I need to hear good things about the UK

I've had things pinched off the clothes line.

What the hell?   What did they take?  That is bizarre!

I've had things pinched off the clothes line.

They probably just had to have your frilly knickers!

Oh I hope they do.  There's something fantastic about having glass bottles of milk sitting on your doorstep in the morning. 

Except when it gets frozen in the winter or when the birds peck through the cap on the top.

We have glass milk bottles as well!  I love it!

They probably just had to have your frilly knickers!

Nope, one item was a jeans jacket (from Oxfam but brand new!)

Oh another one!

Okay, I know it's bad for the environment  , but I just love the old-timey smell of real coal fireplaces - like when we go up in the Yorkshire Dales & all. 

When we get our fireplace, we'll have to use smokeless fuel or something like that (council regulation), of course - but I just love that coal scent in the air on a chilly day.

Oh yes Mrs. R!   When I first moved to Sheffield and would go for afternoon walks in autumn I would smell an unfamiliar aroma in the air.  It was coal fires, something unheard of in my hometown.  Now when I sniff that scent I'm reminded of my first days in England and how new everything felt.  It's kind of nice. 

Oh another one!

Okay, I know it's bad for the environment  , but I just love the old-timey smell of real coal fireplaces - like when we go up in the Yorkshire Dales & all. 

When we get our fireplace, we'll have to use smokeless fuel or something like that (council regulation), of course - but I just love that coal scent in the air on a chilly day.

Yes! That is unmistakably a British smell!

Bunting!

Things I would miss:

taking a stroll or a bus ride through the hills in Greenwich park and the view of the glorious mix between urban and greenery

the breathtaking view of Canary Wharf

During my worst days of my first year in London, I would take a stroll down the Thames barrier road and simply gaze at Canary Wharf, which glitters like diamonds at night. Something about that view was so pacifying and no matter how sad or lonely I felt, my spirits were always lifted. Even if I felt lost in my head, that view always reminded me of where I was, and where I wanted to be.

Now, I'm extremely fortunate enough to live in a house where my bedroom has a perfect view of Canary Wharf. It was 100% the reason why I chose that room over the much larger one. I feel so lucky to have a piece of one of my favorite places of London as a part of my room.  

I am likely moving back to the states in 2011, and though I'm excited to go "home," there is a lot I'll miss. I've read every page, and I may be repeating some things, but here are mine.

The national obsession with toast for breakfast
Roundabouts
The Christmas Number One
Delicious, amazing, vegetarian food everywhere
You buy something online and it arrives the next morning, because the country's so small
Castles and towers
Indian food. Especially Sunday buffets.
There are no city blocks. The roads wind everywhere.
Long maternity leave
Small, fuel-efficient cars (it's not all about the biggest and newest here)
NCT groups and wonderful things for parents and kids
No one thinks twice about having a beer at lunch
Having tea with my elderly neighbors and listening to them talk about days in the RAF
Mail slots
English breakfasts
Dog love. You can take them off-leash anywhere and no one cares
Power showers and towel warmers
Just walking around and seeing things that have been around since before the USA was even a country
M&S
Box sandwiches
DVDs seem much cheaper here
Lovely parks nestled right in the middle of the city
Hedgehogs
The NHS
The Tube
Nandos
High streets
Even the conservatives here are fairly liberal by US standards
Meeting people from all over the world
The cars are all manual, and I feel like a race car driver
Buying all my socks at Primark
Gok Wan
British newspapers
Proximity to Europe. I've gone to Italy for a last-minute weekend trip before.
British sense of humor
Biscuits
My Boots rewards card
Cool accents
Everything seems more local in supermarkets
Amazing sparkling water (Highland Spring is my fave...it's so fizzy)
People aren't as competitive at work
Sweet popcorn and Pick N Mix at cinemas
Pubs, specifically Sunday Roasts

I'm sure there's loads more, but that's what I have off the top of my head.

I love that people still socialize and really do "just drop by" to say hello.  

I like being asked if I want a tea or a coffee as soon as I'm in the door.

Not feeling guilty for the occassional candy bar...everyone in the US makes it out to be one of the biggest sins to splurge on the occassional treat (oh I'll get so fat and the like).

People being comfortable with who they are.  You don't see people trying to hide their extra 10 or 15 pounds.

Fashion.

The Indian Take Aways.

Footie, especially on the weekends.

Going down to the local.

CASTLES!!!!!!

The ocean.

The Highlands.

Hearing the bagpipes as I walk around Edinburgh.

The fact that there's a bar in the local movie theater...I get a kick out of that one.

I'll never ceased to be amused by the new names they give to American food products...hehehe.

Travelling by train, I love it!

Getting cheerful "Hiya!" from everyone you know.

The fact that everything is so close by.  You can drive forever and ever in the US and only get through a few states.

That coffees at Starbucks seem cheaper (I know in reality they aren't but they look cheaper...lol).

Jaffa Cakes.

Tea time is the best time of day.

The fact that they all seem to love taking baths, even men.  Something very cute and old fashioned about it.

I like that shops close earlier and that you have the evenings free.

Little kids in school uniforms.

The way it seems that taking babies out for the day is an event.  Special outfit, pram, etc.

The fact that people of all ages still seem to like to have a good time.

The windy streets.

That I get to feel more free about who I am and that I don't have to fit in so much.

There's tons of good things.

Hello everyone:

I just joined the group and I have to say I am thoroughly enjoying reading the posts. Every post made me smile 

I was raised and educated in Britain - Edinburgh is home - and have now spent many years in the USA. I am considering a move back home to the UK, although it is going to take a few years. I've been asking myself what I would miss about the USA, what I miss about the UK, and how to finally settle back in Britain. Your posts help me separate out all those thoughts.

I was a high school teacher in the UK and I understand the world of education has changed quite a bit since I left so I hope to find some tips on finding a teaching job over there. I have worked as a high level executive assistant in the USA so I will explore similar avenues in Britain as well in case I can't find a teaching job.

Many thanks.

I know I'm a newbie here, but I already know when I move back I will miss:
pubs
being called "love" by total strangers
the beer!
great public transportation everywhere
having all of Europe on my doorstep
making time for tea

being called "love" by total strangers

I hate that. It feels condescending. I may be a curmudgeon though.

I hate that. It feels condescending. I may be a curmudgeon though.

Pretty much anything can be said with a condescending tone, but the majority of the time I am sure that people who routinely use the word 'love' here don't intend that at all.