Just realized I have to break a habit

Having spent the past week in French-speaking countries, and having spent a lot of time preparing for the visit by learning as much French and French culture as my brain could hold, I got in the habit of saying "Bonjour" every time I walked into a shop, café, or really anyplace someone was working. (That, and "excusez-moi de vous déranger," "s'il vous plaît," and "non, absolument je n'ai pas voté pour ce putain d'espèce du clown, il y a encore des americains sains, en particuler lesquels qui parlent français et dire bonjour et s'il vous plaît.")

Saying "good morning" to random people is something one simply doesn't do in London. I said "good morning" to the person behind the counter at the local Prêt à Manger just now (desperate times, needing coffee before 8am on a weekend in London) and freaked her out. I would expect similar disblief at a Prêt or a Starbucks in Chicago or NYC as well. Fortunately one can get away with all kinds of inappropriate cheerfulness here if one has an American accent. In any event, I remembered where I was, said "sorry" in a sort-of sullen way, and all was back to normal for her.

I also noticed that Prêt now sells the orange-colored Lovecraftian obscenity known as "pumpkin spice." On behalf of the People of the United States, I apologize for all the orange-colored Lovecraftian obscenities my countrymen have thrust upon you recently, and I hope that somehow, in some small way, I can make amends today.

At the moment, however, I have an important meeting with some eggs, bacon, beans, mushrooms, and toast. And more coffee.