It all started when Dad and Mom hauled us (4 kids) all over the USA in our minivan for vacations. We went as far West as Arizona, as far east as Florida, and as far south as Texas. But my curiosity really piqued when we traveled to Europe in 2005. Since 2005, I have had the privilege to travel to 13 different countries with a couple of repeat offenders and plans to add even more to that number. It’s fitting that God allowed me to marry an international man who loves to travel. Now if only we could cash in on the elusive fortune required for travelling around the world! But then again, there’s always “someday,” isn’t there?
I’m cheating by starting with England, because it’s the place I’ve been the most. In my opinion, the United Kingdom (N. Ireland, Scotland, Wales & England) is one of the easiest places to travel in Europe. And by easy, I mean they speak English and have a lot of American influences like some American brands for food and restaurants to indulge in if you’re missing home. But if you’re looking for strictly British cuisine, I recommend the bakeries, pubs, fish n chip shops, and Indian food. Indian food is to England what Mexican food is to the US– we have a lot of it and we love it.
I think one thing we’ll never completely understand is England’s genuine love for their monarchy. Queen Elizabeth represents everything that is good in the country. She is poised, well-spoken, private and thus has a mystery about her. Her presence at an event is what makes that event truly honored, at least from what I gathered. As far as the other royals, Camilla is not a favorite. Harry is embarrassing, but thank goodness William and Kate have their heads on straight. 😉
A lot of the ladies love Downton Abbey. And they get the next seasons before we do…
Also, their transportation system is so well structured that a lot of them see big vehicles as extreme and unnecessary. But then again, the south won my husband over and we now use our pickup all the time. It’s been super useful. Of course, the parking lots are a little bigger and there’s a little more space for big vehicles. And their roads are definitely smaller. One time when my father-in-law was driving, we were on a two-lane highway packed in traffic and an emergency vehicle was coming behind us. Well, there was no shoulder for the vehicle to drive on, so all the cars and trucks moved left or right so the emergency vehicles can zoom down the middle. It was amazing.
Can we just talk about the amazing dinner format? Drinks before dinner. Soup and salad. Then main dishes with vegetables. Then dessert and coffee. And then cheeses and crackers after that. It. Is. Fantastic! Small portions are your friend because you want to taste everything.
Of course, on an island, you’ll never lack for great coastline.
And if you love history, you’ll be taking of pictures of everything because the buildings themselves are older than our country. So… keep your camera out.
On occasion, they’ll just brighten your day with good ol’ fashion Movie in the Square. Love me some Princess Bride.
There are a few possible negatives about England. Because it is such a small space, everything is packed together. Claustrophobes, this may not be the place for you. From the outside, the grocery store can look an awful lot like a dentist office. In the US, we associate colors or styles of buildings with certain companies. Walmart looks very different from Home Depot which looks different than Wendy’s. But on the bright side, most stuff is within walking distance depending on where you are.
Also, they’ll know you’re a foreigner as soon as you look left first then right to cross the road, but don’t worry it’s so ingrained that it’s a hard habit to kick for only a short time.
The sense of humor. If you don’t get the dry, sarcastic sense of humor, then just nod your head and smile. Don’t be offended, but also know that tv won’t be the same if you don’t get it.
So much to love, so little time to soak it all in.
