Ex-patriate Brits! Those who have left Britain (especially England) and made
By cloudwatcher
@cloudwatcher (6861)
Australia
July 22, 2007 4:51am CST
your home in another Country, how do you feel about Britain? Is it still your Motherland? Are you proud of your heritage?
I left England when I was 11 years old and have lived in Australia for 60 years, but have made several trips back "home". I am a true-blue, fair-dinkum, dinki-di Aussie - but I am proud of my English heritage and have a deep respect and love for the nation.
I believe Britain is the greatest nation ever, and many other nations of the world owe their present quality of life to the British. The world would be a much poorer place without Britain's influence over many years.
What do you think made Britain so great? The parliamentary system? It's glorious history? It's royalty and peerage? It's people? Britain has given the world so much in exploration, in literature, in medicine, in reform, in arts. Possibly the only area in which Britain didn't lead the world was in classical music.
So, ex-patriates: do you feel proud of your heritage?
Everyone, ex-patriate or not: what do you think made Britain so great?
2 people like this
3 responses
@Darkwing (21583)
•
23 Jul 07
Well, as you know... I'm still here, but I would say that first and foremost, people like you made this country great, Cloud.
Next, I think would be our history and legends, plus the ancient stone sites, and such that we have dotted around.
The Beatles? Nooooooooo! lol.
Brightest Blessings, my friend. x
@Darkwing (21583)
•
23 Jul 07
I never doted that much on the Beatles. lol. I thought they were rather "tinny".
As for this friend of yours... have you seen him lately? I sure miss him being around, and if you see him, please give him my fond regards. :)
Yes, I agree with your comment on the history of this country. There's a lot of it about for the size of the country, and I love to delve.
Brightest Blessings.
@cloudwatcher (6861)
• Australia
23 Jul 07
While I haven't "seen" him, we are in constant touch via email and continue discussions. In fact, it was a question he asked me yesterday that prompted this discussion.
@cloudwatcher (6861)
• Australia
23 Jul 07
The Beatles??? I'd agree there but many wouldn't, including one of my sons. He thought they were the greatest. Now, a friend of ours might argue that cricket made it great, but it would be tongue in cheek. He would say the literary giants, among other things.
One thing I find so different there is that nearly every curve in the road has yet another facet of history. Over here, we can drive all day and only see gum trees or sugar cane.
Thanks for sharing.
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
22 Jul 07
Hi there Cloud well I believe it is the People because if it was not for the type of People that they are this Country would not be what it is
I just hope as well now that we have a new Prime Minister that things might get repaired and saved that was ruined by the last one
Love and Hugs to you xx
@cloudwatcher (6861)
• Australia
22 Jul 07
Yes, Gabs, I believe it is largely the people: not just individuals, but myriads of them together. I believe Britain has produced the greatest statesmen the world has known, along with the greatest authors and poets, explorers and inventors, medical pacesetters and so many other greats.
I believe our system of royalty and peerage (although not always good by any means) coupled with the parliamentary system, has given good stability and progress.
When we consider that Britain is but a pin point on the world map, it is incredible to think of the enormity of its influence in the world.
1 person likes this
@ItTakesAllSorts (4096)
•
23 Jul 07
There have been many great people from the past and present that have made our country what it is. From the working class man upwards.
I love our historic buildings and our beautiful landscapes..apart from the moment as alot of places are under water.
I used to feel proud of my heritage, but lately I do not feel so loyal. We have the saddest teenagers out of all of the developed countries, our education system is not segregated, unemployment and immigrant exploitation is a disgrace and social mobility has ceased.
What was once great needs to be re-established, but it will take alot of time after Labours mistakes. I do however want to live here as we are a tollerant nation unlike many other countries and we have freedom of speech which is still the greatest gift of all.
@ItTakesAllSorts (4096)
•
23 Jul 07
ERROR!! The education system is segregated (what a mistaker to maker)
@cloudwatcher (6861)
• Australia
23 Jul 07
Your comments on this type of question are always knowledgeable and spoken from experience. We have spoken before on the plight of our young people and I know we share many of the same thoughts on the subject.
I know things are not as they used to be in England, but then history has had many ups and downs, and will no doubt rise again. (I am ever the optimist, but I must admit things look pretty grim the world over, morally, ethically, and in most other ways too, so it gets more and more difficult to believe that things could reverse)
Even so, I am sure you would agree that Britain was and still is the greatest nation on earth and many other nations, including Australia, owe their present quality of life to her.
@ItTakesAllSorts (4096)
•
23 Jul 07
I could hear 'Rule Britania' playing in the background as I read your final sentence.
Apart from you always beating us in the cricket I do agree with you cloudwatcher.
