Why are we fascinated with England

England being old? That's just one of the main attractions.

Here in Belgium it's almost a tradition to knock down buildings after a certain age. Just look at our coastline. There used to be very fine 19 century houses. Now you just see modern appartement blocks stretching for miles.

No, no just give me those fine English, centuries old cottages.

Hubby used to be very outdoorsy, camping by the Delaware River, skiing, but back issues now prevents him from getting back on the slopes, loves fishing when he has the time, Bass and deep sea mostly. (most of this was done before I even met him!!) Once a year we drive down to San Diego with the kids. AZ is land locked and he feels there is not much in the way of fishing here. He has trouble believing that the Brits fish!!. Skiing may be an issue as we don't really have 14,000 ft slope in the UK, but Austria and Switzerland is not too far-may be tad bit more pricey though!!

He visited UK about 7 years ago and I took him to Bath, Oxford, Windsor and Warwick castle/Stratford and the town where chitty chitty bang bangs windmill is (can't remember the town, its not too far from my home, Wycombe) which he enjoyed. But he is not really the type to walk around cute English villages looking at cottages and old buildings. I love it though. We have hardly done any outdoorsy stuff, since moving to AZ , its mostly too hot to muster up any energy to do even the grocery shopping!! let alone get a trip organised. Every week end, most people here drive up to Flagstaff (half way point to Grand Canyon), during the stifling summer months (which in fact starts in March!) But the traffic is pretty bad especially when its115 degrees F outside and there is a traffic jam!! About 10 degrees cooler up North, But way too much sun for me. Give me the British summer any day!!

When my family back in the UK moan about how its this or that in England, I  have to tell them how special home really is. The charm, beauty, 4 seasons, easy accessability to Europe, culture, humour, food etc, etc. All the things I miss terribly and cannot get here in the US. Except via POE!!! 

My husbands cousin recently visited us from Nottingham, and spent 3 months here in the US, and about a month with my family. She went back with a renewed love for Britain. She often calls me to tell me that she is exploring alot more, walking more, enjoying the historic part alot more and just loves seeing people around.She really has noticed how lovely England is. I think those people who don't like the UK, need to leave for a while and realise that it is a fascinating country in every way.

He has trouble believing that the Brits fish!!.

I cant believe your husband has trouble believing this, Dee.

Britain is made up of many, many small islands plus the mainland, we are an island race, going back thousands of years. Fishing (of all kinds) is in our blood, be it from the young boy 'fly' fishing in some babbling brook to the hardend deep sea fishing trawlers, braving all the dangers that the North sea can throw at them. Why do you think that one of our national 'dishes' is good old 'Fish and chips' lol.  I realy do think your hubby should get out more Dee and i'm glad you are still hanging onto your roots and trying to educate your children to the British way of life and that of their ancesters. PS if you want to buy an island in he UK I'm sure some agent over here has one for sale.