I landed back in California last week after my first visit to the Mother Country since moving here.

I had spent a couple of weeks visiting family and experiencing the chilly tailend of the worst UK winter in years.

Aside from the obvious difference in weather, a couple of things stuck out during my visit.

Smoke

Of course people smoke here in California, but it is known for a relatively low rate. Soon after my arrival in the UK, one of the first things I noticed was the smell of smoke as everyone who smokes has to do so outdoors since the smoking ban. There’s been an indoor smoking ban in California for years, but I hardly notice the smell as I walk down the street.

Shops

I found it quite pleasant that I could enter most shops and not have to exchange pleasantries with the store employees or fend them off as they asked if I “need help with anything”.

Beer

I never thought I’d say this but I was missing my American bottled IPAs! I only had a couple of pints in the UK, but was yearning for a drop of the good stuff.

Trash

There is trash in the streets of California but it’s nothing compared to that in the UK. The grass verges and gutters are full of fast food wrappers, cans and bottles.

Weather

Ok, I will mention the weather. It was cold and wet in the UK. To be expected in February of course, but the day before I flew out form the USA, it was in high 20s °C. It was just taunting me before leaving on that jet plane…