20 lessons I’ve learnt from 20 years in the UK

My first encounter with a British person back in 2001 whilst backpacking around New Zealand:

• Me (looking out of the window): It’s raining!

• Them: Is it?

• Me (‘slightly’ irritated by the perceived insult to my intelligence as to whether I can accurately tell the weather or not): I wouldn’t be saying it if it wasn’t!

• Them (‘slightly’ irritated by the perceived rudeness):?

• Me:?

• Them: …… right!

End of conversation- 😊

However, despite these initial cross-cultural communication stumbles, I found my way onto this island, and this year marks me living in the UK for 20 years!

I know many of you in my network are also expats and chose or had to learn to adjust to life away from your home country. Which country did you move to and what did you have to get used to? Or will NEVER get used to? Which lessons did you learn?

So, here’s my round-up of 20 lessons learnt from 20 years in the UK, some points are language-related, others not, and some points are to be taken less seriously than others!

Enjoy!

1) There are countless friendly people who make me feel welcome in this country every day – thank you!!

2) The music and generally the creative scene in the UK is amazing!

3) The open-mindedness to new developments in society and technology is inspiring

4) Roast potatoes! How did I survive without you in my pre-UK life??

5) Digitalisation ROCKS

6) The coastline here in the South West is some of the best in the world!

7) Cosy pubs – on a grey, wet & dreary day, there is no better place on earth!

8) The language is beautiful and has plenty of quirky words: my current favourites being petrichor, sumptuous and epiphany

9) Have I mentioned roast potatoes yet? 😊

10) Unbelievable: Life IS possible with less bureaucracy

And here is a list of the not-so-happy lessons I have learned...

11) Waiting until the 25th of December to open your Christmas presents is unnecessary – why not have it all on the 24th?

12) The so-called “bread” is a no, no, no and NO from me! And trust me, I really have tried!

13) Tea with milk?! Why??

14) While we’re on the subject of food and drink: vinegar on chips?? NEVER!!

15) I would love to see some words make it into English! Fernweh, innerer Schweinehund, Vorfreude, Schnapsidee!

16) After testing most UK Christmas markets: the German ones are still the best!

17) I still don’t say “please” and “excuse me” anywhere near as often as I am expected to! Oh well!

18) The pronunciation of some English words is just crazy! “English is a tough language, but can be learnt through thorough thought (in Slough, I would add!)” OMG, and I thought German had a reputation for being difficult to learn!

19) I will never be able to pronounce “rural brewery” without sounding like I have just visited one!!

20) The words “cufflinks” and “handcuffs” are far too similar for my liking – I have mixed them up more than once. Very embarrassing indeed!