What do we think of the UK? - Page 3

29-09-2005, 09:14

What we have to remember is visiting a country is not the same as living there. We dont get to see a true picture of that country on a 2 week holiday.

However, I am proud to be English, not that bothered about being British. I wouldnt be upset if the United kingdom split up.
I wouldnt move abroad yet, I may retire abroad one day, but it would be to Greece or somewhere, certainly NOT Spain or the USA.

29-09-2005, 09:21

Could a passing mod give this thread it's correct title: What Do We Think of Little England?

basa · 29-09-2005, 09:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by me283

Bit of an open question really. I don't want to start any kind of arguments, with people getting into slanging matches etc. But the fact is that I've just returned from a trip abroad, one of several recently; and it kind of gives some perspective on things. Maybe I'm being wistful, or maybe I'm seeing things more clearly, who knows? But the more I travel, the less favourably I see this country.

So what I am asking is, what do other people think of the place? I'd like to know pros and cons, not just general moans. And I stress again that it's purely out of interest, I'm not looking to convert people away from a love of anything; if anything, I'm hoping people can remind me that it's not so bad after all!

So, am I alone in feeling despondent and disillusioned? And please, let's keep it civil

Funny you should ask that .. I am trying hard to think of anything I like about UK now !

Erm .. prices, overpopulation, immigrants, queues, crowds, crime, education, health, weather .. nope nothing there to enthuse about.

I used to love this great country, but it has gone to the dogs and got sh*t upon !

Time for me and mine to get out ? Oh definitely !!
__________________

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul M

I'd happily leave tomorrow - I fancy the US or New Zealand.

See you there !!

me283 · 29-09-2005, 09:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by andyl

Could a passing mod give this thread it's correct title: What Do We Think of Little England?

Could all posters read the OP on this thread... very carefully if need be!

Salu · 29-09-2005, 09:43

What I like about living in the UK
The countryside and it's way of life
Villages
It's History
It's idiosyncrasies and quaintness - like calling nurses "Sister" still
Real Ale
"The British way of Life" (what ever that is?)
The NHS

What I dislike about living in the UK
Cities
Thuggish behaviour
The demise of the family leading to the above and increased crime
Extreme political correctiveness leading to silly decisions just to appear conformist
Increased crime
High cost of living
Increasing moral dereliction in favour of "opinion". "A personal society"
An almost total abandonment of support for British Industry. This has lead to a massively increased importation which in turn has meant we have had to increase taxes to retain revenue.

That'll do for now..

orangebird · 29-09-2005, 09:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by timewarrior2001

What we have to remember is visiting a country is not the same as living there. We dont get to see a true picture of that country on a 2 week holiday.

However, I am proud to be English, not that bothered about being British. I wouldnt be upset if the United kingdom split up.
I wouldnt move abroad yet, I may retire abroad one day, but it would be to Greece or somewhere, certainly NOT Spain or the USA.

Why NOT Spain?

me283 · 29-09-2005, 09:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salu

What I like about living in the UK
The countryside and it's way of life
Villages

What I dislike about living in the UK
Cities

Just had to snip those two comments, as they are quite pertinent. Where I live used to have lots of open spaces, but not so these days. This was brought home to me recently when a friend visited from overseas. I was whiling away a couple of hours by driving around the local areas, showing the more famous parts. Then she said: "Isn't it strange, you can't tell when one town ends and another begins; there are no spaces in between!"

Then I remembered Mr. Prescott's scheme that we should build X million new homes over the next 10 days...

basa · 29-09-2005, 10:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by me283

Just had to snip those two comments, as they are quite pertinent. Where I live used to have lots of open spaces, but not so these days. This was brought home to me recently when a friend visited from overseas. I was whiling away a couple of hours by driving around the local areas, showing the more famous parts. Then she said: "Isn't it strange, you can't tell when one town ends and another begins; there are no spaces in between!"

Then I remembered Mr. Prescott's scheme that we should build X million new homes over the next 10 days...

Soon, "going for a country walk" will mean visiting your neighbours garden (if they have one !) !!

me283 · 29-09-2005, 10:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by basa

Soon, "going for a country walk" will mean visiting your neighbours garden (if they have one !) !!

Why bother going to their garden when you can both open your kitchen windows and shake hands!

basa · 29-09-2005, 10:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by punky

I, like my family don't see ourselves prospering in this country. Everything is too expensive, taxes are too suffocating, and generally speaking everything is getting worse. Nothing in my life that the government is responsible for has got better, only worse. Crime & justice, health care, public transport etc. Oh course, the political correctness and the situation with Europe (with Europe becoming more and more the dominant ruling presence in our lives).

My parents spotted this years ago, and moved out and never looked back. I fully agree with them. I have to watch my family in the US lead a life I can only dream of. My younger brother earns less than me but lives like a king compared to me. I know where my bread is buttered.

Not wanting to be intrusive, but can I ask why, when your parents and brother made their escape, you did not accompany them ? If I had close family in the US I wouldn't even bother to stop and pack a bag !

punky · 29-09-2005, 10:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by basa

Not wanting to be intrusive, but can I ask why, when your parents and brother made their escape, you did not accompany them ? If I had close family in the US I wouldn't even bother to stop and pack a bag !

Long story. I was due to follow them, but was incorrectly advised by the company we employed for immigration advice, they said I could remain in the UK and finish my uni education. My father's application took too long and I turned 21 before he got his green card. End result, no end of agro for me. I am still fighting, but it could well take years to sort out.

As I said, I know where my bread is buttered. My wages go so far out there. The lifestyle I lead when I visit far outstrips my lifestyle here. Its almost heartbreaking watching my family prosper and enjoy life so much out there. When I go out there, I can afford to tip bartenders, that's unthinkable here! We'll walk a mile or two out of our way to save 30p on a pint.

basa · 29-09-2005, 10:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by me283

Why bother going to their garden when you can both open your kitchen windows and shake hands!

.......... on second thoughts, it's not that funny when for many it's come true

**Chris** · 29-09-2005, 10:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by andyl

Could a passing mod give this thread it's correct title: What Do We Think of Little England?

I'm quite happy with the thread title as it is. It's a good question that has drawn out some interesting and (mostly) mature responses.

__________________

Quote:

Originally Posted by punky

When I go out there, I can afford to tip bartenders, that's unthinkable here! We'll walk a mile or two out of our way to save 30p on a pint.

Hold yer horses, cowboy! You can afford to tip the bartender because the cost of the drink is low. The cost of the drink is low because the bartender is paid peanuts. The bartender is paid peanuts because, culturally, he is expected to earn part of his 'wage' in tips ...

punky · 29-09-2005, 10:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris T

The cost of the drink is low because the bartender is paid peanuts.

Not solely, the economy and tax on alcohol plays a big part in it. Anyway, all service staff have to earn minimum wage, so in the extremely unlikely event their tips don't cover the difference, then the employer will have to cover the difference. I know service industry staff out there, and they do very well out there tips. They can tend 12 tables at a time. A low average would be $5 per table, tips, so thats $60 per hour at peak times. Tips are taxable though. In quieter times, they'll still earn minimum wage.

Nugget · 29-09-2005, 11:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pierre

I prefered it when we ruled most of the known world.

I tell you what - you're obviously older than you look then

ANyway, I heard that, back when the Empire was in full flow, the unknown world was loads better