I think Americans romanticize England. Based on what we see in the movies and news (mostly about the royals) it's easy to view it as a generally wealthy country with swanky schools, posh cafes, and upper class citizens with proper Queen's English accents. I knew some truths about England when I arrived, but have come to the realization that America's idea of the country is a reality for maybe 1% of the population. The rest of England (or at least the city I live in -- 4th largest in the country) is a ghetto. It is overcrowded and overpaved. It is dirty. Rubbish bins are everywhere.. and so is rubbish, because no one uses the bins. People smoke like chimneys, eat like they've never heard of fruits and veg, and cuss like sailors. And drink like fish. You're hard-pressed to find any sort of cafe around that's not a chain, but guaranteed an independent pub on every corner. This week it was announced that the National Health System spends £2.7 billion on alcohol-related conditions each year (£90 per taxpayer). Over Christmas a girl was hit by a bus after stumbling out of Sheffield University's bar that opened at 10am offering £1 drinks. Ambulance or police sirens are going off constantly. My flatmate got mugged last week, and in the past month in nearby towns, a pastor was murdered, a girl randomly stabbed walking through a park, and a decapitated head was found. Last night at 12am there was a gang of men running drunkenly around my neighborhood chanting, playing loud music and screaming at each other.
To put it bluntly, Sheffield is not my city. England as a whole has never been on my list of 'must-see's'. I love how much history it contains, I think it has wonderful people and some lovely places, but I would never, ever choose to live here. I realized this fairly early on last year, but figured it was better to look at the bright side and not dwell on it.
This past month has been rough. It has involved a lot of hurdles, both anticipated and unforeseen, and has tested my resolve. It has been really difficult, and I feel like being honest about that.
I also feel like there is hope everywhere, and something to appreciate about wherever you are.
For instance: sunsets, brick houses, quirky parks, crocus defying the cold, cobblestone lanes, people who give generously to birds, and cleverly camouflaged garbage bins.
I just can't get enough of that bin. It makes me laugh every time I walk by it. I envision it's owner complaining to the garbage man about not having his garbage taken out for 4 consecutive weeks, and the garbage man responding, "Wait.... that's your GARBAGE BIN?! Unbelievable. All this time I thought it was an ivy bush!!!!"
To put it bluntly, Sheffield is not my city. England as a whole has never been on my list of 'must-see's'. I love how much history it contains, I think it has wonderful people and some lovely places, but I would never, ever choose to live here. I realized this fairly early on last year, but figured it was better to look at the bright side and not dwell on it.
This past month has been rough. It has involved a lot of hurdles, both anticipated and unforeseen, and has tested my resolve. It has been really difficult, and I feel like being honest about that.
I also feel like there is hope everywhere, and something to appreciate about wherever you are.
For instance: sunsets, brick houses, quirky parks, crocus defying the cold, cobblestone lanes, people who give generously to birds, and cleverly camouflaged garbage bins.
ouch! I agree with much of what you say about city life in Britain particularly the booze culture and lack of respect for public facilities. America has more murders though and the murdered pastor was not really nearby. You should take the opportunity to enjoy the countryside as well while you are here though.
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