It's a Love-Hate Relationship

Have you ever noticed that America and England have a love/hate relationship? We are fascinated by their history, and when we say "the queen" you automatically know we are referring to the Queen of England, not Sweden, Denmark, or anywhere else we have ancestors from. We love to talk about how our languages are the same but have so many little differences. It seems like everybody wants to go to England. We love their books, music, and television. We're allies in times of trouble.

BUT:

The second you try to rate the two, be prepared for some serious American Patriotism. Viva la Revolucion! Someone suggested that we sing "God Save the Queen" for our opening hymn. I couldn't do it. The Queen is awesome, I really respect her and what she has done in her lifetime. She is the longest reigning British Monarch in history, and she's seen some tough times. However, singing my loyalty to her was just not happening. The words stuck in my throat, which I didn't think could happen. It's always "their queen." Never "my queen."  That bright American flag waves proud in my heart, and no matter what problems we have, it will always be my country in a way no other way can compare.

In honor of this love/hate relationship, I am compiling a list of things I love and hate about England.

Hate:
1. No drinking fountains. Never. There is a Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and Cattle Trough Association. They have lovely monuments. With fountains--that are sealed. Seriously. The British Museum has fountains at the front with glass covers so that you can see them but not drink.
2. Cities are dirty. I like the country, but cities are just not my thing.
3. Bye-bye sunshine. We've had unusually good weather here, but when you are used to an indian summer, it is hard to see clouds in the sky all the time.
4. Construction. Not having to take a detour because of construction is like deacons refusing food. It doesn't happen. You may go to the tube station and go down a flight of stairs, through two platforms, up an escalator, and around half the station just to get to the right station. I know, because I've done it.
5. People are everywhere. I like people, really. But sometimes you just want a quiet spot with no people, and it isn't going to happen in London.
6. Food. The British like their carbohydrates. I think they consider potatoes their own food group. They also love meat. Meat pie means just that, no veggies. Eel pie is the same. Soup has just potatoes. Curry is mostly potatoes. Salads can be pretty boring. Sandwiches have butter on them but few veggies. It's some lettuce and tomatoes or ham. Never both. I have been told that Subway is a disappointment here. I believe them. Also, they struggle with american desserts like apple pie. How do a people that love all other pies mess up apple pie?
7. I've learned to blend in now that I know my way around. It's flattering to be considered on of the locals, but then I feel affronted that the only Americans the English see are crazy American tourists dressed up as Elvis. Some of us are really great, normal people!
8. Supermarkets are not a thing. I knew this, but it doesn't make me hate grocery shopping any less.

Love
1. Public Transport: Not having a car in Utah is hard. In London it's easier than having one. The tube is really fast and very easy to use.
2. Diversity: There are so many cultures living on top of each other that they just make this beautiful mix. Americans dress very conservatively compared to Londoners, where you will see sari's, turbans, and top hats. You never know what language you are going to hear on the street that day.
3. British Gardens: English Gardens are a response to French gardens which are super organized. So of course, English gardens try to mimic nature more. (What is the definition of an Englishman? Not French!)
4. Parks. Space is limited in London, but they always find room to build the most lovely parks. They are well maintained and each one is different. In the U.S. parks all feel the same. Here each park is unique. I went to a park that had metal plates that rang a bell when you jumped on them.
5. Free Museums! All national museums are free. This is a good thing when you are a college student planning on being a teacher.
6. Polite people: yeah, so there's some bad language thrown around, but on the whole, British people are very polite.
7.  Art. Everywhere. Every little church has the most stunning art.
8. Cute little kids in school uniforms.
9. Old stuff. I love old stuff. Stonehenge was fantastic.

I'm having a really neat experience here in England. I have been very blessed to have the opportunity to come here. That doesn't mean I won't be excited to come home though! I love my family and I am really looking forward to being able to hug them December 7th.