Being an expat was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I learned so much living in England. Each country has common misconceptions. These three myths about the UK take the cake though!
1 - The Food is Horrible
Welcome to the 21st century! A lot has changed since the 80s and 90s. One such thing is the culinary landscape in the UK, namely, England. I can't tell you how many times people have said to me, "Oh, you live(d) in England? Doesn't the food suck over there?". I challenge you to find a better grilled cheese sandwich than the one nestled in a back corner of
Borough Market. Go on, dare you! And if you find one, please let me know...
The UK is a gastronomical-paradise (technical term). If you visit London, please eat somewhere beyond Piccadilly Circus and try something other than fish n' chips. Try the side streets and lesser known boroughs. Curry in England is out of this world, uh-mazing! It has been so well perfected and tailored to the tastes of the British that it is it's own cuisine separate from it's home origin of India.
And just look at all the yummy, free recipe cards just hanging out by the grocery store exit.
Everything from pub classics to cutting edge culinary creations can be found if you know where to look (
here are a few of my favorites). You've heard of Gordon Ramsay and Heston Blumenthal right? Both British. My point is this, the UK's bad rep for bad food is no longer warranted. It's practically a foodie's paradise over there!
2 - They Speak the Same Language as Americans
Wrong. Yes, it
is technically English. But believe me when I say, UK English is a different language completely. Throw some cockney slang into the mix and you'll end up cream-crackered trying to figure it all out!
Nothing illustrates this myth better than an embarrassing story... I had just landed my first job. I was the only American in a crowded room overlooking the Thames. I was so in awe of the view out the window that I was caught off guard when I was called upon to answer a question. The whole table looked at me...I rambled off something about my project being rushed and having 'my pants on fire' to get it completed. There was a complete and utter silence followed by a few stifled giggles. It wasn't until afterwards that a colleague informed me I had just told everyone that my knickers were on fire (pants = underwear). Insert obvious assumptions here.
3 - They Have a 'Stiff Upper Lip' i.e. They are Unfriendly
This couldn't be further from the truth. In fact,
being married to an Englishman, I've become quite familiar with the true meaning of 'stiff upper lip'.
I have personally found it to be miles easier to make friends in England than in the US. At both of my jobs in England it was only a day or two before I was invited by co-workers to the pub for drinks over lunch (yes, lunchtime drinking, that's a whole other story).
Since repatriating I've seen a striking contrast in developing new friendships. It's been a few years now and I still struggle to make new friends. It seems like American's are more 'cliquey' and less open to making new friends. Unless of course you attended their alma mater.
Having a stiff upper lip really refers to the British tendency not to wear emotions on their sleeves like many Americans do. Obviously, I'm making some sweeping generalizations, but in large, they hold true.
So, next time you are in the UK (or anywhere abroad) be open minded. See things for how they really are. Don't listen to that friend of a friend of a friend who's 'Aunt went there once'. Experience the culture for yourself. Draw conclusions later. Trust me, you'll enjoy it more that way.
