Things We Like About Great Britain

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During the nearly four months we spent in Great Britain, we learned more than most tourists. The following are some of the things that we've really enjoyed during our stay:

1. British humor- It's not just on television. When you see people talking on the streets, they always have a smile or a joke, no matter how grim the political or sports situation is. I love talking to the small shop owners in Basingstoke because they are friendly and more helpful than I am accustomed to in the U.S.
Consumer goods are expensive here (more than twice what they cost in the U.S.) so the British make a virtue of going without and feel a real pride in not consuming too much. They have a history of hardship. So many English soldiers were killed in WWI that there weren't enough men to fight WWII. After WWII there were food shortages that lasted for years. They were also quite affected by the gas shortages in the 70s. By the way, a gallon of gas or diesel in England cost $8.00

2. The stiff upper lip- The tradition of bearing good news or ill fortune with equanimity and a smile is a legacy of the Roman occupation of Britain in the first century A.D. The Italians may think the ancient Romans belong to them, but you can't prove it here. No doubt, Roman soldiers are actually ancestors of many Britons. The proof is that all the Romans in American and British movies and television have English accents.

3. England and Wales have some of the most beautiful trees and gently rolling countryside we have ever seen. When we first arrived, I thought I'd want to spend all my time in London. Now we find it more fun to visit towns and country festivals.

4. The beers and ales! Germany has great beer but if you really want variety and exceptional flavors you need to come to the UK. They are best from the tap and enjoyed in the pub. This is specially nice now that there is no smoking in the pubs.

5. Driving! the English are very considerate drivers. This comes from someone who has never driven on the other side of the road and never had to shift with his left hand. Traffic can move fast but it is always orderly. I love the roundabouts because they are much like queues any where in the UK in which each takes his or her turn and usually they signal (the least used option on US cars). I have seen fewer accidents in the UK and they are less serious than the US especially in TX where each accident usually involves a rear end collision and an ambulance.

6. Shopping for groceries. We have a small refrigerator so we must go out regularly to purchase groceries. Result is fresher food and less waste than in the US. How often do you buy something and it goes bad before you can use it but it was "such a good deal". The produce has been quite good overall even the sweet corn some of which came all of the way from New Zealand. Who says having an empire is a bad thing?

7. Asking directions. They are ever so helpful in giving directions even if they do not know really where you want to go. See number 1.

8. Wine in a box. This is the only place where you really can get good wine in a box. Not great wine but decent wine.

9. Jay's co-workers. They have been very tolerant of his American ways and have excused his misunderstanding of their "English" ways. The English say a lot with very little and it can mean SOOOO much. They have been very supportive of him in his obvious faux pas, trials and tribulations in navigating their culture and ways.

10. Children and Pets aren't so afraid of strangers- When we admire cute children in the market or on the street, we don't get that automatic look of fear or mistrust one sees so often on the faces of parents in the United States. By the way, I've seen more red-headed children in Britain than anywhere I've ever lived or visited. Pets in Basingstoke seem to be pretty relaxed as well. I've been able to pet five or six cats here on the first attempt. There is only one cat who is very shy.

11. Great art and architecture abound. There are fascinating buildings in every architectural style from English Gothic cathedrals to Post-Modern buildings that look like gherkins or a stack of pancakes. I've been inspired by all the wonderful art and can still visualize whole rooms full of masterpieces in my mnd's eye. The memories will inspire my work for years to come.

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Photos

Helen
Helen cleaned out flat every Monday. We really enjoyed our weekly talks

Comments

[Carl]

AGREED
Dear Two, So true and well observed! Kindest, Carl

[Deb B]

Still laughing
Hey...I enjoyed the whole blog but was particularly humored by the reference to number 1 in the directions part. Too funny. Helen looks very friendly, too. Hugs...Deb