in line for the next bus. 

Dundee has a lot of old people.

There are a lot of people shopping midday midweek in Dundee but streets are mostly abandoned after 6PM, when most shops close.  However, for some reason shops are open later on Thursdays than any other day of the week. This begs two questions: 1) why are so many people shopping midday midweek and 2) what’s so special about Thursdays?  Thursdays also appear to be a favorite day for drink specials (rather than happy hours, which don't appear to exist here) at pubs.

It is very easy to get a library card.

Dundee is reminiscent of Disneyland’s Main Street with its cobblestone streets and litter bins every few feet.

Living without phone or Internet is akin to living on a deserted island, especially when having just moved someplace new and longing for news from back home.

The greeting of choice is “hiya.”

There are a lot of fat people.

It is a lot harder to find fish and chips than one might think.

Fried Mars bars may be a myth because we have yet to see this supposedly ubiquitous dessert offered anywhere at all.

Not knowing how or when to tip after a meal is more disturbing than any other aspect of culture shock.  (After inquiring locally and online we’ve decided not to tip when ordering at the bar and 10-15% when table service is provided.  Although, because waiters are paid at least minimum wage here there does not appear to be a social pressure to tip anything at all.  So, we'll see how long this very American trait endures.)