"The view to the world through the eyes of a travelling soul"

Loved it!

In 2003, GE moved me from Germany to the UK. If Germany was culture shock, consider Britain the place in between—less bureaucratic than Germany, but there was no mistaking it: Toto, we weren’t in Kansas anymore. There were elements I truly loved when I got here, and they made the transition feel exciting rather than overwhelming.

Things I Loved About Living in the UK

 

Ordering Groceries Online

Super handy—especially when you consider my second point. It also helps me stock up in case I don’t have to leave the house for the next 10 years. I might be a tad overzealous when ordering online, but you can’t knock me for being prepared when company comes over!

The Fact You Don’t Need a Car in the City

Living in the city means you don’t need a car at all! The Underground and trains can get you pretty much anywhere you want to go. And if that isn’t enough, the cabbies here are incredible. They go through some magical school called “The Knowledge” before getting their license—and they’re not kidding! These guys can get you anywhere if it’s even slightly close to London.

Top Gear

Again, dates me (I mean the Jeremy Clarkson version) This is hands down one of the most entertaining car review shows I’ve ever seen—anywhere in the world. Granted, they’re not huge fans of U.S. cars, but with the price of fuel in Europe, I get it. The cars I loved back home would require me to pawn off my firstborn just to fill the first tank!

The Social Culture During the Week

Getting into social cliques in London can be tricky on weekends, but OI!!! People definitely like to go out for a good time during the week! I have to admit, I had to grow a hollow leg to keep up at first, but rest assured—I’m representing our country well now.

"When One Is Bored of London... He Is Bored of Life!"

Samuel Johnson’s famous words still ring true today. Theatre, music, clubs, pubs, parks, museums—you name it, London has it. There’s always something new to explore or experience.

It Rains So Much It’s Like Scuba Diving on the Streets

Okay, that’s not entirely true—it doesn’t actually rain here as often as I thought it would. But let’s just say an umbrella is your best friend!

Access to My U.S. Groceries

Many of the groceries and goodies I missed so much before can now be ordered online! While this might not have anything specifically to do with Britain itself, I do love the internet for making this possible. THANK YOU GOOGLE!

2024 Update

I wrote this shortly after moving to Ol’ Blighty in 2003. I’ve decided to keep my original thoughts intact, but it’s worth noting that in the subsequent 20 years, I’ve lived in many places—from the far reaches of York up North to Cardiff in Wales, and plenty of spots in between.

Upon reflection, I was amused by my initial impressions. They’ve evolved somewhat over the years, but many of them still hold true (oh, that SCUBA comment got a proper laugh!). It’s fascinating to see how some things about life here have remained constant while others have changed as I’ve grown and adapted.

Things I loved!
Your Title Goes Here

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

Hated it!

"Hate" is a strong word, but not everything in Ol’ Blighty was rose-tinted. Some bits were still hard to take, even after settling in!

The Weather

Let’s start with the obvious. The UK’s weather is famously dreary, and while it doesn’t rain quite as much as everyone says, the constant gray skies can be downright oppressive. Winters are dark and damp, and summer? Well, let’s just say it’s more of a suggestion than an actual season.

Housing

British homes are... cozy. Or at least that’s what they call it when your house is half the size of an American breadbasket and costs twice as much. And don’t even get me started on the lack of central air conditioning or insulation that actually works. Oh, and terraced houses—It’s an island, but why does everyone live so close together?

The Cost of Living

London is an amazing city, but wow, does it come with a price tag! Between rent, transportation, and just grabbing a pint at the pub, I often felt like my wallet was crying out for mercy. And this isn’t just a London thing—it’s expensive almost everywhere.

The NHS (A Love-Hate Relationship)

Yes, free healthcare is great in theory, but the reality? Long waiting lists that make you wonder if you’ll ever see a specialist in your lifetime. If you need anything urgent, you’d better hope you’ve got private insurance—or a lot of patience.

The Food (Traditional British Cuisine)

I’ll admit there are some gems—fish and chips done right can be amazing—but traditional British food often left me wanting. Beans on toast? Baked beans for breakfast? Rusk in your sausages? If I wanted bread with my meat, I’d have a hot dog! Let’s just say I missed the variety and bold flavors I was used to back home.

Bureaucracy

While not as bad as Germany (thankfully), British bureaucracy still has its moments. Need internet? That’ll take weeks. Want something fixed? Better settle in for some polite delays and endless red tape.

The Class System

It’s subtle but definitely there—a lingering sense of class hierarchy that influences everything from accents to opportunities. It’s not always overt, but once you notice it, it’s hard to unsee.

The “Keep Calm and Carry On” Mentality

While stoicism has its merits, sometimes I found myself wishing Brits would be a little more vocal about their frustrations instead of bottling everything up—or masking it with sarcasm. That said, I truly love the way the British play with words—if you’re not quick on your toes, they’ll likely “take the piss” out of you without you even realizing it!

Customer Service

Coming from the U.S., where customer service is practically an art form, adjusting to British service was... an experience.

I have to admit, while customer service in the UK is 10 times better than in Germany (and at least a BILLION times better than in France), I still miss the service in the U.S. Here’s a big tip for you: tipping bar staff here isn’t exactly a custom, but a little tip can go a long way in improving how you’re treated. The downside? It doesn’t really make much of a difference until you’ve been to the same bar a few times and they start to recognize you. But once they do, the service can actually compete with what you’d get at a good bar in the U.S.

Can’t Get a Girl to Smile on the Street

This one caught me off guard. A friend from California visited me, and it wasn’t until then that I realized how rare it is to get someone to smile at you on the street here. I’d moved from Germany, where people really keep to themselves, so I hadn’t noticed it as much at first—but it’s definitely true in the UK too.

A word of caution: don’t even try to acknowledge other humans on the Tube—don’t look at them! Only the nutters or beggars will smile or speak to you.

The Dating Culture Is Like Playing the Lotto

Dating here can feel like buying a lottery ticket—you never know what you’re going to get. Since women rarely smile at strangers, you have to walk up to complete strangers with no clue if they’re single, married, or even remotely interested. All you can do is say hello and hope for the best!

2024 Update

When I wrote this back in 2003, I was newly single. I’ve been very happily married for the last 15 years, so not all these observations apply any longer… Think of this as a snapshot in time for posterity!

Things I learned!

 You can’t truly appreciate a country until you stop comparing it to others and accept it for what it is. That said, living in the UK taught me some valuable life lessons that I’ll carry with me forever.

Lessons I Learned While Living in the UK

2024 Update:

Since this was originally written, my wife put her foot down, and now I can comfortably drive on either side of the road. The tough one might be driving a British car in mainland Europe!

The Dictionary of British English

If you haven’t read Bill Bryson’s Notes from a Small Island or Mother Tongue, I highly recommend picking them up—they’re both insightful and hilarious takes on British culture and language. That said, here are a few linguistic lessons I’ve learned that can save you from looking like an idiot:

  • Worcestershire sauce: Pronounced “Were-stir-sure.”
  • Leicester: Pronounced “Less-ter.”
  • Gloucester: Pronounced “Gloss-ter.”
  • Pissed: This doesn’t mean “angry”; it means “incredibly liquored up” (oh, and don’t forget the incredible overuse of the letter u).
  • Pants: Refers to undergarments in the UK. If you use it to describe slacks or jeans, expect a snicker or two.
  • Suspenders: These hold up ladies’ stockings, not men’s trousers (those are called braces).

It’s little things like this that make navigating British English so entertaining—and occasionally embarrassing! There are countless more.

Politeness and Queueing Culture

The British are famously polite, and their love of queueing (waiting in line) is practically a national sport. Whether it’s at the bus stop, in a shop, or outside a pub, people will patiently wait their turn without complaint. It’s a stark contrast to the chaos I’ve seen in other countries—and honestly, it’s something I’ve come to admire. Just don’t try to cut in line unless you want to be silently judged by an entire crowd.

Britain: Home of the Binge Drinker

The UK has a long-standing reputation for its drinking culture. Historically, this was tied to pubs closing early, which encouraged people to drink as much as they could before last orders. While some bars no longer have strict closing times, the binge-drinking culture hasn’t disappeared—it seems like it might take a few generations to shift.

Driving on the “Other Side” of the Road

I’d love to tell you I’ve mastered driving on the left side of the road, but that would be a lie—at least when I first arrived! My solution? I struck deals with my friends: when we were in countries that drive on the right (like the U.S.), I was behind the wheel. But when we were in the UK, I was perfectly happy being a passenger.

Tea Is Life

I don’t necessarily comply, but I understand: tea isn’t just a drink in the UK—it’s a way of life. Whether it’s solving a crisis, catching up with friends, or simply taking a break from work, everything seems to revolve around tea. And don’t even think about offering someone an herbal tea when they’re expecting a proper English breakfast brew—you’ll never live it down.

The British Sense of Humor

Dry, self-deprecating, and often sarcastic—British humor is an art form. It took me a while to realize that when someone says something like “Oh great, another sunny day,” they’re probably complaining about the rain. Once you get the hang of it, though, it’s absolutely brilliant—just make sure you can laugh at yourself because they will take the piss out of you.

The Weather Obsession

Talking about the weather isn’t just small talk here—it’s practically a national pastime. Whether it’s too rainy, too sunny (rarely), or too windy, there’s always something to say about it. And honestly? It’s kind of contagious—I’ve found myself commenting on the weather more than I ever did before moving here.

Public Transport Etiquette

The UK used to have one of the best public transport systems I’d experienced; now it feels a bit tired and run-down—but there are still unspoken rules you must follow:
  • Don’t speak loudly on the Tube (or at all, really).
  • Always let people off before getting on.
  • And for heaven’s sake, don’t make eye contact—it’s basically forbidden!

The system works beautifully if you play by these rules.

Sunday Roasts and Pub Culture

The Sunday roast is an institution in the UK—roast beef (or another meat), Yorkshire pudding, potatoes, and veg all drowning in gravy. It’s comfort food at its finest and something I’ve come to love. Add this to pub culture—where locals gather not just for drinks but for community—and you’ve got a uniquely British experience.

Regional Accents and Dialects

From Cockney rhyming slang in London to Geordie in Newcastle and Scouse in Liverpool, each region has its own distinct accent and dialect. Sometimes it feels like learning an entirely new language! But once you get used to it, you start appreciating how much diversity exists within such a small country.

Bank Holidays

Bank holidays are sacred here—extra days off work that everyone takes full advantage of. Whether it’s traveling somewhere new or just relaxing at home with family and friends, these long weekends are cherished by all—but are almost guaranteed to be rainy!

The Love of Traditions

The British love their traditions—from afternoon tea to Bonfire Night (Guy Fawkes Night) to Christmas crackers at dinner. Even if some of these customs seem quirky at first, they’re part of what makes living here so charming.

Festivals and Celebrations

From Glastonbury Festival to Notting Hill Carnival and countless local fairs and events, there’s always something happening in the UK. The Brits know how to throw a party—rain or shine!

Missed from the US!

By the time I moved to the UK, I was already considered a global citizen. That said, there were still things from California that I missed dearly—those little comforts and quirks that remind you of home (even if that home doesn't exist anymore). Here are the things I missed most.

The Weather

Oh boy, do I miss the coastal weather of Southern California.

Uh, The Weather (Again)

Did I mention I missed the weather? Seriously—sunshine, warmth, and blue skies. It’s hard not to long for it when you’re living under perpetual grey clouds and damp. It’s like Mother Nature is constantly sneezing on you.

Seeing the New and Upcoming Things From Home

I went back to California for Thanksgiving in ’05 and was ABSOLUTELY amazed by deep-fried turkey. Doug, I know I’ve given you grief about your cooking in the past, but dude! That was one amazing bird. Three minutes a pound? Why did no one tell me about this sooner?

The Beach

The UK is an island, and yes, they have beaches—mostly rocks or gravel rather than sand, but beaches nonetheless. However, due to the weather, they often feel dreary and cold in comparison to what I’m used to. I miss the warm, welcoming ocean of Southern California something fierce—the smell of salt in the air, the sound of waves crashing, and those long sunsets over the water.

Honestly, I think this will hold true no matter where I live until I’m back on that sandy shore.

Some Foods

I still miss ARBY’s Roast Beef Sandwiches and the eager anticipation of waiting for an In-N-Out Double-Double Animal Style with Animal Fries and a Shake. I’ve even tried writing to Arby’s about opening a branch in the UK, but they never write me back. Come on, Arby’s—help a guy out!

  • Mexican Food: I dearly miss authentic Mexican food or even just reliable ingredients (e.g., proper chillies or adobo). When you do find Mexican food here, you wonder what planet it came from (is this what Italians feel when they see Chicago deep dish?).
  • Fast Food Chains: While some chains like McDonald’s exist abroad, others like In-N-Out Burger, Arby’s, or El Pollo Loco are distant memories.

 

Family and Friends

I still miss my family and friends—but when I point that out now, they assume I’ve tied one on too much! While technology like Skype, WhatsApp, and Signal makes staying connected easier, it’s not the same as being there for birthdays, holidays, surprises, or casual get-togethers. The feeling of being "a million miles away" can be tough to shake (especially when someone needs you).

 

Appliances and Home Comforts

  • Garbage Disposals: Oh, do I miss this simple kitchen convenience! People who’ve never seen one think I’m bonkers for bringing it up—but when it’s gone? It’s like being left without electricity.
  • Large Refrigerators: I swear that even the fridges in campers we had as kids were bigger than UK fridges! Groceries for over a week? Yeah right—and as time goes on, condiments start taking up more space than your actual groceries.

 

Customer Service

I know I’ve mentioned this before, but U.S.-style customer service really sets the bar high—from cheerful greetings in stores to speedy problem resolution. Many Brits think it’s fake or contrived (like American Cheese), but I don’t believe that’s true—I think many Americans genuinely enjoy helping others and who doesn't like American Cheese on their burgers?

 

Convenience Culture

  • 24/7 Stores: In the U.S., grocery stores, pharmacies, and fast-food restaurants are often open 24/7. In the UK? Many places close early—especially on Sundays—and that is INSANELY frustrating when you realize your Barbie fridge is empty after 5 p.m.! (Anyone want some Black Bean Chilli Sauce for dinner? We can call it soup.)
  • Same-Day Delivery: While online shopping is prevalent in the UK, same-day delivery isn’t as widespread as in many parts of the U.S.—and honestly? It feels strange in a country where we can’t plan ahead because of the weather or stock up because of our tiny fridges!

Holidays and Traditions

I tried introducing certain celebrations like Thanksgiving and Halloween here (and in Germany). It isn’t necessarily the holiday itself that I miss—it’s the spirit of getting together with family and friends for a feast and light-hearted fun on a predetermined annual basis. Even Christmas traditions feel different—though charming in their own way—there are times when I miss my old ones.

Space and Bigger Homes

Homes in the U.S., especially suburban ones, tend to be larger with more outdoor space compared to UK homes—which often feel like shoeboxes with easy-bake ovens! Even in UK suburbs, you could mow your lawn with scissors. 🙁
I miss having space for my own little hovel—whether that’s a garage big enough to store an actual car (I once had a three-car garage here that wasn’t long enough for one car!) or an outdoor kitchen/fire pit/seating area to even dream about social gatherings. Granted—did I mention the weather?

2024 Update:

While all these things still hold true, they’ve softened a bit over the years. With the advent of social media platforms, it’s become so much easier to reach out to friends and family as if they were just down the street. That said—they’re not down the street—and it would be nice to pop over for a quick chin wag.
Food-wise, I’ve learned how to make most of the things I miss, but it usually boils down to convenience—if I’m going to do it, I want to do it right. So sadly, Taco Tuesdays are out—I just don’t have the time to prep.
Oh—and the Turkey Fryer? I got one! But every time I wanted to use it, I had to remortgage my house due to the price of oil.

Things I definitely DON'T Miss from the US

Sure, there’s some nostalgia that comes with reminiscing about days gone by—the people, the places, and the experiences along the way. But not everything ages like fine wine. There are some elements of my American upbringing that, even with the passage of time, I don’t miss one bit. Here are a few of them:

"International News"

Unless you’re talking about the next county over, you’re mostly out of luck. The only time global events seem to make it into the news cycle is when the world is coming to an end—or at least when it feels like it might be. The planet isn’t that big; learning what’s going on elsewhere is important.

Good, bad, indifferent, or funny—just because an idea didn’t originate in your camp doesn’t mean it’s not worth noting. They all have their place. Even when you think you’re on top of the world, you need to know what’s happening elsewhere to ensure you stay there.

Shallowness

Nothing personal—I’m American too, so I’ll admit I have a tendency to be shallow myself (or at least maintain a façade). But there’s something refreshing about living in a place where conversations often go deeper than surface-level pleasantries and resonate over time. (Unless it’s about football—i.e., soccer—then feel free to be as shallow and brief as you want.)

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow Mentality

The constant rush to move on to the next big thing or trend can feel exhausting. In Germany, I’ve found a greater appreciation for stability and tradition—things that don’t just disappear overnight.

 

Considering the Big Picture

I’m all for being the best you can be and continually striving for excellence. But we’re all just temporary tenants on this third rock from the sun, and we should try to leave it in better condition than we found it.

Global warming isn’t fake news—it’s scientifically proven. And science isn’t witchcraft; it’s evidence-based fact, the closest thing we have to truth. Ignoring it doesn’t make it go away.

Work Culture

The “hustle” mentality and glorification of overwork in the U.S.? No thanks. I love what I do for work, and I strive to make a positive impact and help others—but I don’t miss the mantra “live to work.” I much prefer the “work to live” approach I’ve found abroad.

Lack of Personal Time (e.g., Public Holidays and Vacation Time)

Compared to many countries, the U.S. has fewer public holidays—and even those aren’t always guaranteed days off for workers. Add that to the fact that Americans are often limited to two weeks of vacation time, and there’s barely any room for self-reflection or rest.The expectation to always be “on” can feel exhausting compared to more balanced work cultures abroad. Let’s just say I wouldn’t want to go back to that lifestyle anytime soon.

Political Polarization

I can’t imagine how exhausting it must be now in such a politically divided country where debates often feel hostile and unproductive. Are leaders and statespeople becoming extinct? Whatever happened to leveraging differences to create better solutions for everyone through compromise?

Lack of Diversity in Media

This may not be a U.S.-specific issue, but in the words of Yosemite Sam (was it him?), “That really chaps my hide.”

When I was little, I used to poke sticks at army ants and scorpions alike just to make them fight—it was entertaining! But at some point, I learned to leave them alone—realizing I was far less likely to get hurt that way.
As I grew older, I noticed that media didn’t pick sides or seek to divide people; it catered to everyone. It wasn’t flashy or particularly entertaining, but it gave me all the facts and trusted me to draw my own conclusions.
Like in the days of Walter Cronkite, news began with facts and ended with his iconic sign-off: “And that’s the way it is.” Back then, media didn’t assume superiority over its audience—it trusted people to form their own opinions without provoking division for entertainment’s sake.

Things I definitely DON'T Miss from the US

Sure, there’s some nostalgia that comes with reminiscing about days gone by—the people, the places, and the experiences along the way. But not everything ages like fine wine. There are some elements of my American upbringing that, even with the passage of time, I don’t miss one bit. Here are a few of them:

"International News"

Unless you’re talking about the next county over, you’re mostly out of luck. The only time global events seem to make it into the news cycle is when the world is coming to an end—or at least when it feels like it might be. The planet isn’t that big; learning what’s going on elsewhere is important.

Good, bad, indifferent, or funny—just because an idea didn’t originate in your camp doesn’t mean it’s not worth noting. They all have their place. Even when you think you’re on top of the world, you need to know what’s happening elsewhere to ensure you stay there.

Shallowness

Nothing personal—I’m American too, so I’ll admit I have a tendency to be shallow myself (or at least maintain a façade). But there’s something refreshing about living in a place where conversations often go deeper than surface-level pleasantries and resonate over time. (Unless it’s about football—i.e., soccer—then feel free to be as shallow and brief as you want.)

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow Mentality

The constant rush to move on to the next big thing or trend can feel exhausting. In Germany, I’ve found a greater appreciation for stability and tradition—things that don’t just disappear overnight.

 

Considering the Big Picture

I’m all for being the best you can be and continually striving for excellence. But we’re all just temporary tenants on this third rock from the sun, and we should try to leave it in better condition than we found it.

Global warming isn’t fake news—it’s scientifically proven. And science isn’t witchcraft; it’s evidence-based fact, the closest thing we have to truth. Ignoring it doesn’t make it go away.

Work Culture

The “hustle” mentality and glorification of overwork in the U.S.? No thanks. I love what I do for work, and I strive to make a positive impact and help others—but I don’t miss the mantra “live to work.” I much prefer the “work to live” approach I’ve found abroad.

Lack of Personal Time (e.g., Public Holidays and Vacation Time)

Compared to many countries, the U.S. has fewer public holidays—and even those aren’t always guaranteed days off for workers. Add that to the fact that Americans are often limited to two weeks of vacation time, and there’s barely any room for self-reflection or rest.The expectation to always be “on” can feel exhausting compared to more balanced work cultures abroad. Let’s just say I wouldn’t want to go back to that lifestyle anytime soon.

Political Polarization

I can’t imagine how exhausting it must be now in such a politically divided country where debates often feel hostile and unproductive. Are leaders and statespeople becoming extinct? Whatever happened to leveraging differences to create better solutions for everyone through compromise?

Lack of Diversity in Media

This may not be a U.S.-specific issue, but in the words of Yosemite Sam (was it him?), “That really chaps my hide.”

When I was little, I used to poke sticks at army ants and scorpions alike just to make them fight—it was entertaining! But at some point, I learned to leave them alone—realizing I was far less likely to get hurt that way.
As I grew older, I noticed that media didn’t pick sides or seek to divide people; it catered to everyone. It wasn’t flashy or particularly entertaining, but it gave me all the facts and trusted me to draw my own conclusions.
Like in the days of Walter Cronkite, news began with facts and ended with his iconic sign-off: “And that’s the way it is.” Back then, media didn’t assume superiority over its audience—it trusted people to form their own opinions without provoking division for entertainment’s sake.