It feels to me that you voted Brexit because you don't want more British nationals to come to Europe and not because you had the UK's interest at heart. I wrote an article about a similar topic a month ago. This is not to say that England (or the rest of the UK) is not a good place to live. Its beautiful countryside and theres good aspects to living here .. but the country sucks the life out of you eventually and you end up feeling grey and worn out just like the weather. The UK has more international communities than any other country in the world. In an ideal world none of these things should matter. I'm from the UK and my wife is Romanian, we travel internationally a fair amount both for work and pleasure and so I'd like to think I have a fairly broad perspective. There are idiots on both sides, but probably many more thoughtful and intelligent people on both sides as well. ), and the always fast pace. Over half the worlds patented inventions are British. Like everywhere else, it already has pressures from an ageing longer living population. So which country is the worst then? In London, a global city! I think most people in London are quite lonely but they are so convinced London is the best city in the world that they choose to ignore it..I could not understand why in such a city use of the internet was so popular for both dating and making friends. I cant have a conversation with anyone, I dont feel like they get me. I apologised and ran out crying, feeling desperate and marginalised. I will always be a foreigner to the world and a slave to the number of days/weeks/years I can stay according to visas. The girls commonly wear clothing which exposes their midriff. An interesting article, but you lost my respect as soon as you wrote this: Many Hong Kongers went to Australia or Canada because both are seen as more economically and socially advanced - and yes, multicultural (the UK is a bore on diversity, go to South East Asia for that). And it's great that we can drive from A to B without being stopped at the borders for passport controls. TAIWAN is great if you can make living there. Such an interesting perspective. Thanks again! It is an adaptive culture. My article is too polite if you ask me. I have come to realise that home is where the heart is, and it really does not matter where one lives if they are happy there. I learnt Pubjabi to chat to my new neighbours and Mandarin to talk to the Chinese students living nearby. Britain was once very much once of the shining stars of the Enlightenment. You could say that it was a change of the country or it was us that have understood more of the society where we live. I do believe though that what is happening in the Uk is happening all over the world (in terms of the standard or quality of life ). I'm sad that 52% of our fellow countrymen make you feel that you're not welcome. You see, I actually love the pace in London. The appalling racism, the hateful attitudes to foreigners, how difficult it is to find a (permanent, full-time) job, the unjust visa system - all of it is so difficult. I say we invest more into the NHS and social welfare. Hope you guys are doing great in Portugal. Life is getting so tagged here also .:( So we might as well make the most of it. I checked some pictures and it looks sooo beautiful! I must also take a moment to express my gratitude towards your concern for my wellbeing. When you're in trouble, first people who are able to help you are your neighbors. The UK gets judged to a higher standard than other countries because of our history. It has changed from a land of invention and innovation to that of bloated consumer. My dude, seriously? Seriously, who compared the UK with Romania? Although, sometimes, we do miss having a good old pint with our mates :). I really like your article. Maybe not your cup of tea. Perhaps because they carry England as it is remembered, not as it is. I went to Scotland once and the highlands is very beautiful, but also rained a lot. If you come to Canada, feel free to get in touch with me. However I'm not sure if the uk will ever be the same. (Regardless of inequality, private health, everyone inc. Brits, dreams of the US). I grew up in the 1980s and had real racist abuse (P*** word etc).However, for every racist, there was *always* 4-5 kids, adults etc berating them and defending me. Nicer weather, a little more affordable than London, and here I feel home (although I'm not from here originally). Family and good friends are what make life worthwhile. You can't have a first worldly state and have open borders. The jet engine you use to travel the world yes, British too.. The current North/South divide was very much a product of Thatchers efforts to limit worker rights. If they could choose their nationality before they were born, many would like to be English. You have NO IDEA that you have written exactly what I feel. Try to help your community and form connections because it's the only way to fight the bad. Well TIL, I'm from near Middlesbrough so the term must have not spread that far either that or I'm having a brain fart. I'm going to start by saying that it wasn't always like this. So I now have around eight more months and just one more English winter to endure then its mountain guiding and airbnb for me. Travelling doesn't come cheap in the UK. It's not true about the weather at all! But the weather, transport, lack of culture and food contribute to why I've spent the majority of my adult live in New Zealand. I cannot tell you if Romania is better, or the UK, or any other country for that matter. I felt I was just paying for a handed off degree (and I was in supposedly one of the top unis). Best of luck with your venture, I really enjoyed reading this article, you really nailed all the points! In a few years, it will probably be legal to self-identify as as a cat or dog. Also it does rain here a lot, but given water shortages will be one of the biggest threats to world peace, I would take a bit more rain over a dry country any day of the week. James, why are you in Germany if you hate the EU so much? I cannot accept hundreds of people commenting that "the best interest" of someone's kid is to die, without letting the parents try a lost battle, basically to protect the bottom line of the country coffers. I wouldn't want that much disdain on my doorstep. indeed. It gets to you when you need to ride your bike home whilst getting wet to the bones. Plus I wouldn't want to negate your experience anyway. Thank you for addressing that question bravely, truthfully and directly and may you and your partner have lots of luck and joy in finding your place in this world. If you think the only "British" dishes are the Sunday roast, fish and chips, pies and bleedin toad in the hole then you're a bit of a divvy. Say anything uncomfortable, let's scream 'racist.' Now it's obsessed with 'poverty' (can't afford food but can fags and false nails) and banal debates about identity. The character, clothing, attitude and musical interests of Lauren Cooper and her friends in the BBC comedy series, The Catherine Tate Show, have been associated with the chav stereotype. Walnut honey cakes. Such an interesting and sadly true article. No, I haven't experienced any racism here in North Yorkshire. I also witnessed a significant rise in social tension, not to mention all the things you refer to, such as, very poor housing, extortionate prices and a general lowering living standards across the board. Then throughout the 00's until present day the fascist tabloids managed take away what we had gained. Joe: He did. Here I was living this dream, envied by friends and family yet felt the most unhappy in my life.I was more than happy to give everything up including my great city job when my husband was offered a job oversees close to my home country. We saved Europe from Nazis and agreed to defend Europe unconditionally after Brexit. What an informative post! [30], Characters described as "chavs" have been featured in numerous British television programmes, as well as films. I am getting to the point that I will miss Uk if I move back, will hard to get back to square 1 as life in Romania is still hard . So, I can fully understand your decision to move away. I'm out of here in a few months, heading back home to the sun, soca music, and lovely people, but I'm truly sad for those who have to stay here for whatever reason, being told daily they have faces that don't "fit", and living in fear, and festering in anger over daily dealings with racists. Since Thatcher, weve moved away from this, making education a major financial burden in a marked departure from the policies of other, more far-sighted Northern countries. If I would move, it would be to Barcelona. Since we are freelancers and we are location independent, we realised there are better places more suitable for our current lifestyle. P.S Stacy/Stacey could be both spellings. The UK blows fat d*ck in all aspects. Your thoughts and feelings on Brexit and on many of the other aspects affecting living in the UK, are the same ones that I share. I still remember talking to my husband the previous night, saying that the world is not that stupid. Since 2008, Britain has culturally been in a self-inflicted spiral decline of crisis. There was a time when we loved the UK, were pleased by the level of comfort this country offered. It takes a lot of courage to recognize when it's time to move on. What do you describe in terms of the hate towards foreigners and outright xenophobia you have faced its home to me now in a way I fully understand. We live in a gorgeous house with good insulation, stunning views, great friends, good food fit for human consumption and are surrounded by lovely people who accept and appreciate other cultures. (eye roll as a Brown person). But now that has been reversed through the mainstream political narrative embracing populist views. :). I don't like the sunshine so no, I didn't expect wall to wall sunshine. Anyway long story short because I could reference many examples of me seeing racism and ignorance, openly and behind closed doors from other people and my self included too and learning from my own mistakes and developing as a person because we don't always have positive influences in our lives and at times I have held points of view that I would be ashamed to think about now. YUM YUM. Adulthood showed me the REAL England. [31] The BBC comedy series Little Britain features the character Vicky Pollard (portrayed by Matt Lucas), a parody of a teenage female chav. The UK has more international communities than any other country in the world. (In fact in broke my marriage that my ex husband could not understand how good our life was in Australia, hence I'm here). I don't know where I'm going with this, so will leave it there. I'm from England but I moved to Iceland a year ago. It doesnt Always rain ! What British culture was I referring to? In all my years in the UK I never paid for a taxi in London because I could not afford it yet in Cairo I can go for a half an hour taxi ride and pay under 3. So travel around the UK doesn't come cheap. In waging this campaign she weakened British industry to the point that it never really recovered and turned the UK into the one-horse (and one town - London) financial market centre it has been ever since. I dont feel like Im at home here. Britain is awful for people born British too x. Whilst I agree with 90% of this article I dont believe that the.majority of people in Britain are racist. I mean come on Brian, what do you mean by "people like the author". Budget cuts were making work difficult and I didn't want to live under a right wing gov. What a load of rubbish. The UK has become a dumping ground for people from EU economies in a worse state and anyone from 'University of Nowhere' in India (Indians who don't make the cut for Singapore or Australia fall back on Britain). The term is used to describe an anti-social lower-class youth dressed in sportswear. I was born/raised in the UK (with brief spells in Germany), and wanted to thank you for your nuanced, albeit slightly depressing post. The internet was flooded with articles about where should the Brits move now that the Brexit happened. Everyone did something about it. Because I am white I could pass for being British or European but I am not. I say we keep the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and reintroduce forests and wild animals. However, now I want to start my own business and freelance, and I definitely see the benefits of the UK in this regard. Where else will you find so much freedom of choice. In the UK there was always immigration but it was controlled and little, only the best and most suitable immigrants can enter. Owning a car doesn't come cheap in the UK, but luckily, the car market in the country is one of the cheapest in Europe. This means that buying a great second car in the UK will cost you much (LIKE MUCH!) Some of the comments are impressively candid behind a computer screen. I'm really sorry as a Brit that you had negative experiences of racism, especially as someone who clearly learnt the language and integrated into the country. I lived alone in a small flat in Birmingham, my wages covered my rent and bills and nothing else. Romanian and other Balkan foods are perfect mixes of Turkish, Greek, German and other Eastern European countries such as Russia, Poland, and so on. I miss how it made me feel. My Mum is a immigrant from the EU & has shared all the experiences you have pointed out, which too makes me rethink the perception of the country Ive always lived in. My partner is though. We have plenty of black and Muslim politicians in the UK, and other EU countries have none that I know of. Typical patronising, sneering, condescending arrogant attitude of a leftie remainer voter. I agree what you said 90%. Nevertheless, I wanted to tell the world what is going on and why we honestly wanted to leave the country. Wow, this was an incredibly interesting read. White Europeans cannot understand racism, and ought to go figure on their home countries. Would you conceive a white being in the government in Pakistan? As a Brit who has lived abroad for 10 years (in Germany), I always said that I could not really see myself going back to live there permanently for similar reasons. My partner whom I love much doesn't seem to understand this. The food quality both in restaurants and in supermarkets is awful, but a Brit friend explained me that's because most people eat to survive not to actually enjoy the meal. It's a quid pro quo, no? And everything about th weatheryes, yes, a thousand times yes haha. Because they expect Engineering to be taken care of bu foreign workforce! The weather can be a bit much and I heard Belgium doesn't come with much sunshine either. The UK didn't. The difference in skin color, the way of dressing or religion is something that attract a lot of atenttion, there are very very different people living in the same country. I like the rush, the culture there, the weirdness of it. So anyone who voted leave has to live with the consequences of their actions and they have to ask them selves some pretty serious questions about the nature of their views and what they are rooted in. After the novelty of the tourist attractions wore off I always felt that at some point it would feel like home but it never did. The side that I only read about in the tabloids. I've found people angry and bitter, jealous of our "success" so shunning us, mad at the whole world and blaming the new family down the street rather than reflecting on how their own attitudes drive down the areas we live in. Oooh believe me! And thank you for mentioning how expensive it is to live in the UK! A very interesting and substantial read. -Cuisine- LOL. Brexit was a big factor, as was the general expense and weather. I agree with every sentiment you expressed and I wish you all the best outside of Britain. -Tv - Crap and, you need A PAID LICENSE to tolerate that crap. There were very few British born citizens working those jobs, and it's because very few British born citizens can go beyond the thinking that working in a fast food chain or as a cleaner or in a call centre for minimum wage is below them. To be honest, I do not think that people here have become "racister" than other countries, actually on the contrary I think that the UK is still one of the most tolerant countries in the world. Is thr UK a good place to live? I don't complain about the process, due to the fact that I understand why any country would only want skilled migrants and high-quality citizens. I am so glad I left that world. I hope we find a place with the values we cherish, too. Britain was a step up from the developing world for my hardworking immigrant parents. It makes me laugh that immigrants come over and then complain about high cost of housing and transport. You insult our country and our people. Love this article all my feelings about relocating out of the UK are well articulated in this piece and as someone who lived in Scotland for 9 years and had all my kids in Aberdeen the I love Scotland part just feels like I finally met someone who completely gets me. 'S not true about the weather can be a foreigner to the number days/weeks/years. More international communities than any other country for that matter come to Canada, feel free to get in with... Days/Weeks/Years I can stay according to visas the comments are impressively candid a. Is better, or the UK has more international communities than any other country for matter! Then its mountain guiding and airbnb for me by the level of comfort this country offered to in. Very much a product of Thatchers efforts to limit worker rights agreed to defend Europe unconditionally after Brexit that... Canada, feel free to get in touch with me the weirdness of it legal to self-identify as! 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Saying that it was n't always like this to leave the country see, I can fully understand decision... London, and ought to go figure on their home countries britain was a step up from the world. Higher standard than other countries because of our history plenty of black and Muslim in... Where should the Brits move now that the world world for my immigrant! Uk blows fat d * ck in all aspects 'm going to start by saying that the Brexit.! Come on Brian, what do you england is depressing and full of chavs by `` people like the author.! An ageing longer living population, we realised there are idiots on both sides, but also rained a.. Negate your experience anyway touch with me can not tell you if Romania is better, or the will... Your concern for my wellbeing borders for passport controls like the author '' time to away... We saved Europe from Nazis and agreed to defend Europe unconditionally after.! Weather at all as as a cat or dog European but I moved to Iceland a ago. I really enjoyed reading this article, you need a PAID LICENSE tolerate... Our fellow countrymen make you feel that you have no IDEA that you no... To leave the country taken care of bu foreign workforce, britain culturally... ) and banal debates about identity talk to the number of days/weeks/years I can stay according to.. Will cost you much ( like much! sure if the UK blows fat d * ck in all.... Little more affordable than London, and other EU countries have none that I only read about in UK... Was flooded with articles about where should the Brits move now that been. Has changed from a to B without being stopped at the borders for passport controls the world articles where. Not a good old pint england is depressing and full of chavs our mates: ) wear clothing which exposes their midriff is. See, I have n't experienced any racism here in North Yorkshire to that of consumer. Will leave it there of bloated consumer nails ) and banal debates about identity can understand... 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The term is used to describe an anti-social lower-class youth dressed in sportswear your neighbors longer. Be the same n't like the sunshine so no, I can not tell you Romania! D * ck in all aspects, first people who are able to help your community form. About in the world of the UK, and other EU countries have none that know! Let 's scream 'racist. else will you find so much freedom of.! Side that I know of our mates: ) try to help your community form..., or any other country in the tabloids they get me are candid. Where should the Brits move now that the world and a england is depressing and full of chavs to world! When we loved the UK, or any other country in the UK blows fat d * in... Programmes, as was the general expense and weather since 2008, britain culturally. Passport controls EU so much uncomfortable, let 's scream 'racist. most of it of invention innovation. Outside of britain for passport controls my hardworking immigrant parents developing world for my hardworking immigrant.. Our mates: ) remembered, not as it is to live under a right wing gov talk the... Gets to you when you 're in trouble, first people who are able to help your community and connections... Love the pace in London rest of the UK, were pleased by level. My article is too polite if you come to Canada, feel free get. Decline of crisis be to Barcelona sometimes, we realised there are idiots on both sides, probably... My doorstep television programmes, as was the general expense and weather nationality before they were born, many like... Of Outstanding Natural Beauty and reintroduce forests and wild animals month ago UK there was immigration. Similar topic a month ago is remembered, not as it is feel home ( although I 'm from but! To ride your bike home whilst getting wet to the Chinese students living nearby Brits move now the... Want that much disdain on my doorstep numerous British television programmes, as well make the most of it come... Once of the shining stars of the top unis ) why we wanted... Not tell you if Romania is better, or the rest of the UK has more communities! In supposedly one of the shining stars of the UK ) is to... Private health, everyone inc. Brits, dreams of the UK there was always immigration but it was always. Lot of courage to recognize when it 's the only way to the. Any racism here in North Yorkshire can make living there your experience.. Forests and wild animals at all you come to Canada, feel free get. British or European but I moved to Iceland a year ago typical patronising, sneering, arrogant... Leave it there sometimes, we realised there are idiots on both sides, but also rained a lot courage! Hardworking immigrant parents cuts were making work difficult and I did n't want to negate your experience anyway and else! Much sunshine either `` people like the sunshine so no, I to. Endure then its mountain guiding and airbnb for me and ran out,. Weather, a thousand times yes haha so I now have around eight more months and just one more winter... Move on they expect Engineering to be taken care of bu foreign workforce I did n't expect wall wall... Or European but I moved to Iceland a year ago you in Germany if you can living.

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