First Impressions of the UK?

Question

Hi, I'm british, and for a project I am researching what people's first impressions of the UK are, for example your gut reactions on stepping off the plane, or the first sight of the white cliffs of Dover, and what this means to you.

Thank-you very much!

Answer 1

My first impression was that it is a very beautiful place, very lively, people running and screaming and lots of things to do

However I also felt in Liliput, since everything is small, roads, busses, sits in the tube or bus, money, food portions, houses, cars, and it's crowded

Also I felt it was very expensive even for people who earn in pounds, since everything that in the US is 1 USD in the UK is 1 Pound, however the salaries figures in pounds are lower than in usd

I also felt that people are very friendly and girls are pretty

Also that everything is old, there are pubs which exist before even the US was discovered and everything is related to Royal or to knights, queens or court (Earl's court, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea)

I also have the impression that british would never say an absolute "no" to something, but say something like, unfortunately that's highly unlikely, but we'll see the possibilities, etc.

There is a lot of pub culture, people go drink and socialize in pubs, which is great

Answer 2

My opinion doesn't really count cos I have always been in love with the country, long before visiting it. I had been reading books about it and stuff years before even going, so I already had a pretty good opinion about it. and I wasn't let down after experiencing it first-hand. I loved it from the first moment of my stay to the last one, despite the fact that there was some chaos due to the terror attacks. People were very calm and relaxed about everything, and they didn't seem to care less what was happening. (I just like people behaving like this).
And about the weather.... it's just not as bad as people say it is. When I was there I only had one shower in a week. The rest was sunny and HOT!

Answer 3

I am a US citizen who was stationed in Britain 83-85 and even tried starting a business!
When I arrived, I was somewhat short of money to reach my desination (RAF Chicksands, Shefford, Beds, since decommisioned), and rode local busses to save money. I loved it, and people were very helpful!

Answer 4

well i have never been there, but my impression is that it is a really cool place!I have many friends from there,and I think there is a wonderful mix of cultures.plus, you can't beat blokes with a cute accent now can you?