When I was 14 years old, my family moved to Essex, England for a while, and honestly? I didn’t fully realize how unusual the experience was at the time. I was just a teenager trying to survive awkward years in another country.
Now, looking back 25 years later, there are still little things about England that randomly pop into my head.
One of the first things I noticed was how much people walked everywhere. Even older people seemed constantly out and about, heading into town or walking to little shops nearby. Life just felt slower and quieter compared to America.
And the milk? Somehow it tasted fancier. I can’t explain it.
They still delivered milk in glass bottles to people’s doorsteps, which felt like something straight out of an old movie. Even the soda came in glass bottles at some shops, and honestly… drinks just taste better that way.
The Words Were Completely Different
Even though everyone spoke English, it definitely didn’t always feel like it.
Some British words still sneak into my vocabulary even now:
Chips = French fries
Crisps = Potato chips
Jumper = Sweater
Lorry = Truck
Torch = Flashlight
Flat = Apartment
And yes… “loo” still makes me laugh.
Pub Food Was an Experience
The first time I ordered ham at a pub, I expected thin sandwich slices like we have in America.
What I got instead was basically an entire grilled slab of ham on bread.
I was not prepared.
I also tried lamb for the first — and probably last — time. Let’s just say chewing it became a full-time job. But fish and chips? Absolutely lived up to the hype.
Horses Were Everywhere
I had worked on a horse farm while living there, so seeing people ride horses around town felt completely normal after a while. England really loves its horses.
Even the horses wore reflective gear in rainy weather like tiny little commuters trying to stay safe on the road.
The Tiny Cars Still Crack Me Up
Most of the cars were much smaller than what we’re used to in America, but the strangest thing I saw was a three-wheeled car.
Yes. Three wheels.
One wheel in the front and two in the back. It looked like something you’d see in a cartoon, yet somehow people actually drove them around.
Looking Back Now
At 14 years old, I didn’t realize I was experiencing something unique. I just thought England was… England.
Now, 25 years later, I can still picture the little towns, the horses, the tiny cars, and the glass bottles sitting on doorsteps.
And every once in a while, my British accent still sneaks out on certain words — usually when I’m trying to sound fancy.
Until we meet again, have a blessed day. 🤍