I need to hear good things about the UK

Used bookstores/stalls. Most charity shops sell used books too.

charity shops (in general)

The British Library

public transportation

Cox's orange pippins and Bramleys

toasted tea cakes and proper scones

Christmas cake with marzipan

robins (the little cheeky guys)

tea in a pot and not a tea bag flung in a mug and nuked!

Cox's orange pippins...

Ugh - I don't like those!  Hubby loves them.  I find them mealy & I can't stand mealy apples. 

Ugh - I don't like those!  Hubby loves them.  I find them mealy & I can't stand mealy apples. 

You must be getting them somewhat elderly. The ones I remember were very crisp and tart.
But then the Braeburn apples we get here from NZ aren't anywhere as nice as the ones we had in the UK. So maybe apples are just not what they used to be (?)

DH claims they're crisp & sweet.  I've only eaten maybe two crisp Cox's orange pippins in the entire time I've lived here.  He & everyone in his family seems to love them - but to me, they're nothing to write home about.  Oh well - different strokes. 

The stall doors in public restrooms do not have gaps around the edges where people can see in. 

The stall doors in public restrooms do not have gaps around the edges where people can see in. 

HAH! i do love this!

I love this thread...SO much.

Public restroom point is SO great! I never thought about that.

The fact that Sarah Palin doesnt have a say in politics

The fact that materialistic lifestyle,looks and status are not as important

The fact that people have a good clue of the world outside

The stunning landscape

The History

The laid back lifestyle

Houses have character

The dry,witty sense of humor

The good reputation abroad

The multciulturalism

The only bad thing is that i wish i moved to the UK earlier!!!

The fact that Sarah Palin doesnt have a say in politics

The fact that materialistic lifestyle,looks and status are not as important

The fact that people have a good clue of the world outside

The stunning landscape

The History

The laid back lifestyle

Houses have character

The dry,witty sense of humor

The good reputation abroad

The multciulturalism

The only bad thing is that i wish i moved to the UK earlier!!!

LMAO!!!!!

I admit that I haven't read the entire 18 pages yet, but I read most of them and I believe that one of my favourite things is still missing: eccles cakes!

There's no humidity here in the uk. Back in Delaware, my friends are always complaining about the heat and humidity and HUGE A/C bills in the summer. It's Never too warm for me here in the uk. I do think it's funny though when Brits complain that it's just "too hot" on certain days in the summer... I would consider it to be mild or just right!

Also... I like being able to go see the doctor whenever I need to and not have to pay ANYTHING... not even a co-pay. The healthcare system here is satisfactory for minor things and is very convenient. Although, being a nurse and working for the NHS, I would also have to say that nothing compares to the medical marvels of the US.... so much more advanced and the patient care is awesome compared to other countries. It's just a shame you have to have really good insurance to benefit from it.

One last thing... I love thatched cottages... not to live in one myself (I'm still very American in that I love really high ceilings and open space) but to see them in the country side is really beautiful.

I'm American,hubby's British. We came back to the UK last August after giving it a go in the States for 6 years.

I'd just like to say that this is a very refreshing, uplifting thread.

I am an occasional poster over at the British Expats forum, posting information as I experience it (renting a flat, dealing with utilities, finding a job, driving, etc etc etc) in order to (hopefully) help those (whether they be Brits or Yanks) who will be returning to the UK. Obviously, Brits make up the majority of that forum and I am absolutely overwhelmed at the hatred and vitriolic remarks that most of them make about the United States. 

I'm proud to be in the company of the Americans here who - despite the negatives of the UK - still find so much about it to love.   

Reading the answers here alone have helped me immensely.  I have lived here for 11 years - came from NY.  Thought it would be an adventure, and at 38 (!) it was!  But over the years it's been very difficult.  And as I grow older (now 49) it's harder than ever.  But time stops when you move.  You remember the past through rose-colored glasses and well, it isn't real all the time.

Things over the last 11 years I've come to appreciate:

- Non GM foods - they won't allow it.
- Therefore, excellent produce
- Great beer and variety of wine
- Gardening - it's a way of life here and even this NYC lady does it now!
- Animals - they care a lot about their animals, moreso than anywhere else
- No panic.  And this is big.  In the US, we have sensationalistic news that makes you go out and buy gas masks (terrorism alerts) and fear your neighbor; they take it in stride here and never panic.  I feel safe and less anxious.
- The darn Beatles came from here!  No, seriously, there is originality brewing in the arts.  I think.  Okay I hope.  I digress!
- Green.  It's green around you when you drive.  No strip malls.
- Kids stay innocent longer.  Or so it seems.  Maybe it's just because I'm from NY!  My daughter (born here) is 8 and she is so less materialistic and competitive than her cousins.  Not judging it, just noticing it.
- Okay I've been positive enough.  Good cheap restaurants are NOT here.  Okay, I'll stop - trying to be positive!!!!