I left the UK in September 2001 and have just moved back after lengthy periods in Texas and then Paris. Obviously I have been in the UK repeatedly in the intervening period but they were always short, busy visits. It is only since I have fully moved back that I have really had time to notice some of the changes that have taken place.
Two things in particular struck me within the first few days of being back. The first is that quality of food in the UK is now excellent; at least as good as that in other countries if not better. The choice is huge and the prices are very reasonable (especially compared to Paris). This observation applies to both raw food supplies for home consumption and also to catered food in restaurants and bars. Ten or twenty years ago the UK was a laughing stock when it came to food. Today, it would be easy to argue that the food in London is better than any other large city in the world in terms of choice and value.
The second big change I have noticed since my return is how the skyline of the average suburban street has changed (does my neighbourhood of Richmond Upon Thames count as average?). It seems that almost everyone has converted their loft into useable living space. I was amazed at just how many extensions and conversions have been carried out in less than 10 years. The huge growth in property prices has forced everyone to make use of every inch of space and has also allowed them to borrow money to fund the developments. If you didn’t live through this change and adjust your perception over time, it hits you hard and the new view makes you think of England as being crowded.
I am sure there will be lots of other changes I will notice over the coming weeks but these stand out for me after just a few days in my new home.
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