Same old England -and not such a bad thing

Everytime I come back to the UK, its often the same: joy at how
beautiful London is, amazement at the history and culture and
diversity, the wonders of the pub and the countryside etc. This trip
it has been the same: walking around Poultry in london or Ham in the
cotswolds, enjoying small theatres in watford or newbury (the theatre
is an old watermill), enjoying british town centres where there is
still some individualism apart from the chain stores (though this is
rare), having cream teas, cakes and deserts; utilizing the highly
efficient debit card system instead of using cash and the list goes
on.

And of course, enjoying the picturesque villages and high streets in
the countrysides, thatched roofs, pubs, all sorts of footpaths, and
examples of the craziness of the good 'ol times in the countryside
when there were very rich people doing strange things when the country
was strong.

In Bath, one of the most georgious cities in the world: old,
interesting, diverse, historical, intriguing, independent.... it
really is one great place to discover. Whilst there we came across
Sham Castle on a hilltop -built by someone crazy who wanted to see a
castle on the hills when he looked out of the window from his house in
the valley. Thus the front wall of a castle was built, and nothing
else. The sheer craziness of it is so english. The castle is really a
sham, but a great one at that.

It really is impossible to avoid character in London: in any bar, pub,
restaurant, hotel or even station there is something special about the
place. All these places are out there waiting to be enjoyed, although
at a price. Although nothing that is good is cheap, there are some
compromise options. It's not Beijing. It's wonderful.