Our First Impression of England

Now that we’ve been in the UK just over two months, we’re finally settling in enough to share some real first impressions — the things that surprised us, delighted us, and made us rethink what “normal” even means.This week we talk about the beauty of the countryside and the way open spaces are woven into everyday life. It feels like everything is accessible here, from footpaths that cut across farmland to green spaces tucked between villages. We’re pretty sure the nationwide recycling culture plays a big role in how clean and cared-for everything feels, too.We also dive into how small so many buildings are compared to the US, how nothing gets torn down just because it’s old, and the strange-but-lovely contrast of narrow homes surrounded by endless fields. Add in the sense of community — pubs, cafés, tiny bars, and parks that seem purposely built for talking to actual humans — and it’s been genuinely refreshing.Representation and inclusion keep surprising us as well, especially in media and public life — it's interesting to notice how the UK does it differently. We wrap things up with our favourite British superpower: saying something negative in the most positive way imaginable. It’s not what you say… it’s how you say it.We also chat about:How many things do you really have when you say “a couple”?Can Americans get away with saying “quid”?What can you learn about a whole culture from the children’s menu?And with Christmas just around the corner, we’re getting excited for a festive month full of fun videos ahead.Finally, we've heard your recommendations and we are excited to pass those recommendations forward!Thanks for being here — and for letting us share what these first months have looked like from the inside.🎧 New episodes daily🌍 Visit ⁠⁠www.HowGreatIsBritain.com⁠⁠ for updates, resources, and behind-the-scenes content.📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube:⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@HowGreatIsBritain⁠ #UKLife #LivingInTheUK #ExpatLifeUK #AmericansInUK #MovingToTheUK #BritishCountryside #UKCulture #BritishLife #UKTravel #DiscoverBritain #LifeInEngland #BritishChristmas #UKHolidays #CulturalDifferences #CommunityLife #SustainableLivingUK #RecyclingUK #CountrysideLiving #EnglandVlog #ExpatFamily #LifeAbroad