Top 10 UK Experiences (so far!)

Wow, tomorrow marks exactly one year of living in the UK. What a year it's been. I'm often asked for my perspective on the differences, and then I'm often asked what I've enjoyed. I suppose that previous post covers some of the differences (or surprises), here's a list of happy moments. I wish I could list everything, but I guess that's the reason for blogging quite a bit :) I have to categorize them a bit otherwise big time highlights get left out!

Pubs

There's a pub in Kings Cross that I've stumbled upon at least 3 or 4 times to meet friends, family or colleagues. I honestly don't even know the name of it, but that place brings good memories. I remember a pub in Marylebone (which is where all the a-listers live) that felt amazing. I have a personal fav pub in a town called Frimley, the pub is called Ye Old White Hart. There's something great about taking sweet time and hanging out at a pub. I recently read that it shouldn't be called b2b or b2c or b2g anymore, it should be called h2h (human to human). I also heard someone say "there's magic when people just get together and freely talk". Sure, it's similar to happy hour, but different enough to mention I think. 

Airports

Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, London City, even the tiny one in Farnborough. So many excited moments of jumping on a plane after a bit of planning to visit a new place. 

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

There are so many, and yet they're so outstanding. Bath, Stonehenge, Cheddar Gorge, waterfalls, Devils Punchbowl, South Downs, Cornwall, Devon, Causeway coast, Kynance Cove, Lizard, lakes district, the list goes on and on. The stunning stroll from Lizard to Kynance Cove is one that I think about a lot. Causeway in Northern Ireland is right up there too (and partially because it absolutely poured rain on our walk back and we were drenched which is funny). Some of those places aren't technically AONB, but you get the idea :)

Castles and Cathedrals

Again, what a list this would be. Arundel and Leeds always pop to mind, but Dover and Canterbury are right up there. St Paul's, Westminster, Windsor, the list goes on and on. Highclere Castle for Downton Abbey!

Sport

Wimbledon, premiere league, St. Andrews and rugby - amazing. I even enjoy cricket and croquet :) Watching a match at centre court was surreal, and walking the course at St Andrews literally healed my severely sprained ankle.

Music

Linkin Park at the O2 was unforgettable. Such a great show, and of course it's a great way to meet people and learn "real" local culture. I can't believe I'll mention this, but Nick Grimshaw does a decent show on BBC Radio One every morning and I've definitely gained some perspective there. 

Shows

The NFL UK was strangely awkward and fun. Seeing my first ever Panto - and understanding it - love it! Seeing shows on West End (like Broadway), fun! Having heard about the Farmborough Airshow for many, many years never dreaming of being there, then walking the tarmac as an employee, how do you describe that? Learning that the UK very rarely shows national pride, but then sitting at a castle while an orchestra plays, spitfires fly over, cavalry charge and UK flags proudly fly - and feeling like I was welcome there - stunning.

Bridges 

This is because I love water. Bridges and waterfalls win my heart all around the world. The bridge at Blenheim Palace comes with a special family memory, but the golden jubilee bridge in central London is still my fav. 

Food

Rumwong is in my top 5 restaurants in the world - there's something special there, at least in my humble opinion. Eating my first ever cronut - whilst sitting at the Marble Arch - YUM! And I can't forget that it's Europe that has enticed me to start making chocolate from scratch, let's see where that goes.

Friends 

I wish I could list hundreds of names. Maybe I should. I hope I'm at least half as kind, generous, thoughtful, helpful, appreciative, smart and loving as all the people I've now met in person. David Gurteen gets an absolute special callout - what a friendship, right David? Chris Collison for coming over to my house, Euan Semple for the London walk, Priya for another great walk - even with untied shoes :) Charlotte - you've taught me so much! Ah, Dominic, Paul, Clair, Estelle, John W, Heather, Tracey, Lucy, Hannah, Emma, Anne, so many great people!! And then we have amazing Anna and Philippa. Anna, Anna, Anna - how great was the Christmas singing? And our kids playing? Philippa, not only welcomed me in to an Easter family dinner when I was here all by myself, she invited the whole family back the next year - which was truly a moment for me. Not to mention all the lending of clothes, furniture, cutlery, etc - truly couldn't do it without Philippa :) 

Family

Of course it's all about family. Seeing my daughter act on stage, let alone in a foreign country and with my parents in town, well, that's just beyond words. Being there for my youngest brothers wedding engagement moment, again, speechless. Walking London with visiting uncles on different days - so great! Seeing my parents, as huge Beatles fans, walk across Abbey Rd together and then laugh to tears because it's so fun, well that's phenomenal. Meeting a senior leader at a company that produces a game my daughter loves, and getting her a tour of their studio, wow.

Uhoh. That's a top 11. Well, perfect, I think that proves it can't even be categorised down to 10 :) And I didn't even allow myself to mention travel outside the UK!! Wow, blessed.