Hi, Mrs Madness. Nice to meet you. Another expat! Yes, I think it is a good idea to share our experiences with those who consider living abroad whether it is to be on a temporary basis or permanently because there are a lot of things to take on board.

Language is one of them. While English is spoken here, it is very different to American English. I was able to cope with it because I was sent to British schools all my life and was quite familiar with the difference between British and American vocabularies. There are variations to the British English according to regions and country i.e. Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England. However, because of the influx of American T.V. programmes, American colloquials have seeped into the British mainstream. A good thing because blank expressions are now rare on those occasions when the alternative to lifts and roundabouts is expressed. Although it would certainly bring a smile or a giggle pants are asked for instead of trousers. Pants being undergarments here. Trainers are sneakers and not bras. But these are minor things and quite enjoyable encounters really.

Living costs and taxes. Yes, London is a very expensive city to settle in. But, one has to take into account that the system here is very different to that in the US. Taxes bear the cost of a social system which takes care of its citizens from cradle to grave with free medical, free education, income support, housing benefits etc. The taxes from the "haves" support the "have nots" at various degrees, terms and qualifications. A good thing really because changes of one's circumstances are sometimes so unforeseen. The "haves" can just as surely be the "have nots". The children of Robert Maxwell had a direct experience of that and quite a good example to bring up. All in gainful employment contribute to a National Insurance which benefits all across the board whether one chooses to benefit from it or not. One thing that must also be taken into account is that, a sterling pound earned has its purchasing power in sterling pound so, living in London may not be that expensive to Londoners. Unless of course one lives beyond one's means. But, that applies anywhere for that matter anyway.

There are many facets to life in the UK that I appreciate most. The one good thing that I admire about the British is the access its citizens have to their politicians. A dissatisfied citizen can openly confront their MP, and even the Prime Minister, about governmental bureaucracy which brings about a direct effect to one's life and not be slapped with a federal offence. Politicians can be made directly accountable to the electorate. Each MP holds a surgery (meeting) in their district where a member of the constituency can come to bring their concerns. One just has to watch when legislation is debated in Parliament and appreciate that democracy is well and alive in the UK.

The National Health Service here which is the organisation responsible for health care still practise medical and nursing care in the old way. For all the criticism it gets from the public because of the general subscription to it and some failures to meet its need by shortgae of medical personnel, hospital and beds, I would still rank it if not the top, the best in the world in terms of its very personal nursing care.

Then there is the culture, history, arts and literature. For the writers and artists: Charles Dickens, Shakespeare, Dylan Thomas, Oscar Wilde, Jane Austen...I can go on and on. And a living history to it all is the Queen. Regardless of what positions any one takes with regards to monarchy, her ancestry is unequalled in terms of the historical figures she represents.

Well, I hope you all can pardon a very lengthy post on what is actually just a short summary of my 17-year residency in London. And if anyone should decide to move from there to here, in retirement or otherwise, I'd be most happy to personally help with the adjustments to UK lifestyle.