So, just over a week in the UK now, and I'm slowly getting used to things I'd forgotten about, such as how large and clunky the UK electrical plugs are compared with the twee Kiwi ones. They look hugely over-engineered, almost as though they've been designed for industrial power loads, but they do at least dock in the power outlets with a very satisfying and robust 'click'. You know you're connected.

Then there are other things, like it's legal to park facing the wrong way on roads. I think this is a good thing, except when you're driving and enter a two way street only to find all the cars facing you! Then you think, "Wait, is this a one-way street?"

And road markings. Here as you approach an intesection it says 'Give Way', not 'Way Give' like in NZ. (Which always semed to me like Yoda-speak: "Way Give you will...")

And traffic lights. As in NZ they flick from green to orange to red, warning you that it's time to stop. But then British traffic lights seem to have been designed by someone with Formula One training because they then go from red to orange then green, basically meaning 'Ready, steady, go!'

Oh and the speed limits. I have to keep reminding myself that 30 means miles per hour, not kilometres.

And finally, slate roofs. I have been surprised to find that it can be raining quite heavily when I look outside (well, perhaps not surprised... this is England!), because there's no noise clue. Unlike in New Zealand where rain on the tin roof announces its arrival loudly, with slate roofs and two-storey homes being the norm, you just don't hear it. Given how much it's rained since I arrived, that's not a bad thing