Why do the British hate their country so much?!

It's settled. I will definitely visit Norfolk sometime You've sold me.

Hope you're able to get back to Toronto some time, seeing as you liked it so much. Go in the summer and catch some of the festivals that happen. Very fun.

Foxy, I love all the fun events that Toronto has to offer. I cannot wait to return.soon.one day!

We’ve lived in Europe in the 90’s and now the US. Basically I found that Europe in general has so many more years of structured government that it results in piles of red tape and somewhat antiquated systems. I have friends in the UK and they all complain that nothing works right. I think something like 40% of the country’s water supply leaks underground. British Rail is falling apart etc. To me, there are just too many people crammed in one place to be enjoyable. Things that are average guy hobbies in North America are strictly priced for the rich. Hunting, fishing and automotive restoration for instance are all way out of reach for the average guy. They have taxes on top of taxes. You even have to pay a TV tax and at least they uses to have inspectors driving around looking for antennas or dishes then cross refering them to people who paid the tax. But the culture is great.just eat Indian food!

me thinks the nicest shops are in the uk though.

I'm a Canadian who has been living in the UK for nearly 2 years and am going back home in December. And let me tell you, you don't know what you have until it's gone!

While I have enjoyed my stay here, I am ready to go back and I have a new appreciation for Canada.

However I think my difference is that I have always felt a huge amount of national pride and spirit from where I grew up in New Brunswick. We've always prided ourselves on being Canadian and took every opportunity to set ourselves apart from our American neighbors. I had the opportunity to attend the Canada vs. Czech men's ice hockey game at the Torino Olympics and never in my life have I felt such pride to be a Canadian. Seeing other Canadians in the street, hugging them like they were friends, cheering and drinking beer together It's something I'll truly never forget and it makes me very proud to come from such an amazing country.

I think that England used to be like this. From what my boyfriend (who is English) tells me, today's England is very different from that of 10 years ago. Perhaps due to an extreme immigration problem (they let anyone come in to sponge off the government . and they do!) or a declining economy. I am certainly not trying to discourage you from coming here, because there have been times that I loved the place, but I do hope that you will come to appreciate what a great place that you come from

The UK, in particular the urban UK, has changed very markedly over recent decades, and I find this is what most people grumble about.

You can see evidence of the "sick society" everywhere. The recent epidemics of knife crime and gang culture, and a generation of teenagers who believe they're untouchable. Elderly people who are afraid to leave their homes any time after lunch. Road rage, a general lack of manners and respect for others. In many ways the urban UK has become a dangerous and unsettling place almost reminiscent of New York in the 70s. Add to that the constant threat of terrorist attack, and now it seems, a recession, and you don't have a happy country.

I have lived in the Uk for 10 years and if I had a crystal ball I would not have moved here all those years ago. The biggest draw for me back home is family. After ten years in the UK I still do not feel as part of this country. I do not find the brits welcoming at all. I have made few friends which is a surprise to the friends and family back home. I am a friendly happy person who finds it hard to find the same here. Don't get me wrong I have surface friends and acquaitances but nothing substantial. I sometimes put it down to the British class system which is alive and well. I live in small town or should I say village England and perhaps in the city it would be better. England has changed vastly in the last 10 years and has more of the commercial products that Canada and the states have. But remember it is a socialist country not democratic. You do not have the same freedoms here as home. I would live here on a trial basis for at least a year to get a feel for the country. It is an expensive country to live in but that can be subjective.
When defending Canada as I do on almost daily basis, I believe what comes across is how proud I am to be Canadian!

i am british, and i do not feel the warmth of being back home in the uk. I was an expat in germany for 10 years. i suppose this is why i find it easier relating to people outside of my country? i am in love with canada, and although i love toronto, i find the people there, too, a little snotty.

my gorgeous man is from new brunswick, totally different attitude!

"Plus, why is the TTC so run down and dirty? The London tube system is pristine and taken by the richest of the rich."

OMG - are you serious?!
The London Underground is truely overused, ancient, a clostrophobic sauna in summer, and a smoky infirmary in the winter. Rush hours are intollerable with people fainting and elbow in faces, and weekends are impossible with maintenance closures.

No one who can afford otherwise, rides the underground. Certainly the 'rich' do not!

Have you actually been on the underground?

But, see it for yourself, if you must.

-WCB