My observations are based on campus living and my visits to various towns in England. It should be noted that London as a major city would obviously be more diverse.
Weather
For the majority of time during the three months, the weather in England was okay. I was prepared for the worst with my long, down serious winter jacket - but I only used it once or twice. I only remember a few instances were it was very foggy and it snowed once (barely, didn't even last until the morning).
Food and dining
Food labels
The food labeling is great in the UK. This may sound strange but as a semi-vegetarian I always have to turn the can over to check the ingredients, for example, with soup - beef or chicken broth. The UK system clearly labels food with icons - so you know instantly if something is vegetarian friendly. Also the key attributes are also clearly stated i.e. how many grams of fat, fiber, protein, etc.
The Pub
The pub is central to life in England. I've already written about my first night on campus and how the pub stops serving food so early, but the beer is always flowing. Another funny factor is that there are no movies on campus on Saturday - why not you ask? Because everyone is at the pub.
While I am not a dark beer fan, my pub favorite was Strongbow cider!
General Food
I had a general issue with campus food and perhaps British food. Every time I would try to eat on campus it was a disaster. Now I know I am a picky and finicky eater, but it wasn't just me who had this issue!! The food constantly tasted bland and unseasoned. I even tried the expensive campus food at a place called EAT, alas the result was the same.
The only rejoice I found was in Nando's, and I can't count the number of times that I went. Nando's serves only chicken and vegetarian food. The best part is that you can control the amount of spice in your dish. There are a variety of sauces that you can add that range from HOT to mild. My mouth is watering just thinking of the HOT chicken pita and fries.
On another note, many of the places I went to on campus and Nando's, it doesn't ever feel like you are out to eat or dining. Like a fast food place or casual dining like Panera, you order your food and pay then they bring it to your table.
Dress
Boot Dilemma
I have been trying to find a pair of black boots like my kenneth coles. Simple, black, low heel, pointy toe. I have not been successful in Germany nor in England. I finally gave in and purchased a pair in England though. It's funny though, because in comparison to my usual boot style, they are very country, hardcore outdoorsy - British!! Nevertheless, they are the American Hush Puppies, but a design not sold in the U.S.
British Fashion
I for one do not really like the fashion in Warwickshire (Fabulous London is exempt). I didn't even really buy any clothing in England, nothing caught my eye. The women's fashion I generally saw on campus was interesting...It's the "I have on half of my wardrobe and going for the mismatched look that really took me hours to put together look." Interesting. Additionally, I do remember my freshman days when we tended not to wear jackets in the dead of winter, but at Warwick I was astonished...do these folks get cold. I am wearing a few layers, jacket and scarf and others wear shorts or short skirts with no tights or nylons!!
Other
Driving
The cars on campus drove me insane. There was a road that cut through campus that was always busy. Like I said we are on a campus in the middle of nowhere, but the drive as if they were city driving. Warwick is a campus, which means lots of students walking around. Fast drivers that don't stop or slow down + lots of students = obviously hazardous. This coupled with the cars coming from opposite directions that I am used to - I really thought I would get hit by a car before the end of the term. I almost did too, but a friend saved me.
Charity
Last but not least, the Brits are very conscious and involved in charity. For example, they are cognizant of ensuring the disabled being able to get around and participate in society. Also, the charity holiday cards are big. As are re-sale shops that benefit different charities.
To accompany my Warwick/England observations, here are some around campus random photos:
Photo 1 & 2 - My practical, outdoorsy British boot versus my stylish, pointy-toe KC's
Photo 3 -Rootes building, the main administration center
Photo 4 - Fellow Mannheimer, Deepak and I en route to campus
Photo 5 - The geese and ducks. Friends to some who choose to eat them. Foe to others who lie awake all night from their noise or step in their feces (which are everywhere)
Photo 6 - Me on the stairs in front of the Rootes Social Building and a regular hang out for students. Imagine the Spanish stairs in Rome.
Photo 7 - random campus shot
Photo 8 - Front shot of our main MBA building
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