Dear England...

Here are 10 things (in no particular order) that I'll miss about you:

1. Postcode system... Postcodes in the UK are very specific. Most postcodes seem to be shared by a dozen houses or less, so if you are trying to find a house or other location, just entering the post code in your GPS will get you very close.

2. Cool, rainy weather... I actually like rain, and I like being bundled up to stay warm. I have to admit I got a little frustrated with my chilly house over the winter, but I didn't mind so much if I could be wrapped in a blanket, sipping a cup of hot tea. Thinking of how hot its going to be in Texas makes me appreciate this English weather very much!

3. Green grass... that doesn't require an extensive, built-in sprinkler system. Looking out in my garden, all I see is green, with some colorful flowers here and there. Nice, natural green. Its beautiful.

4. Roundabouts... Its true that I don't drive much here unless I absolutely have to, but once you get to know a roundabout, it can be fun and easy to get through. Its amazing how far you can drive here without ever stopping for a red light.

5. Pedestrian-friendliness... I love that I can walk out my front door, walk on a nice footpath to town, go to the bank, the supermarket, and a variety of other shops, then walk back home. If I didn't have to drive to school I could probably go for days without getting into my car. From what I've heard, no one walks anywhere in Texas.

6. Wagamama... Its my favorite restaurant here... I just love it. I usually get the same thing, and its always really really good. I'm not a big fan of chain restaurants in general, but this is one big exception.

7. Other food and treats... The chocolate is certainly better here, and there are always lots of great baked goods available. The cookies are good. I like to eat and I love the food here!

8. Location, location, location... I'm sure Dallas is lovely, but compared to London? Not even close. I can walk to the train station, get on a train, and be in London in half an hour. Then there is no end to the exciting things I can do and see!

9. School hours... School here goes from 8:50 to 3:15. School in Texas (from my understanding) goes from 7:55 to 2:55. That is nearly one hour earlier in the morning. Do people really wear jammies to drop their kids at school?

10. School uniform... Its cheap. Its easy. Its the same (more or less) everyday. And they all look so sweet in their matching clothes!