''Where are you from?''

Working in Scotland, with all Scots, in Scotland's capital, I am bound to be questioned about my accent (or lack there of, as I like to think of it). It was pretty novel at first and I knew that whenever I opened my mouth people would automatically know I was not from around here. At first I was embarrassed of it (especially being American - why can't I just be Canadian?!), but then as time passed I learned to become proud of it and not try to hide my accent but to speak loud and clear! Now...it's annoying. Every time the phone rings or someone new comes into the office they are bound to ask 'Where are you from?' or 'What's that accent?'. I have come to expect it now and it's not quite as fun. I just want to say 'yes, yes I am American...from Oregon, now let's get on with it'. It's funny though how much people love it, they just have a field day over the fact that they are talking to someone who sounds like me (they need to get out more) and occasionally I will even get people saying that they LOVE my accent. I still find it hilarious that I would have an accent. Maybe if I was from the south or the east coast or something. But no, I just have the 'no accent accent', or 'Hollywood accent' if you will.

But I do admit that it is much more fun talking to Scots or Brits or Irish than it is to boring ole Americans (sorry friends). And I am truly enjoying the fact that I am learning more and more to tell them difference between them all. Next step...to talk like them (hmmm...think I am a long way off).

I had to share this because it is only 13.00 here and I have already been asked 3 or 4 times today. Goodness gracious!