Great Britain is such a charming place to visit. From the narrow streets and churches of England, to the countrysides and castles of Scotland and Wales, you can find a bit of history, not to mention a pub, on just about every corner. For me, a large part of what makes Britain so appealing is the people. Like most Europeans, the Brits have great accents, are passionate about their sports teams, and can drink most Americans under the table.
British Beer
But, I also have to give them a lot of credit, they live all year round in a place where umbrellas are an essential accessory, yet most Brits I’ve met are extremely polite, accommodating, and humorous (I guess you have to be when it rains all the time).
It is both the people and the places in Britain that keep me wanting to return. And, as you can imagine, whenever I return home after a visit across the pond, I’m a bit sad because I feel so removed from British culture while in the US.
Whether you’re like me and are pining for a little more of Britain while in the US, or just want to experience life more like the British, try a few of the strategies below that will definitely leave you feeling more British than you were before:
- Get to know the teams and players of one of Britain’s best loved sports – football (known as soccer in the US). Once you have a grasp of who’s who, choose a favorite team and root to your hearts content. Now, check out current football schedules and start cheering!
- Become a master at making a proper cuppa – tea, the unofficial national drink of Britain. Take it one step further by ordering gourmet British teas from Harrods or Taylors of Harrogate.
- Watch popular British television shows – such as The Office from the BBC
or Little Britain
(similar to Saturday Night Live) for a good laugh and a look at the Brit’s dry and sarcastic sense of humor.
- Celebrate May Day, Boxing Day, or the Queen’s birthday (April 21), officially celebrated on the third Saturday of June.
- Watch a British movie like The Queen, Gosford Park, In Bruges, or V for Vendetta.
- Listen to classic British bands like the Beatles, Rolling Stones, U2, and The Police, and modern British stars like Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse, Leona Lewis, and Coldplay, all downloadable at Amazon British Music.
- Read books by British authors including Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, and JK Rowling, available for borrow at most local libraries or for purchase online. Better yet, attend a local production of a Shakespeare play and experience the stories as the bard intended.
- Watch the Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race, which occurs every year in late March or early April.
- Learn to make a mean British curry from British Chef Jamie Oliver and invite your friends over for a fab dinner party.
- Know the difference between American and British beer, as well as the types of beer served in Britain. Enjoy a pint or two while you’re at it!
What are your favorite ways to experience Britain while in the US?
@bistrochic
Great Post!
Thanks for your peppy comment Kate. Let me know what you liked about it!
Hey Jen,
Very enjoyable. All my friends say they enjoy it too. Keep up the good work.
Helen