Monday, June 16, 2014

Why I love the U.K, Part I

Where do I start?  First, it has been awhile since I was last in the United Kingdom, but when I do think about my visits there, fond and happy memories come rushing back.  I was living in Winchester at King Alfred's college as part of a student/teacher exchange program.


Here is a partial list of the characteristics that I admired.

*  The British sense of humor is that perfect blend of intelligence and      understated wit.  

*  And when I was there, that bit of reserve that I liked.  I learned very quickly not to be so effusive, to hold back a bit, to be more formal when I first met people.

*  Yes, I liked the pomp and ceremony.  When I lived in Winchester, Princess Diana came to visit.  The whole town came out to greet her in the center of the city, where the regiment of which she was the sponsor, was lined up. She seemed shy, looked tall even with her flat shoes.  But everyone was so excited and happy to see her.

* Not bragging about oneself is another trait I admired, so different from the United States.  And the biggest complement that a student could receive was that "he was quite clever."  Here we believe in over-complementing students, thinking that they will come up to what we tell them, while in the UK it is the opposite.   

* And yet the teachers that I worked with were very supportive of the students, but quietly, in the background. Every morning there was a short staff meeting and often a student would be mentioned who was "quite fragile," and to be aware of some problem, perhaps the parents were getting a divorce, etc. 

* But in the classroom, it was all business and quite strict.

* The Brits are friendly, but in a reserved way.  My fellow students and I from the US, enjoyed the pubs, the cozy warm atmosphere, and once someone heard our accents, the questions that followed.

* The history which surprised me at every turn.  My room at the college overlooked parts of an old Roman wall which was on one side of an old cemetery.

* And now those wonderful British television productions:  "Inspector Morse," "Foyle's War,"  "Downton Abbey," and more, all done with excellent actors and production staffs.  The contemporary mystery series is terrific as well, which we see here on Public Television.  And my new favorite:  "Doc Martin."

There is more, of course, and because of my effusive American personality, I have more to say, so there will be a part II.  (History, Literature, and Architecture to follow).

One more thing:  Hurray  for the British Pound Sterling and the British resolve not to adopt the Euro.

View from  the road  down from King Alfred's College.  Part of old Roman  wall at edge of cemetery.  St. Catherine's Hill in background., an old Iron Age hill fort.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Catherine%27s_Hill,_Hampshire

18 comments:

  1. I've wanted to visit the UK, but haven't yet. Lucky you, getting to be there in your school days. I'll try to be sure and read the next post, too.

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  2. With your background, you would love it (oh no, there is that American word, "love," again). What I did not say is that I was the oldest exchange student, married and 47 years old. But I did have a tremendous time, perhaps more appreciative since the dating thing, etc. was long past. Everyone was so kind and the other students I was there with, were terrific.

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  3. Well, Natasha, you said you'd do it and you have! You have been very kind and I recognise a lot of the good things that your generously describe but don't forget that there are very many worthy attributes to the American character that ought not be overlooked. The lack of reserve helps one make friends very quickly which I did wherever I went in the US and Canada. I remember that whenever I was standing on a street corner looking at a street map someone would always come up and say 'can I help you sir?'
    I think the most amazing aspect is the strong connections between two geographically separated nations.
    Winchester is a lovely town and full of history with a fabulous cathedral.
    CLICK HERE for Bazza’s fabulous Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

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  4. Yes, yes and yes, Bazza. And some who live in the UK want/ed to get away from the structure, etc. What makes me very sad is how our President is so disdainful of the UK/US connection. He seems to have his own agenda, which is not mine! Sending back the Churchill bust to England from the Presidential office was the first insight into his thinking. But most here do admire the UK and its traditions and especially its courage and bravery during WW II.

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  5. Well of course I am a Brit, if somewhat misplaced. I have citizenship in both Canada and the UK. We left because of the lack of room, We have always enjoyed the people over here, particularly Americans, we have lots of friends after living there for a while. Not to mention cyber friends of course.

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  6. And you can say Jo, that you have lived in two pretty amazing countries. I know all the democratic countries have problems, to say the least, but at least we have the freedom to complain, to move, and not be in fear of our lives. And I do enjoy the cyber connection with the three Brits who read my blog--you, Hilary and Bazza.

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    1. And comment, I should add. I don't blame people who just read and want to be anonymous--I understand.

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  7. Firstly, I agree. Hooray to the British for their resolve 'not' to adopt the Euro.

    Secondly, what a fantastic post. You are so right in so many respects. The British sense of humour (bar none), their reserved nature, and their history, which is positively breathtaking.

    But I also wish we could adopt some of your (American) positivity. I say this as I was born in the UK, albeit I grew up in New Zealand. I did, however, spend 10 years in London during my twenties. Loved it. Although, now I'm older, I'd much rather be Down Under. Wide open spaces, lack of traffic and sandy beaches to die for :)

    Oh, and jolly nice wine :)

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  8. Hi again Wendy--we "met" last year! Down Under sounds good to me. I read the paper, mostly the Wall Street Journal, and weep for our country and the negative direction it is taking with our President. I admire both Australia and Canada for their public stands on tough political issues. Hard to write positive blogs sometimes, tempting to get into the political side of things. I know my impression of the UK is on the superficial side, but I loved the opportunity to learn a bit about another culture.

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  9. I visited Germany in April and was struck by the interesting differences between there and here in the states. So fascinating. The UK is also on my bucket list :) especially after reading this post.

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    1. I hope to go back to the UK, perhaps next year. I like and enjoy the differences between our cultures. Even here in the US, the East coast, and especially the South are different from the "West."

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  10. My kind friend,

    A posting that I embrace with all the magic I have experienced while I'm living in Britain. This green and pleasant land that has been tested by a rather unsavoury government. Yet, the humour, dare I say the double entendres, the ironies that are immersed into British society, has made me appreciate living here.

    There is that quiet reserve over here. Rather similar to that I experienced when I lived in Canada. I have found many similarities between the Brits and Canadians. Although, I also notice that a lot of British people ask me what part of the States I'm from. This makes for a fun conversation when I let them know that I have a Canadian accent.

    Strangely enough, I do not feel like it's crowded where I live in England. I can walk out my front door and be in the countryside within five minutes. Often, not even seeing anybody.

    British television, generally speaking, is superb. Then again, we are now getting a lot of American television to balance things out.

    Thank you for a fascinating article. Time for me to go to Winchester Cathedral.

    Gary

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    1. Winchester Cathedral was amazing, especially how it was saved from toppling over by the diver who went under the Cathedral and propped up the underpinnings which were underwater--so many stories.

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  11. Hi Nat - there's a lot to be said about Britain and the British - I hope nation states can retain their individuality ... as we learn from each and I hope respect other cultures. There are certainly a great many good character traits that are British .. sadly we seem to be developing some not so good ones - perhaps that's the tabloid and media raising that culture ... if only we could report the good stuff, and relegate the poor behaviours to being unreportable - profit must for the newspapers and media.

    There's lots to be positive about thankfully and I just tend to ignore the dreadful aspects ... as it highlights peoples' appalling behaviour and others copy it ... seems to be the way .. desecration of graves and cemeteries, gang culture ...

    Thankfully we have all manners of peoples who help others, who volunteer, who set examples ... from all walks of life - so often misrepresented, especially with today's bite size news ... with no evaluation of looking a the other side of the 'story' ...

    Wonderful you were able to come over at 47, when you were old enough to appreciate so much, and wouldn't forget over time ... I've never spent time in Winchester which is something at some stage I must rectify ...

    Lovely post - and I look forward to part 2 ... have some happy gardening days - it's beautiful here today ... I can see a little misty cloud perhaps, a light breeze, the sea-gulls are quiet = bliss!!!, blue sky and full sun ... very English weather with some grass-mowing scent filtering in through the open windows! Cheers Hilary

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  12. It was only after coming to UK did I finally find my comfortable place. The humour is the best part, makes life an adventure. I do agree with all the other bits too. Hope you get to come back soon!

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    1. In my fantasy, all of the bloggers who can come, meet in London!

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  13. i like the understated thing---and adore downton abbey!

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  14. And we have to wait until next January to see the continuation of DA!

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