24: Six

[anarchist_nomad]

Six years ago today, my beloved cheshcat and I touched down in Merry Olde Englande to start a new life here. Fresh off the plane, carrying only four suitcases -- packed to the seventy-five pound limit -- we spent our first day in London with nw1, before heading to Oxford on the next day.

Oxford -- the only place that I have ever moved without setting foot in it before arriving to live there. Six years later, I can unambiguously state that it was the right decision. The City of Dreaming Spires is still very much like a town out of a fairy tale. Despite having lived here longer than anywhere else in my adult life, the novelty has not worn off. On the contrary, I love showing off my special city, giving tours to friends passing through.

As for England, and the United Kingdom, as a whole? Well, there are ups and downs -- just as there would be anywhere. Having the Conservatives in power for nearly two years now has brought in quite a few of those downs. The weather is also often a bit of a down[*]. Still, there are many advantages over the country that I left behind. We have health care as a basic right[**], we have easily accessible history going back many hundreds (or thousands) of years. The list goes on and on. I do find myself missing many of my dear friends back home... but, in terms of place alone, this is absolutely where I want to be.

So here's to the past six years! In that time, I have seen more of England than anyone that I know -- English or otherwise -- and a pretty respectable bit of Scotland, Wales, and the continent, too!

A typical Oxonian


A couple of his friends


All Souls College, Oxford.
Just one of the many amazing (and picturesque) sights around town.

---

[*] That said, the weather this past week -- ever since I returned from Germany -- has been utterly amazing! A picture-perfect Spring, if ever I saw one!

[**] When I hear people in the States decry "socialized medicine", saying "We don't want to turn into Europe", I have to hold back a double take. Here in Europe, things are mighty nice. Especially when it comes to health care.

Comments

[winewiskeywomen.livejournal.com]

So, the Socialists got to you, too!
Everyone here in the Land Of The Free knows that all you have with the socialist scheme is an olde tyme wagon and some guy chanting "Bring out your dead"!

[stormdog.livejournal.com]

Thanks, as always, for the pictures! I'm glad you've had a good six years, even though I don't get to see you nearly as much as I'd like.

I'm so with you on the socialized medicine. How can people think this is a bad thing? I really miss having medical care....

I'm going to be paying close attention to coverage of the current SCotUS hearings on the health care reform laws.

[bonzifan.livejournal.com]

I'd rather like to challenge you on the
"I have seen more of England than anyone that I know"
in the 7 years since I've been an adult I've travelled around quite a bit of England, although I've yet to see the rugged highlands of Scotland.

[anarchist-nomad.livejournal.com]

Hmmmm... I shall cheerfully accept that challenge! Perhaps we can compare notes in about a month's time at your place? ;-D

E-mail to follow with a suggestion on logistics for this long awaited visit. Also worth noting is that, as I specifically mentioned England, you're off the hook for not making it all the way up to the Scottish Highlands, m'dear. (Which is a shame, as I would otherwise start off with an advantage, having been there myself. *wink*)

[cmcmck.livejournal.com]

Nice- reminds me that we haven't visited Oxford for a while.

You know us and we've seen a hell of a lot of the British Isles (but we have the advantage of having been here a lot longer :o)

For all its faults Yay NHS! :o)

[dragonmamma.livejournal.com]

Actually most of us locals have a sneaking fondness for the old country too - tho' heaven forfend that we should admit it!!!!!
Yes, the NHS is much better than its press would suggest most of the time .
And YaY for the most beautiful and warm Spring for years. We've got about 2 more days of it before it returns to normal!!!!

[miss-amaranth.livejournal.com]

Happy 6 year living-in-Oxford-anniversary! *kiss.*

I can't even begin to tell you how glad I am that you moved here, my Love.

I love you!
xxxxxx
xxxxxx
xxxxxx
xxxxxx

[acelightning.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't mind having neighbors like your "typical Oxonians" - I imagine they're quite entertaining when you get to know them :-)

And, of course, I'd be very, very happy if the US adopted "socialized medicine" (and other human-welfare programs) as practiced in Europe!

[winewiskeywomen.livejournal.com]

Writing from hospital. 95% blockage in left anterior descending artery. had a stent installed. that, and pneumonia; has me here 5 days already. Out of pocket- a tad over $10,000.

[anarchist-nomad.livejournal.com]

Oh, *&$%! I'm glad that you seem to be okay, old friend... but, damn, that's an insane amount of money to be forced to pay out of pocket!

Hope you recover soon. Maybe you can fight the hospital bill after you get out? (Probably not... but maybe worth a try?)

[winewiskeywomen.livejournal.com]

Doing much better, my Sis is nursing me in her home. Walked 1/8 mile today. i got the bill down to an even $7k.

Hope all is well by you and those you love!

[anarchist-nomad.livejournal.com]

Very relieved to hear that you are doing better, old friend! May it continue!

Nicely done negotiating the price down. Even so, it is shameful that the richest country in the world does not consider health care to be a basic human right. Feh.