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I didn't expect to like London. I've never been, never had a strong desire to go and only added it to this trip because I wanted to see my friends Kofi and Kate who live there. What's the big deal? It's just another big expensive city with depression inducing weather and the non-Brits that say they LOVE it are probably Anglophiles, lying or don't know any better. Well God bless the Queen, dust off the Shakespeare and let's have a spot of tea because I'm all in!
10 REASONS I LOVE THE ENGLISH (in no particular order)
10. Who says they don't have good food? They may not have the most appetizing names but scotch eggs and clotted cream arre ridiculously delicious.
9. They love rules and order, something that the Virgo in me deeply appreciates. You don't colonize half the world by being disorganized.
8. There's room for everyone and their cultures. I was impressed not just by the cultural and ethnic diversity but also by the acceptance and adoption of those differences. It felt like (and I know this is based on just having spent just a short time there) whether you were black or white, born in India or Australia, working class or professional you were first and foremost English and that means something.
7. They recognize that nature's important. There are so many beautiful parks and greenery in the middle of tthe city!
6. They know how to put on a good show. These are the people that made beheadings a national pastime. Thankfully the rituals are a little more civilized now but there's still a far amount of flair and pomp and circumstance.
5. The cops don't carry guns. I have to admit at first I thought that was just stupid. But then I found out that civilians don't really own guns, whaaat?! I know, take a breathe Texas, it's going to be ok. The American in me wants to scream "you can't tell me what to do, you can't violate my constitutional rights!" But I think this is a good thing, it means there's less violence. I'm tired of hearing about the countless shootings across America and I'm even sadder that I'm somewhat desensitized to it because it's so prevalent. On a lighter note, overheard someone encouraging a friend to jump the fence at a very crowded Buckingham Palace filled with security: "Just do it man, the cops here don't carry guns". Probably an American.
4. They love, respect and preserve their history. And they make it easy for everyone to experience it today.
3. Everyone gets a shout out. There are so many monuments and memorials all over the place! Different wars, skirmishes, countries that don't exist anymore, people no one's ever heard of, if they had a role in the creation and preservation of the United Kingdom they're getting recognized.
2. Vacations are sacred. And long. Everyone needs a proper holiday.
1. They have a way with words. They're great storytellers and draw you in with just the right amount of sarcasm, factual knowledge and emotion. The accent helps too.
Huge caveat: I'm told that they were having some of the best weather when I was there; sunny, warm breezes, not a drop of rain. Ask me how I feel about all of this when I've had day after day of perpetual gray skies and misty fake rain.
- comments
danica - aka jiminy cricket BRAVO - I've been waiting for this baby for a long time - glad to see it up this morning. Funny, Entertaining and very TRUE. As your blog conscious (yep I just went there) I took 1 star away because you didn't tell me what you did. There was not one libation with a jolly gent in this story or mishap in the tube - I have a feeling you experienced both - deets give'm to us :)
Luwam Finally! Love, love this update. Witty and proper. Hope you had a blast with Baby Cambridge and Mary Poppins. Cheerio!
Sonya "You don't colonize half the world by being disorganized." LOVE IT... Ok , I think you should come back now. We miss you.... ;) I'm glad you're having fun! Can't wait for more adventures!
Steph Uh-oh someone is moving to London! Thanks for giving LDN such a beautiful shout out. Lovely to see it through your eyes! Do you feel like you understand us Brits better now? Can't wait to see you... p.s. (as you would say) : I miss all your funny manerisms
Hermon Danica: wait for Ireland, it's more your speed:) Lu: your ignorance exceeds mine, you're amazing. Sonya: your (our) people hook up some amazing Indian food in London, almost made me want to wear my bindi! Steph: Ps. After 4 hours in Paris your Brit/Parisian personality is already making so much sense, it's 2 very different worlds! See you Sunday:)
Rachael I have always loved London too and you def got the best weather they have had in months, literally months (so don't be deceived - there is a reason they were all over the world conquering nations, looking for better weather - lol)!! Plus, the men all dress better and it is just a short train ride to Paris.
Lori Now you know why I married one :) PS - Carter says hi
Maura Love this post as much as Meatball loved his postcard! I feel like I would deeply appreciate the love for rules, order, pomp and circumstance as well. Glad you're having a jolly good time!
Samra 'Ello Gahvnah! Now the 3 of us can be ignorant together... Love everything about your post and can actually HEAR you telling us your TOP 10 reasons why you love London. Please continue to keep us posted with all your amazing adventures. Love you and miss you lots. PS. Meatball got a postcard????
april yup, good weather helps! :P Ireland is a dream land. Watch out, I think you'll love it even more!!
kris what days were you actually there -- i wonder if we may have crossed paths....???
Suzie I second Rachael's comments, I love London, especially the well dressed men. I definitely could live there despite the weather.