1. Family and friends
With this one it really is a case of "you don't know what you've got until it's gone". Being the social animal that I am, I spend a lot of my time in the evenings seeing how everyone is getting along. It's much harder for me to talk to friends back home because I usually finish work at 11:30 UK time. Out here, I've made about 50 new friends - but I've known them for only a few weeks. I also strangely miss people calling me "Joho" since nobody here knows what that means.
Seeing the photos from Lincoln Pride really made me realise about the life I'd left behind.
Miss you all!2. The cooler weather
Make no mistake, out here it is seriously hot. The weather is a minimum of 20 degrees every day - and quite often as much as 30. Working out in the sun can get particularly unpleasant because of the high humidity too, since the sweat doesn't evaporate as quickly as it would usually. I actually wore an ice vest on the pirate ship yesterday because it was so warm out in the sun.
3. The NHS
Never have I appreciated this great institution more than when I got a hospital bill for $600, bringing the cumulative total for my three visits to around $1,000. The NHS may be badly managed, underfunded, and creaking at the seams in some places - but it will always be better than the US system which relies on your ability to pay unless in an exceptional emergency. I am so glad our forefathers had the insight to set up a welfare system that generally works
4. Non processed food
As I have previously mentioned in my blog - there is an abundance of crappy foods here. From fried oreos, to "slim jims", a meaty treat which looks like a dog treat (containing mechanically separated chicken and other meas) I really do miss relatively healthier meals in the UK.
5. My records
I seriously miss them! Call me a bit odd - but it was nice to come back after a stressful day of university and fill my room with the sounds of the 1920's. That being said, I've got a nice pile of records waiting for me when I return. I also really do miss updating my youtube channel - it's nice to know that I can bring a little happiness in to so many people's lives through the music I share with them.
Finally, and in no particular order - the following:
Make no mistake, out here it is seriously hot. The weather is a minimum of 20 degrees every day - and quite often as much as 30. Working out in the sun can get particularly unpleasant because of the high humidity too, since the sweat doesn't evaporate as quickly as it would usually. I actually wore an ice vest on the pirate ship yesterday because it was so warm out in the sun.
3. The NHS
Never have I appreciated this great institution more than when I got a hospital bill for $600, bringing the cumulative total for my three visits to around $1,000. The NHS may be badly managed, underfunded, and creaking at the seams in some places - but it will always be better than the US system which relies on your ability to pay unless in an exceptional emergency. I am so glad our forefathers had the insight to set up a welfare system that generally works
4. Non processed food
As I have previously mentioned in my blog - there is an abundance of crappy foods here. From fried oreos, to "slim jims", a meaty treat which looks like a dog treat (containing mechanically separated chicken and other meas) I really do miss relatively healthier meals in the UK.
5. My records
I seriously miss them! Call me a bit odd - but it was nice to come back after a stressful day of university and fill my room with the sounds of the 1920's. That being said, I've got a nice pile of records waiting for me when I return. I also really do miss updating my youtube channel - it's nice to know that I can bring a little happiness in to so many people's lives through the music I share with them.
Finally, and in no particular order - the following:
- Seeing the queen on banknotes every day - American money is too green and boring. What's the deal with dollar bills? Too fddly for me.
- Looking the other way to cross the road
- Hearing people say "Cheers mate" rather than "Thanks buddy"
- Watching Wimbledon without the annoying commentary
- Watching TV without the annoying adverts
- The BBC
- Tesco. My clubcard points are crying out to be used!
