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Friday, January 3, 2014

Two Years On

I can't believe that I've now been living in England for two years.
When we originally made the move,I was nervous about the transition
but thought it's temporary and I can do anything for two years.

Two years have flown by and obviously our stay has extended.
At this point, the distant future is up in the air but London will be home for a while longer.
I miss my family and friends in the US so very much and I'm overdue for a trip home.

But, I'm happy with the course my life has taken.
Today I'm going to share with you five of my favorite things about living in England.
London


We will start with the amazing thing that is London.  It's really unlike anyplace I've ever been before.  I'll admit my first impression wasn't great as it can be overwhelming.  But now that I've been here two years, I can say (and I often do) that I love London.  You can never be bored here.  There is always something to see and do.  She never ceases to engage, insprire and surprise me.
History


If you are a lover of history, then England is the place to be.  It's all around you.  Every street, building, pub has an interesting story.   Can you imagine walking to work and passing by the Tower of London?   Or visiting Churchill's War Rooms that are exactly as they were when he walked out of them after the war.  Living in London is like living in a history book.

English Countryside



I'm not naturally a city girl.  This is the first time I've ever lived in a big city.  So, on a regular basis I insist that Matthew gets me out of London to explore England.  It's truly a magical place and I can't get enough.  Standing on a windswept cliffside looking at a scene straight out of an epic movie is something that I will never get over.  Cottages, cobblestone, sheep, moors and heath.  And it's just so green!  It like being wrapped is a comfy, green duvet. 


Travel


It's not just the rest of England that we are able to explore.  Europe is just a short train, boat or plane ride away.  In a few hours and for less than £100 we can be in one of many amazing locations.  Traveling has completely become my addiction and I want to go as much as possible. We have some very exciting plans for 2014.
Pubs  


And lastly, of course, is the quintessential English Pub.  It's the Brit's living room really.  Someplace to go and settle in by the fire for a few hours of great company and hearty food.  Each one is different and special. 


 These are just a few of the things that I love about living in England.
Of course, there are some not so great things, too  (cough.rain.cough)
But, I'm lovin' this new chapter in life.

What do you love about England?


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45 comments:

  1. Holly NelsonJanuary 3, 2014 at 12:36 AM

    They are absolutely some of the things that I love about England too - plus it's people! I understand English people far more than Canadian people, so it is easier to relax around them. I know what you mean about travel too - I used to love travelling around Europe. And London can be overwhelming - but as you have said, so engaging! The other thing I love about England is Cornwall. Oh Cornwall!

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  2. TxtanyaJanuary 3, 2014 at 12:56 AM

    Happy two years! Time flies doesn't it?

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  3. adventuresofalondonkiwiJanuary 3, 2014 at 2:07 AM

    I think that's what I love the most about London - the quirks, the history, the pubs and the easy oppurtunities to sneak away to pastures greener. We call it 'donkey on the edge' syndrome, a phrase coined from Shrek about having to get away from everything sometimes!

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  4. Bailie @ The Hemborg WifeJanuary 3, 2014 at 2:51 AM

    I hit two years in Sweden last June and I have found that in year three I have found myself feeling more settled and things coming to my much easier so good luck in year three and see where it takes you!

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  5. From Casinos To CastlesJanuary 3, 2014 at 3:30 AM

    I'll be hitting my one year soon and I'm looking forward to it. The longer you stay the more it feels like home in my opinion. Great photos!

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  6. Sarah ShumateJanuary 3, 2014 at 4:11 AM

    Such a great list! And I agree wholeheartedly with your statement that it often feels like we're living in a history book!

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  7. Sara LouiseJanuary 3, 2014 at 4:26 AM

    London is one of my favorite cities in the world and with my return to the US, one of the things I'm saddest about is that I didn't get to spend more time there x

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  8. CaseyJanuary 3, 2014 at 6:28 AM

    Oh England, it really is an amazing place!

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  9. Tammy ChrzanJanuary 3, 2014 at 8:12 AM

    Hi there Selena! It feels so good to be back in blog land again, I have been away for a few weeks because of stuff... you know how life makes us deal with "stuff" sometimes... :) I Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and I Hope you have an amazing 2014! Some how I think that you will. I look forward to seeing where you travel in 2014!

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  10. JennJanuary 3, 2014 at 8:15 AM

    All great reasons to love England :)

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  11. Jamie @ Gunters AbroadJanuary 3, 2014 at 9:22 AM

    Love your loves :) "But it's soooo green!" I say it everyday! No matter the difficulty in transitioning to UK life, it is so amazing here, You captured all of the good things perfectly!

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  12. Quyen NguyenJanuary 3, 2014 at 10:08 AM

    The English countryside is definitely my favorite! Great list.

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  13. LO_TSJanuary 3, 2014 at 12:32 PM

    It's the history I grew up with in the UK that I miss now i'm in the US, having castles, historic cathedrals, churches to standing stones all on my doorstep when I was growing up - I was spoilt!

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  14. GinaJanuary 3, 2014 at 12:38 PM

    Time flies when you're having fun! I can't believe it has been two years since you moved here either. I love England for all the same reasons you do. I can't wait to see more of it!! Your fist photo of London is SPECTACULAR….have I mentioned "I love London!" ;)

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  15. Gen Y WaffleJanuary 3, 2014 at 5:27 PM

    I've spent so much of my last 20
    months here focusing on everything which i dislike and which is difficult. This was a very refreshing list as I do love all these things about England but easily forget to focus on them. Thanks for sharing!

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  16. Claire (@Kurea_San)January 4, 2014 at 8:16 AM

    I second you on the pubs and travel. After four years of living in London - I still can't get enough. I would also add 'the arts' to your list. There's always a show, exhibition, installation, artistic restaurant to check out, which means London life is always exciting!
    Claire xx
    somewhere... beyond the sea

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  17. Jess {JessinBelgium}January 4, 2014 at 10:32 AM

    I am loving many of the things you have mentioned here Selena! Today I hit the Science Museum, V&A and a pub in half a day. You cannot help but be surrounded by culture and learn of the latest things going on - I even learn something riding the tube everyday. Congratulations on two years and looking forward to following many more :)

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  18. Jess {JessOnThames}January 4, 2014 at 10:35 AM

    I adore the term 'donkey on the edge'. I am a recurring syndrome sufferer... :)

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  19. Deb B {Massachusetts}January 4, 2014 at 12:46 PM

    Congratulations on your two year anniversary! Love your blog ... and love many of the same things you do about England!

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  20. Kym HamerJanuary 5, 2014 at 3:25 AM

    The Churchill Arms has great Thai food, a rarity in London. And I will have been here 10 years on Jan 21st and I never tire of this amazing city.

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  21. Wanderlust_WTBJanuary 5, 2014 at 4:03 AM

    Loving all of these, but less so pubs. I love the quality free museums with the British Museum being my absolute favorite. British wit, humour and sarcasm are things I also appreciate.

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  22. Selena JonesJanuary 7, 2014 at 4:07 AM

    Two very good additions to the list! The free museums have definitely spoiled me. I need to reinstate Museum Monday. I also have a post planned tomorrow that touches on that British wit!

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  23. Selena JonesJanuary 7, 2014 at 4:10 AM

    Ten years! I can't imagine. It is an amazing place. I need to get back over to the Churchill Arms for some Thai. It's been too long. 

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  24. Selena JonesJanuary 7, 2014 at 4:11 AM

    Thank you so much, Deb! These two years have flown by. There is so much to love about England, isn't there?

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  25. Selena JonesJanuary 7, 2014 at 4:13 AM

    Thanks so much, Jess. I thought I'd be heading back to the US about this time, but that's not going to happen. I'm not ready to leave. It's an exciting place to be.

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  26. Selena JonesJanuary 7, 2014 at 4:14 AM

    Very good addition to the list. There are so many shows that I want to see. I need to take a look and buy some tickets. Thanks so much for reading and commenting!!

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  27. Selena JonesJanuary 7, 2014 at 4:18 AM

    I'm so sorry that you're struggling a bit with the transition. It is certainly a challenge. Where have you moved from? Thank you so much for reading and commenting!

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  28. Selena JonesJanuary 7, 2014 at 4:19 AM

    :D I love London! We need to get out soon for another explore.

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  29. Selena JonesJanuary 7, 2014 at 4:20 AM

    I can't imagine growing up here with so much history all around. It is so fascinating! Very different from the US, but I'm ready for a visit. When will you be back in the UK for a visit?

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  30. Selena JonesJanuary 7, 2014 at 4:20 AM

    That green! It's my very favorite color and I just love getting out of London.

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  31. Selena JonesJanuary 7, 2014 at 4:21 AM

    Thanks so much, Jamie! I do love living here. So much to see and do. Someday when I'm old and gray I want a patchwork quilt with all of the colors of the UK, greens and blues, so that I'll never forget.

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  32. Selena JonesJanuary 7, 2014 at 4:22 AM

    So many reasons!

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  33. Selena JonesJanuary 7, 2014 at 4:22 AM

    Tammy! It feels so good to be back. I've really missed my blogging connections. I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. Cheers to 2014!!! xoxo

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  34. Selena JonesJanuary 7, 2014 at 4:23 AM

    I still have to pinch myself that I actually get to live here for awhile. I'm loving the posts about your trip! Sounds like you had a fantastic time. So many great photographs.

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  35. Selena JonesJanuary 7, 2014 at 4:24 AM

    Will you be able to visit before the big move?? I'd love to share a glass, er, bottle or wine with you!

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  36. Selena JonesJanuary 7, 2014 at 4:25 AM

    We visited the Houses of Parliament the other day. Really interesting! It so cool to see places that I've only seen in movies. I love England!

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  37. Selena JonesJanuary 7, 2014 at 4:25 AM

    I agree. I wondered if I would ever get to that point, but it's happened. Congrats on one year!!

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  38. Selena JonesJanuary 7, 2014 at 4:26 AM

    It's weird how time flies. Sometimes it's like I just got here and other times it's like I've been here forever. I'm excited about 2014. Happy New Year, Bailie!!

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  39. Selena JonesJanuary 7, 2014 at 4:27 AM

    Great phrase! I'm considering a solo trip to some B&B in the country with my books.

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  40. Selena JonesJanuary 7, 2014 at 4:27 AM

    It sure does! Especially when you're having fun :D

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  41. Selena JonesJanuary 7, 2014 at 4:28 AM

    Cornwall is heavenly! I still can't get over the coastlines of Cornwall. Magic!

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  42. CaseyJanuary 7, 2014 at 7:07 AM

    Yea, London is a great city. And the UK in general, we had so much fun on our trip!

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  43. Babes in ThriftlandJanuary 7, 2014 at 10:38 AM

    This makes me really want to move abroad! I lived in Scotland for 6 months and I really miss it!

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  44. Sara LouiseJanuary 7, 2014 at 10:15 PM

    Unfortunately no but we are due to get to London for a wedding in December and if not then, we'll just have to meet up sometime in TX x

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  45. Selena JonesJanuary 8, 2014 at 6:09 AM

    Scotland is amazing. I bet you loved living there!! Living abroad is now addictive. I can't imagine going back. 

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Thanks for commenting. I love to hear from you!