Oh, to be in England ...

I wouldn't want to live here forever. But I don't mind spending a year or three here every now and again. There are people who find it difficult to understand why I like Britain so much. Even the British themselves seems to find my enthusiasm a bit odd. So here's a list of what makes Britain great. In my eyes. In no particular order:

1. The weather
Oh, I know what you think: "You must be joking". But I am serious. Don't forget I normally live in Tromsø, Northern Norway! I must admit I love warm weather and sunshine as much as anyone. But I've never wanted to live in Spain. Don't know why. But there's something about the changing seasons that appeal to me. And in York, as in Norway, you'll get four seasons in a day sometimes. And I do appreciate the sun so much more when it's not there every day:) And the best thing about living in York, weather-wise, is that the snow only lasts for about 2 weeks. Sometimes only 2 days. That's really enough!

2. Queues
I must admit I'm one of those irritating people that get a kick out of order and systems. I think the alphabet is a marvellous thing! (Yes, I work in a library!) I like making lists of things to do, eat, see etc. I like plans. So naturally, I admire the British society because of its ability to create order in a crowd of people. People waiting for a bus, or waiting to buy tickets etc. will stand in an orderly line and wait their turn. In Norway and Italy, for instance, the crowd will look like a flock of sheep, all trying to get to the front at once. How uncivilized!

3. History
I'm not saying that British history is all glory and wonderful - far from it. But everywhere you go, there's a castle or a historic site. You'll never get bored holidaying in Britain if you like history.  I love walking around old houses or even older ruins. I've just become a member of the National Trust, and I truly believe they do a brilliant job promoting and preserving all those historical buildings and sites.

4. Food
It's about time the world stopped moaning about British food. I've lived in France for nine months, and I had more chewy steaks and soggy chips there than I've ever had in the UK. (Not to mention the terrible service one gets in France ...!) I suppose you still get foul smelling fish & chips or bad curries here, but there is no reason to settle for third rate food, when there are so many lovely cafes and restaurants to choose from.  Here in York there's never any problem finding good food. The problem is rather choosing where to go; Melton's or Melton's Too,Ate O'Clock, Bettys, there are a handfull of delicious Indian restaurants, there's the reasonably priced chain restaurant Wagamama with its brilliant food, and this summer, we're getting another great British chain restaurant, Jamie's Italian. Just to mention a few. And the selection of food in the supermarkets is far better than I'm used to, so there's no reason not to cook your own meals and delight in the best of British:)

5. British TV
I know I might sound like an old lady here, but I think the British make great TV. Their drama series and comedy shows are unsurpassed in the world. What would life be withour Dr. Who? Or Never Mind the Buzzcocks (My favourite TV-show ever!)? Downton Abbey? Sherlock Holmes? Just to mention some of the more recent ones. I probably watch more TV here in England than I would in Norway. Not because I don't have anything else to do, but because I simply can't resist it:-)

6. BBC 6Music
This radio station needs a special mention. I love radio. (Even worked at a local radio station back home when I was young.) I love radio with intelligent chitchat and good music. Since I like listening to the radio when I'm at work, I tried several internet radio stations, but found none that I really could stand listening to for more than half an hour. Then suddenly I discovered BBC 6Music. A radio station especially made for me. Or so it feels like:-) The music is absolutely fabulous and the presenters funny and entertaining without ever overdoing the talking bits. I listen every day. Life wouldn't be the same without it. And my musical taste would probably be stuck in the 80s, if I hadn't been exposed to so many great new bands through 6Music!

7. British Newspapers
Now, as you might have gathered from the above, I'm not a heavy news person. When I appreciate British newspapers it is because they present so many readable articles, especially on culture and society in general. The weekend editions of the Guardian and Independent keeps me busy for hours and days. (And no, I'm not talking about the killer sudoku here!) Normally I just look at the headlines and flip through the paper in no time. Here I actually read some of the stuff.

8. Tearooms
I adore the British tearooms. I dislike Starbucks and never go there voluntarily. Unfortunately, tearooms are a dying breed in many British towns. (Not many tearooms in Manchester, for instance, only coffee bars.) I like toasted teacakes and tea from a pot, and cinnamon toast and little cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches and a feeling that time has stood still, but in a good way. 

9. Music
There's absolutely no doubt that the best music in the world comes from Britain. (And Ireland!) I think there must be something in the British water or perhaps the air that makes them so good at pop music. When I look back at all my favourites the last 25 years, a huge majority is British. And when I fall for an American band, it's very often one that sounds British. The best of British pop/indie usually has some kind of quirky take to it that makes it stand out from the rest. On my playlist these days, I can mention The Editors, The Duke Spirit, Scott Matthews, Kasabian, Florence & the Machine, PJ Harvey, Massive Attack, Cat's Eyes, Goldfrapp and so on. And we must not forget Bowie, Cure, Smiths, Waterboys, Killing Joke, Echo and the Bunnymen, The Chameleons, Primal Scream, Depeche Mode, Lush, New Order, Joy Division and Talk Talk. I could happily survive on British music for a long time:)

10. People
What would Britain be without its wonderful people? The British are known to be a bit reserved. Not outgoing like the Americans or passionate like the Italians. But I prefer the British way. The way they don't speak too loud or boast too much. The way they'd rather suffer in silence than make a fuss. I love the way even the scruffiest looking teenager will say sorry if he (almost) bumps into you, and that even the homeless call you darling or love if you say something to them. (This is probably a northern thing, I'm told.) All together, I've spent at least 2,5 years in the UK, mostly in York. And I've never had a negative experience here, and I've always felt welcome. It's like coming home every time. I know there's so much more that's great about this nation. (Language, literature, shopping, service, gardens ...)  (And quite a few things that are not so good!) But this will have to suffice for now. The sun is shining, so I think I'll take a book and a cup of tea into the garden and send warm thoughts to my family in Norway who still has to struggle with too much snow:)