I have been away from California for six months. During this time, I have continually been exposed to a myriad of new experiences and small (and large) cultural differences. All of that said, I have also been struck by the fact that while differences remain, there is also so much common ground that we all share. I have been fortunate to be welcomed into a warm and accepting community. My family and I have appreciated an easy and quick integration into our routine. Looking back on the last six months, I have decided to compile a list of the things that have made being in England unique, occasionally off-beat, and perennially interesting. This list is in no particular order or rank, and while there are things that I miss about the West Coast, there are many more things that have made our time in the West Country most excellent.

Things that are brilliant!
Tyres, mudguards, being shattered, barking, and the myriad of cool terms and spellings I encounter daily.

Chips with salt and malt vinegar wrapped in paper.

British Cycling that absolutely wiped the floor with everyone else in Beijing, and left with the lion’s share of the medals.

The 2000 different types of cheese- current favorites are Red Leicester, Afterburn, and Mimolette.

Taxis with legroom.

Cask Ales – this should be self-explanatory.

The fact that there are still millions of 3-speed town bikes that do daily duty.

The myriad of good local bike companies that do a brisk business- Brompton, Dawes, Ribble, Ridgeback, and this is just scratching the surface.

They will soon have the Subarus with the diesel boxer engine.

Chris Hoy- BBC’s sportsperson of the year- finishing ahead of wunderkind Lewis Hamilton (Formula 1 champ).

Hammerite has developed a home electro-static painting kit. There are perfect to bring your steel frame up to snuff.

Our friends – thank you.