My updated likes:
- Gun control. I don't think I need to linger on this topic for too long. England knows what's up, but seriously America, wtf? Haven't you learned anything? I cringe to think about what it might take for any changes to be made.
- The BBC. The news, the coverage, the website - all of it, simply amazing. They are always on top of their game and you can always count on them when it comes to WORLDWIDE topics, (not JUST the USA, come on). The weather is annoying, but that isn't down to them in the slightest, ha. They are neutral. The Olympics coverage was phenomenal. Even their TV shows, dramas and movies are gripping and addicting. No commercials, either? Hell yes. I didn't realize how much I have fallen in love with the BBC until I was in San Diego and was appalled by one of the news programs, awful. Cheers BBC, I will certainly miss you if we decide to move.
- NHS. Okay, as an NHS employee, I will admit that their system seems a little backwards (too top-heavy, not enough patient/customer-focus {mental health, anyway, can't say this for all NHS Trusts}), but coming from America where insurance is a big, scary issue, it's been a huge relief being here and knowing I am covered by the NHS, no matter what. It's a big relief too when I think about children and family coverage in the future.
- Working out at the gym. Back home, working out at the gym can be uncomfortable. The guys are creeps. They watch you; they hit on you, etc. Not fun, and not what you go to the gym for. It's not a place that guys should frequent to meet the ladies. LA Fitness, and probably most gyms, are renowned for this - yuck. Of the 2-3 gyms I've been to here, including the one we go to now, is just the opposite, thank God! People come to the gym for the SAME reason, to WORK OUT! Halleluja people, thank you!
- Eco-friendly! From the endless footpaths and bike routes (and supporting websites), to a lowered to-no tax if you have an eco-friendly car! I have always been a big fan of conserving and preserving energy so I love the fact that this country actually supports and applauds it, too.
- Simple Living. When I was growing up, we lived in house that had a lot of land and lots of animals and it almost felt like we lived in the country even though we were in a city. We were close to shops and restaurants, but didn't frequent them as much as I found myself after moving closer to downtown where the streets are actually buzzing with places that lure you in. When I went home this August, it really hit me how different my country-living is compared to my city-life back home. Living in a city is like living on a high street. In a city, there are people everywhere; there are tons of shops, restaurants, bars, and constant events to keep you busy and your wallet empty. How did I afford to eat out so much? Living in a tiny village in the countryside feels like the complete opposite, and I surprise myself when I reflect on how well I think I've adjusted to the differences. Living in the country is sweet and s i m p l e. You become aware of little things that make you happy like the first bud on your orchid, or a home-grown tomato turning red. Giving cookies to the post man, getting to know the people at your local post office or the hairdressers next door. Finding a beautiful run where you actually see more cows, sheep and horses than you do people. Cooking at home, experimenting with food, wine and watching movies snuggled up on the couch. These things make me actually appreciate days out, going to the movies or going out to dinner. It's just simple and I love it!
- Proud Brits. Thanks to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 London Olympics, I've witnessed what it's like to watch a country come together and show just how proud of their country and their culture they really are. Unfortunately, I have really only seen this from America after 9-11 or on the 4th of July when no one really knows or cares about why we're celebrating. It's especially in-your-face when America can't seem to decide on who to elect for president when the country is actually divided by Democrats vs. Republicans. Shame, we have some learning and catching up to do. It shouldn't take a terrorist attack for us to come together.
- Drugs. Although a lot of people here smoke cigarettes, and actually quite a lot of young kids do too, I haven't been exposed to or aware of any other drugs, and frankly, I really like that. I rarely smell weed which is a breath of fresh air in itself (pun intended). I have no idea who does what, and I like feeling distanced from drugs the way I do here. It doesn't seem popular or cool like it seems to be in...ughmerica. In San Diego, unfortunately, I know TOO many people who do them, know how to get them, or have tried them. bleh. Life, in my eyes, is just too short and precious and I have too much respect for my health, well-being and my body to fill it with crap.
- Roundabouts. At first, I didn't understand them and because of that, I was afraid of them. When I started riding my bike to work in April, I was (and sometimes still am), fairly intimidated by them. BUT, after being home and driving to Cabrillo and sitting in traffic lights on Rosecrans for God knows how long, I am so thankful for roundabouts and now curse traffic lights. How did I ever live in Point Loma again?
- Colored doors.
- Behind on things. Like movies, free internet in cafes, certain music on itunes, US and UK itunes are different and you can't get or even see the same apps unless you have two itunes accounts? (I guess you can't necessarily blame the UK for that though can you!) This is just a tiny annoyance that I can obviously live with.
- Small roads. I sometimes like the small roads on lonely bike rides when there aren't many cars around. But if someone is driving and we have to constantly pull over to let the other driver go by, not only is this time consuming (and annoying), but it makes me kind of car sick. It's also not so great for bike rides on busy mornings when huge semis (lorrys) get way too close because the road is way too small.
- Car sick. I've never really been car sick before living here, but I think because of the small cars (thus, low to the ground) + small roads + cold air outside + hot air inside= CAR SICKNESS. Easily one of the worst feelings. I'm pretty sure it's mostly caused by having the heater on, as it seems to throw off my balance which in turn triggers the car sickness. Whatever it is, it's not fun.
- No outlets in the bathrooms. None. Only for men's shavers. WHY!? Even France, Germany and Italy have outlets in their bathrooms! Come on, England!
- I noticed this next complaint a few months ago sometime during that horrible summer. If you don't know, it was the wettest and most miserable summer I've ever experienced, hence my last minute decision to go home and see the sun (and family and friends). When the skies are cloudy, you don't really see the moon or stars. Well, it had been a few months of constant rain, and finally one night I noticed the moon and realized--I had not seen the stars or moon in months. Not because I didn't look, but because our sky had been blanketed by clouds for SO long, that you just couldn't see them. It's a pretty silly thing to complain about, but being from clear blue skies all my life, I actually felt pretty sad that there's just no way of controlling this weather that affects you day and night.
- Customer Service. One of America's fortes is that customer service is important to us. We make connections with our customers by smiling, making eye contact, initiating conversation, etc. You're lucky if you get a smile here!
These are just my observations up-to-date. Cheers!
