Likes/Dislikes about Life in the UK

In honor of being in the lovely UK for about 2 and 1/2 weeks, it is time for a Lisa L reflection on some negatives and positives about this country.

First, my list (only 5 items for now) of grievances:

1) The tap water system. Whenever you go into a bar/restaurant in the US, you are automatically served water in huge, 16 oz glasses with loads of ice. However, in British bars, you get nothing at the table. I mean nothing---just a table. You have to go up to the bar to order all your food, then usually you pick it up too. In addition, you have to ask for tap water, and I've been to a number of bars/restaurants on the weekends, and I've asked for many a glass of tap water (y'all know how much water I can drink). Tap water in a British bar consists of a tiny, just above shot glass size glass of tap water, sans ice. Most of the bartenders I have asked seem peeved too, as if it's a huge inconvenience to put a glass under the tap and actually turn the knob and fill a glass. Go figure.

2. The pound/dollar conversion. The pound is double the dollar. Double the prices, not double the fun. Doubley-ridiculous, I might add. A cup of tea in the city is around 2 pounds ($4), and gum (the little 25 cent packs you can pick up at the market of winterfresh or whatever) are double the price, about 60 cents. It makes me sad at times, so I've stopped doing the double-ing in my head. It's easier on the bank account to just "think in pounds."

3. The entire different system of time, measurements, etc. Right now, the clock on the computer reads 20:54 and I have no idea what that means. Wait, I do...I just have to subtract 12 hours. The British are definitely fond of making you work for understanding the time.

4. No Target or Wal-Mart. Although I did discover Sainbury's (a discount grocery store), which is wonderful!!!

5. The SLOW drivers/driving. It took us 1.5/ 2 hours to get from London to Cambridge, which is only 45 minutes by train. The problem is, the bus driver doesn't go over 60 miles an hour, and their "highways" are actually two lane roads, hence the slowness of it all. When we go to Scotland in the beginning of August, it is a 10 hour bus ride. Oh joy!

And now, some things I REALLY enjoy:

1. Everything in walking distance. Cambridge is similar to Boston...you need a camera, post-it notes, detergent, and dry cleaning? Just walk outside of the college and within 3 blocks, you're covered. I love that, and I love getting some exercise in (including my room being on the 4th floor of the building).

2. The History/Architecture. Everything in the US is about 18th century...I remember seeing a gravestone that read 1898 or something like that in Reading and thinking it was amazing. In England, some buildings are centuries and centuries old, and living/residing in a building built in the 13th century is just amazing!

3. Hob Nobs. Best British treat ever. It is a oaty, hearty, round biscuit with the top lightly dipped in chocolate. It is wonderful with tea or coffee. I'm bringing a suitcase full of hobnobs back for everyone. No lie.

4. The comradere of the program/residential life. This program brings me back to the undergraduate experience, with everyone living, studying, and dining together. It is like another family/group and so wonderful to always have someone to talk to/distract/walk downtown!

5. The weather. A British summer is (wait, wait for it) a balmy 70 degrees or so. It is not hot, humid, or stifling. It is spring, jeans and t-shirt type of weather, incredibly comfortable with some rain here or there, but for the most part, PERFECT travel weather. What more could you ask for?

So this week, I've been keeping busy with classes and schoolwork, but this weekend, the fun begins....with excursions around Cambridge (including punting...which is kind of like rowing) on Friday then all day London on Saturday!! I can't wait :)