Why do the British hate their country so much?!

Foxy
Junior Member



Joined: 11 Sep 2008
Posts: 13
Location: Hastings

Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 9:40 am

 

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I agree with you there. It's impossible to generalize Canadian weather because it varies so greatly from region to region. And you are right - there is a very good amount of sunshine.

I agree with you also about how easy it is to romanticize other countries, thanks in large part to tv and movies (and this is true of North America, also). The opposite is also true, showing certain countries in a negative light. We get preconceived notions of places and people and are surprised when the real version is not the same as the screen version. That is why I am constantly reminding people that visiting is not even close to living somewhere. Though I will agree it opens our minds and I still travel as much as possible, to expand my world.

I enjoyed the points you made above - very good information.

Island mentality. I'm becoming more and more aware of this trait in people. I have lived on a very small island in Japan, and now live on the island of Barbados. Islands command that sort of thinking. Just go to PEI, and keep a tally of how many times someone reminds you that you're "from away" (it doesn't matter where you're from, just that you're not from there). They aren't the only ones, to be fair, just an easy example. You find similar mentality in most small towns, too (I spent my fair share in various small towns in Ontario, being a banker's kid). And you can even find that "small-town" mentality in cities in people who have never left or had the opportunity to travel anywhere. I count myself among the fortunate that I've had opportunities to live in other countries, and visit many more.

At the end of the day, one has to decide what is right for them. At the moment, I am pulling my hair out over ridiculous bureaucratic procedures here in Barbados, but I do enjoy the weather and the culture, and the beauty that there is to be seen here. Will I stay longer than my intended 3 years? It seems unliikely, but anything can change. But one thing keeping me sane here is my ability to get off this island once in a while, and see something else. Appreciation on both sides of the fence develops from each travel.

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stephaniefaith
New Member



Joined: 15 Sep 2008
Posts: 8
Location: Great Yarmouth

Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 10:42 am

 

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I love the weather in Norfolk (east coast of England) where I grew up. It isn't all grey and rain. Recently we're having summers akin to the South of France and Indian summers. The only thing I miss now is the snow, having a White Christmas. I would say even Germany and certainly Ireland have more >>rain!<< (And there's nothing wrong in that!) But that is yet another label people have of the weather in the UK. I fell in love with Toronto when I visted last year at the end of winter. All that glorious sun and fresh fresh snow!

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Foxy
Junior Member



Joined: 11 Sep 2008
Posts: 13
Location: Hastings

Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 11:00 am

 

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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.

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stephaniefaith
New Member



Joined: 15 Sep 2008
Posts: 8
Location: Great Yarmouth

Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 12:56 pm

 

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

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Gone South
Junior Member



Joined: 15 Sep 2008
Posts: 17
Location: Texas

Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 1:52 pm

 

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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!

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stephaniefaith
New Member



Joined: 15 Sep 2008
Posts: 8
Location: Great Yarmouth

Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 2:28 pm

 

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me thinks the nicest shops are in the uk though.

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girliegeek
New Member



Joined: 27 Oct 2008
Posts: 1
Location: Swanage

Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2008 10:52 am

 

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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

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themeone
Senior Member



Joined: 28 May 2004
Posts: 86
Location: London UK

Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 1:37 pm

 

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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.

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