One can find countless articles on the internet describing various British monuments and castles. However, very few of us know what life in Britain is actually like. Therefore this article of mine is going to dictate the little I know and have observed about life in a British suburb.
As an Indian, one of the first things I notice is the absolute lack of population; the streets are totally empty with charming little houses (which to us somewhat resemble cottages) on both sides, with beautiful gardens filled with various colorful flowers. The houses are all the same, each one the same color and the same build, as if they were twins. Every house has a small little lawn where kids can play football or cricket and have a childhood filled with fun, every neighborhood has a massive park having acres of pristine green land with every kind of ride a child can imagine, be it rope ladders or massive slides, covered by jogging tracks on all sides which is much of a hub for fitness freaks and aspiring weight watchers. The streets are adorned with perfect hedges with various colorful flowers poking out from here and there.
As an Indian, one of the first things I notice is the absolute lack of population; the streets are totally empty with charming little houses (which to us somewhat resemble cottages) on both sides, with beautiful gardens filled with various colorful flowers. The houses are all the same, each one the same color and the same build, as if they were twins. Every house has a small little lawn where kids can play football or cricket and have a childhood filled with fun, every neighborhood has a massive park having acres of pristine green land with every kind of ride a child can imagine, be it rope ladders or massive slides, covered by jogging tracks on all sides which is much of a hub for fitness freaks and aspiring weight watchers. The streets are adorned with perfect hedges with various colorful flowers poking out from here and there.
Daily needs are catered to by three supermarket giants; Tesco, M&S and Waitrose, each one having row after row of fascinating eatables enough to drive any foodie crazy. One can simply lose himself in these alleys and drool over the million products available. The cafes are small and cosy, and serve some of the best coffee I have ever tasted along with the extremely famous English breakfast. To those of you who are unaware of what the English breakfast is, let me enlighten you. The English breakfast is a massive platter serving a Sunny side up egg, two pork sausages, some bacon, a helping of baked beans, slices of buttered toast and occasionally a helping of butter fried mushrooms. Just the look of this giant scrumptious breakfast platter is enough to make any foodie drool.
A British suburb is also paradise for any car lover, as outside almost every house one can see a BMW or Mercedes parked and also the occasional Lotus convertible. The view of those power packed machines racing through the deserted roads covered with beautiful trees on both sides could be the definition of paradise for any average car lover.
A British suburb is also paradise for any car lover, as outside almost every house one can see a BMW or Mercedes parked and also the occasional Lotus convertible. The view of those power packed machines racing through the deserted roads covered with beautiful trees on both sides could be the definition of paradise for any average car lover.
The only glitch in apparently perfect existence seems to be the weather, which seems to be the most disliked aspect of British’s existence. The sky is an everlasting shade of dull gloomy grey often accompanied by a cold chilly breeze and the occasional shower. However, once in a blue moon the sun does shine and when it does it seems that the whole of Britain takes to the streets. The tube stations are extremely busy, always buzzing with people even at the most inhuman hours possible.
But unlike Indian stations, they are always kept spick and span and house numerous shops such as Boots and WHS Smith which sell a variety of items from shampoos to sandwiches. The buses seem to have a royal touch; red and intimidating, be it a single decker or a double decker bus, they rumble through the suburbs and are perhaps the easiest and cheapest way for one to get a quick glimpse of what Britain is actually like. The bakeries are like Ferraris which everyone can admire but a lucky few can buy. Massively overpriced but sinfully delicious, their cakes are a memorable experience by itself. However travelling can be a headache as most suburbs are located at at least a 45 minutes tube ride away from central London. Therefore although this existence certainly has its charms, not all is rosy and pink, and life is not always a charmed existence.
-SUBIN MITRA
But unlike Indian stations, they are always kept spick and span and house numerous shops such as Boots and WHS Smith which sell a variety of items from shampoos to sandwiches. The buses seem to have a royal touch; red and intimidating, be it a single decker or a double decker bus, they rumble through the suburbs and are perhaps the easiest and cheapest way for one to get a quick glimpse of what Britain is actually like. The bakeries are like Ferraris which everyone can admire but a lucky few can buy. Massively overpriced but sinfully delicious, their cakes are a memorable experience by itself. However travelling can be a headache as most suburbs are located at at least a 45 minutes tube ride away from central London. Therefore although this existence certainly has its charms, not all is rosy and pink, and life is not always a charmed existence.
-SUBIN MITRA