10 remarkable things about the United Kingdom

 

Tablo reader up chevron

What is so special about United Kingdom

The UK vibrates at its own pace. For those of us who have lived in the best country in the world (okay, I'm exaggerating a bit), there are a number of aspects, unique to British life, of which we alone know the truth. So pour yourself a cup of tea and get ready for a time travel with my list of facts that only people who have lived in the UK will understand.

1. THE RAIN IS IN REAL ENOUGH PLEASANT

No doubt, you hated all kinds of rainy weather when you arrived, but, now, secretly, you would give anything to see passers-by strolling in the pouring rain, comfortably seated in a London cafe with a few friends. The UK has an undeniable charm when the rain starts to fall.

2. AND LIVING FOUR SEASONS IN A DAY IS ANY NORMAL THING

You are completely used to the escapades of time: you leave the house under a blazing sun, then wait for the bus in the middle of an autumn storm; a few hours later, you endure a winter downpour, before finally being able to enjoy a spring afternoon. This happens almost every day in a country with the most erratic weather in the world.

3. IT'S A DIFFERENT WORLD WHEN THE SUN IS AT MEETING

So the UK has few really hot days, but when that happens, we British people know how to make the most of it. We put on our shorts, apply a good layer of sunscreen and dust our barbecue to organize the essential barbecue; it is impossible not to be carried away by the love of the British for beautiful summer days (even if it is 15 degrees less than in your home city!).

4. YOU MAY ACTUALLY HAVE A VERY SHARP OPINION ON TEA

You can no longer bear ill-prepared tea. You have learned from the best in the UK that tea is an art form taken very, VERY seriously. Opinions on how to make a perfect cup of tea vary from person to person and you now know that asking a Briton about his ability to make tea can be the most placid of them.

5. ENGLISH CUISINE IS NOT LIMITED TO TRADITIONAL FISH & CHIPS

Although the UK has a less brilliant reputation when it comes to cooking, you know full well that it isn't. You've always found the dishes you've been looking for in new restaurants, not to mention the tasty street food and independent cafes that have sprung up across the country.

6. ALL BRITISH PEOPLE DO NOT HAVE THE SAME ACCENT

The wide range of UK slang accents and words can be confusing at first, but anyone who has stayed in the country leaves with a good understanding of regional dialects, such as Cockney rhyme slang, or a slow, drawn-out West Country voice and the most authentic British accent and vocabulary that any textbook could ever teach.

7. AND SOMETIMES MAY NOT THINK EXACTLY WHAT THEY SAY

Between what a Briton can say and what he really thinks, there is a real difference. It probably took a while before you noticed it, but now you fully understand the (not so) hidden meaning of the phrases used by the British. For example, when they say to you: "I'm not doing too badly", "I may join you later" or "I don't mind".

8. BRITISH HUMOR WINS TO BE KNOWN

British humor can be a difficult cultural aspect to grasp. Almost undetectable sarcasm, heavy self-deprecation and comments that can sometimes seem petty are all common features in British conversations. Once you understand the telltale signs, you will feel like you are decoding a hidden language; using it is also a surefire way to blend in with the local population. Plus, it will open the doors to the wonderful world of British movies and TV shows!

9. AND THE BRITISH ARE CRAZY FOR SPORT. SERIOUSLY

Nothing makes the British speak as much as sport. It divides us and unites us, but it's also one of the few things you will hear us talking about with real passion! A lot of people choose best instant win games online in UK because games and sport is one the main leisure of British people. Sport is a staple in the UK: newspapers, TV channels, radios, streets, cafes and pubs are full of conversations about everything from football to rugby, tennis and cricket .

10. THE CAMPAIGN IS MAGNIFICENT (AND THE RUBBER BOOTS CAN ALWAYS BE USEFUL)

Wherever you went in the UK, you always had a spectacular piece of countryside nearby. You've probably explored the wild national parks, hiked the rugged coast and relaxed in the green spaces so common in cities: all these wearing these faithful rubber boots, so useful when the first clouds of rain appear (and if you have never owned rubber boots, it is impossible that you have lived in the UK!).

Comment Log in or Join Tablo to comment on this chapter...
~

You might like Sean's other books...