Following several months in Asia, along with a brief period in Australia, I find it quite pleasing to return home. After encountering an extensive variety of new experiences on a nearly daily basis, there exists a comforting sensation associated with returning to the familiar. Nevertheless, there are certain elements that I do not find as gratifying. Ultimately, the UK remains my profound affinity among the world’s nations, so please consider this list with some skepticism, as expressed by Clean Bandit and Jess Glynne: “there’s no place I’d rather be.”
To commence, I will outline the things I did not miss…
1.) Bees: These small insects tend to evoke panic in me upon their sighting. During summer afternoons, I generally avoid wearing cologne, as they swiftly approach, prompting me to retreat in a rather comedic manner! Bees were certainly not missed.
2.) Wasps: Similar to bees, yet even more disruptive! At least bees produce honey, and as Honey Boo Boo often says, “eerrrrr-one loves a bit of honeeey.”
3.) Hay fever: I was unaffected by hay fever until about seven years ago, and once it manifested, it became a persistent issue. Each summer, for several consecutive years, I encountered severe symptoms, thereby necessitating the constant presence of antihistamines, anti-itch eye drops, nasal sprays, and tissues. I was prepared upon departing for Asia but experienced no symptoms whatsoever during my time abroad. It was #GLORIOUS!
4.) Always carrying a jumper: The British weather is inherently unpredictable. While it can be an amusing topic at times, it is disappointing when the day starts bright and sunny only to plunge into coldness by evening.
5.) Limited access to free WiFi: The UK requires significant improvements in this area! Not only do places like Singapore offer superior download speeds, but there also appears to be free and reliable WiFi virtually everywhere. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that mobile internet services are significantly advancing in the UK, particularly with 4G services and free tethering options from providers such as Three.
On a more positive note, here are the things I did miss…
1.) People: Primarily, I missed friends and family. Generally, the British are well-regarded for their politeness and courtesy—qualities I had taken for granted until my recent months abroad.
2.) Transport Network: It is wonderful to contemplate a trip to Aberdeen (located in the north of the UK) while having the assurance that, except for the fare, logistics from anywhere in Cornwall (in the south) will not be a concern.
3.) Pies: Oh, how I missed the variety of British pies! Steak and Ale. Chicken and Leek. Apple Pie. Banoffee Pie. Cottage Pie. Rhubarb Pie. The assortment is vast, yet I simply missed those delightful pies!
4.) Extended daylight hours: With the summer solstice providing nearly 17 hours of daylight, summer days in the UK are filled with opportunities for enjoyment! One can initiate celebrations while the sun is still shining, and when the festivities conclude, there is still daylight—absolutely delightful!
5.) Exceptional British Television: Productions such as Friday Night Dinner, Downton Abbey, Mrs Brown’s Boys, and The Great British Bake Off are part of an extensive list that showcases the UK’s television excellence! (Of course, there are subpar shows as well, but that’s where your remote control comes into play—#ChangeTheChannel).
Although I intended to restrict myself to four points, I found it impossible! Here are a few additional aspects that I cherished…
6.) Cheese! (Cheese was exceedingly expensive in Singapore!)
7.) Home Cooking! I typically prepared my own meals in the UK (or at least on most occasions), yet during my recent travels, almost all meals were sourced from restaurants. When I mention restaurants, I refer to food courts, which are substantially more economical than traditional dining establishments.
8.) The contrast between contemporary structures and historic architecture. This difference became even more pronounced after residing in Cambridge, where many buildings are nearly 1,000 years old and remain as impressive today as they were upon their original construction!
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