There are things that every American wants to do when they visit England, with good reason. Everyone should see Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London tour is a don’t-miss and you have to take tea somewhere of course. But outside of London, during spring, there is another activity that I’ve done with several American friendsContinue reading “Point to Point horseracing: An American’s guide”
Category Archives: The American perspective
How to celebrate the Fourth of July in London
How to celebrate this very American holiday in London? I’ve been wondering that myself for about a decade. The thing about celebrating Fourth of July is that the enjoyment comes from knowing all your family, all your friends, the entire nation is celebrating too. When I lived in in New York, the Fourth meant cookoutsContinue reading “How to celebrate the Fourth of July in London”
Returning to New York City…as a mother
I spent 10 of my most formative years in New York City — those in my 20s and early 30s, drinking, dining, dating, working and generally becoming what passes for an adult. Then I left for London and a British life with my husband. I love London, but New York is still my spiritual home.Continue reading “Returning to New York City…as a mother”
5 ideas for carving Halloween pumpkins
I love doing Halloween with my daughter here in the UK, especially since it’s still in its infancy. There’s a bit of trick or treating, there are a few parties but the celebrations aren’t over the top, like what can be a consumer-fest in the U.S. I also find the whole super-gruesome costume thing thatContinue reading “5 ideas for carving Halloween pumpkins”
Are American men more handsome than Brits?
Now that science has solved the question of the Higgs Boson particle, it can move on to the really pressing questions, like “Who is more handsome – British or American men?” Usually my response to hard-hitting questions like this is, “Gentlemen, please, don’t fight – you’re all gorgeous.” But I happened on a scene thisContinue reading “Are American men more handsome than Brits?”
The latest great American import: the doggy bag
The list of things America has given the food world is substantial: Velveeta, the Hard Rock cafe, the list goes on. But now one of our most widespread contributions has finally gained purchase on English soil: the doggy bag. So simple a concept. After your restaurant meal that you’ve paid for, you take home whatContinue reading “The latest great American import: the doggy bag”
Thanksgiving: it’s not the same for expats
Don’t tell me you don’t know what today is! It’s just the biggest holiday in America outside of the gloriously commercial three months of Christmas. What – you don’t know? Well, me neither. Since moving to England, I’ve found that the fourth Thursday in November comes round just like the first, second and third onesContinue reading “Thanksgiving: it’s not the same for expats”
Why Americans should love Guy Fawkes night
Everybody needs a holiday during which you can squirm with anticipation until nightfall, burn your fingers on spent sparklers, and singe your hair while lighting firecrackers. I grew up celebrating Fourth of July in Texas, but I quite like Guy Fawkes Night here in the UK. Not only does it get darker earlier (hurrah!) butContinue reading “Why Americans should love Guy Fawkes night”
The definitive map of the world according to Americans?
One of the challenges as an American abroad – both living and travelling – are the preconceptions people have about us. You know – childlike, fat, shorts-wearing jingoists. Anyone who knows me, knows this isn’t universally true of Americans. I, for one, hardly ever wear shorts. I’ll leave it up to you to decide theContinue reading “The definitive map of the world according to Americans?”