10 Things I'd Missed About England

"I never realize how much I like being home unless I've been somewhere really different for a while" -Juno


A few days ago I watched Juno for about the millionth time and this moment really struck a chord with me. I am really, really enjoying being home. I have found myself appreciating all the stupid little things I never thought about before. Yesterday I went down to Birmingham to see my friends and it was one of those days where you just want to suck up every little moment and savour it forever. I've never been so happy to get off the train in Birmingham, to see the Bullring, to go in the shops, to get the train to Selly Oak and to spend time with my friends. I'm an only child so my friends are my family. 


Being home when you've been away so long is very strange, because it kind of doesn't feel as though you've left until you notice something that has changed, or people tell stories about times when you weren't there. And you just appreciate everything a little bit more. There are a lot of funny little things about England that I didn't realise I missed...


1. That a cup of tea is always a given
Yesterday, I'd been out of bed about 5 minutes when my dad shouted me. He wasn't asking me if I wanted a cup of tea, he was asking me where I wanted it.


2. Relaxing with my family
Today I have no intention of doing anything, and I like just being able to sit around with my family and watch TV or read, something I never have time to do, or let myself do, in America.


3. Supermarkets
Six pizzas, six garlic breads, potato wedges, salad, dressing, two loaves of bread and a tub of butter for twenty quid. Dinner for eight for two pounds each.


4. Not having to cook
Food I didn't make myself or have to pay for? Amazing.


5. Not sharing a room.
Do I even need to explain?


6. Being able to have everything I normally get my mum to send me
I've reunited with all my clothes, I can buy Glamour myself and there's English food left, right and centre.


7. Trains
In one day I have travelled to Birmingham and back to see my friends, half way across the country. I love being back in a small country where no-one lives too far away.


8. Legal drinking
I was the definition of a hot mess last night. And it's great to be able to do it legally again!!


9. How different it is to America
I love telling people all about my experiences and all the differences between the two countries. It's really opened my eyes to the world and my culture. It's great to debate with people about home and America.


10. Being myself completely
In America, I am the British girl and I'm still finding my way with my friends and people that I've met and getting used to being in a new country, trying not to expose myself as the crazy girl I am. Being home with my friends means I can be completely ridiculous and stupid and they completely understand me and love me for who I am.


xxx