England vs France

England vs France
My experiences overseas were very different from what I am used to here in 'Murica.  The food, transportation, and the way people acted were all different.  It took myself a little time to adapt and get used to all of these differences, but I did adapt.
In England I didn't feel like I was out of the country.  Everyone spoke English and parts looked similar to here in the US.  You could tell that you were out of the country, but it was almost like I was back home.  It was too easy to order food and communicate with people due to the fact that the majority of the people spoke English; there just wasn't that language barrier.  Some of the food was different, but most of it we had back home.  We had fish and chips one night, which is a famous dish served in England, but once again... some restaurants back home served it.  I have had the dish a couple times in America but the night we ate it in England was by far the best one I've had, it was delicious!  After we finished in London and Portsmouth it was time to travel to France.
When we arrived in France I knew I was going to be challenged.  I noticed one thing right off the start, everything was written in French.  This was already a struggle for me because I don't know any French.  I knew that the language barrier was going to be difficult but I had no idea what I was in for.  The first day in France we spent it   Normandy learning about WWII.  When we were dismissed for lunch I got with my group of friends and we decided to eat a cafe like restaurant.  We lucked out because when we asked "Para vou anglais" she responded with yes.  That made it a lot easier on us and it gave us another day to learn a little more French.  The next day for lunch wasn't so easy.  Once again we asked if they spoke English but instead of saying yes we got a shake of the head.  Now we had to decide which brave soul was going to order first.  My friend stepped forward and said he was willing to try.  He placed his order by making had gestures and pointing.  We couldn't help but laugh while he was struggling.  Then it was my time to order and I was just as confused as my friend; all I could do was point and make hand gestures as well.  I didn't know what else I could do.  It took the clerk a little time to get what I was trying to order but nevertheless I placed my order and got it right.  My first time ordering food without being able to speak English is something that I will never forget and I will be able to look back and remember the struggles of it for the rest of my life.
Despite the many differences between both England and France I enjoyed both.  I liked being able to communicate and understand everyone in England, but I did enjoy the challenge that the language barrier presented in France.  I could picture myself spending part of my life overseas in England.  I hope to travel back to both of those countries sometime later in my life.