Reasons I love England

When I first visited England, I made a list. I had just walked my girlfriend to a rehearsal at her sixth-form for her final performance and was heading back to her home. I thought it was just a straightforward path for the first few minutes, so I took out my phone and opened up my notes app. That's what I tend to do when I need to get my thoughts out and no one is around to listen. As I was passing the beautiful stone fences and metal gates covered in wistera, I knew I wanted to preserve the way I was feeling. The sun was shining on my back, warming my skin through my jeans and white T-shirt. This is the list I made.

Reasons I love England

plot gardens

history

weather

hedges

public transport

double-decked bus window seats

vegan labels

charity shops

pace of life

community events (pub events)

small cars

walkways everywhere

greenery

public bathrooms

disability care shops

vines on everything

recycling

sustainability

signs

kindness

wisteria

lush plants

less yards more gardens

more brick and stone homes

interesting people who want to talk

social places

3 bins

fences

Shortly after that last entry, I realized I was completely lost and needed to pull up Google Maps. Not to fret, I made it home safely, maybe a bit late, but that's alright. Sometimes we take for granted the parts of our homes that are actually so beautiful. The stone homes and gardens are just part of life in the UK. Where I lived, everything is quickly built, with wood or plastic siding. It's cute, but not beautiful. 

No one invites people out for casual pints or coffee. Our cars are huge, built for vanity and not safety. Though when trying to move a couch, it is slightly more attainable. We have big green yards with no flowers. Here I walk past homes covered in flowers and apple trees growing by gates. 

Signs. This is such a big one. You wouldn't even believe. When I first saw the speeding signs. You know the ones, the ones that digitally show what speed you're going, and thank you when you go the right speed. They say "Thank You" with a little smiley face. Such a small difference. You wouldn't care if it's what you're used to. Back home, we have signs like that. However, ours don't applaud us or thank us, they aren't kind to us. They flash in red and blue lights, they tell us SLOW DOWN when you are barely over the limit. This way of thinking affects a country. The kindness seeps into people's lives. They see someone struggling, carrying a suitcase up a set of stairs, and they stop to help. They give up seats on buses and trains. They invite people they barely know out for drinks. They share stories and memories. 

Of course, there is always a downside; not everyone helps, not everyone is kind, people are still cruel, people are still people. But. But but but. It's noticeable. The kindness of English people and the people who live here is noticeable, it's beautiful. I've made more friends here in a month than I have in the 4 years before I moved here. No, not acquaintances, friends. People I know would get me a drink if I couldn't. People I know would bring me medicine if I were ill. It's actually so lovely. So, I'm glad I made that list, and I'm excited to watch it grow. When you start looking for positivity, you'll find it. In the nature around you, in the people around you. So go out, make today the best day ever, make tomorrow the best day ever, make the day after that the best day ever. Or, at the very least, get a pint with your friend and have a good laugh. <3