Mind The Gap » How To Guide

Pass the Vitamins, Please: An Expat’s Guide to Staying Healthy U.S.-Style

Ruth Margolis — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:42:24 +0000

America has suffered from an obesity epidemic, so an extreme counterculture has grown up of people trying to stay healthy and trim. I happen to live in the heart of a particularly wealthy, health-obsessed metropolis, New York City, ...

10 Things to Do in Your First Week as an Expat in America

Ruth Margolis — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:00:20 +0000

My earliest months as a U.S. expat would have gone more smoothly if I’d spent less time dithering like a scared tourist and more time plowing through these sensible steps as soon as I touched down.

Where to Watch Soccer Minnows and Cricket in America

James Bartlett — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:30:24 +0000

In a recent interview for Mind the Gap, Lisa Powers at Ye Olde Kings Head pub in Santa Monica, California, told us that new-in-town Brits come through the door and ask two things. The first is whether there are any positions open; and, ...

10 Items You Should Stock Up on When You Visit Britain

Ruth Margolis — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:01:02 +0000

Sure, expats can order the stuff we miss on the Internet, or even find it on sale in the U.S. But my local supermarket prices its British imports at twice to three times what I’d pay back home.

10 Things British Expats Should Leave in the U.K.

Ruth Margolis — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 19:20:50 +0000

You don’t have to pack everything you own when you move to the U.S. Nor should you import your more negative attitudes. Consider ditching or storing the following before you set off.

Choices, Choices: How to Navigate American Restaurant Menus

Toni Hargis — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 15:24:30 +0000

Brits are often taken aback at the number of choices when dining out or ordering food in the U.S. Most menus are at least two to three pages, and if you’re in one of those TGIF-type joints, it’s like being handed War and Peace.

Brits in America: How to Cope with Loss of a Loved One Back Home

Ruth Margolis — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 18:29:26 +0000

Starting a new life thousands of miles from friends and family is hard work emotionally, even if everyone you leave behind is in excellent health. Add illness and death into the mix and living abroad can quickly become an excruciating ...

Valentine’s Day: American Style

Toni Hargis — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 16:02:49 +0000

In the U.K., it’s very common to get someone else to write out your Valentine’s cards. They’re supposed to be sent anonymously to the object of your heart’s desire, hence the need to disguise the writing.

10 Things That Brits Don’t Realize Are Offensive to Americans

Ruth Margolis — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 17:15:18 +0000

Admit it Britishers — subtly is not our strong suit, and it’s alarmingly easy to insult Americans if you’re unaware of their etiquette. To get on in polite company, try to avoid the following faux pas.

How to Do Tea in the U.S.

Toni Hargis — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 15:00:14 +0000

Yes, I’m going to give British readers a few pointers on tea – American style.

The U.S.