Obviously, my love for London and its vibrant lifestyle has so much to do with it, although the homesick feeling and to think of the family I left behind is always there.  Yes, you have to be very brave to stay for this time in a foreign country.  Although I always reflect on the fact that I am here because I want to and not because it is my only choice, which for some people -for example refugees, is the only alternative.  I guess I am one of the lucky ones in this island.

Because of this, I though it would be a good idea to write a list about just few things that I consider different, things that I still cannot get used to even after this time and things that I have learned to love.  So here we go...

About what is different:

• To start, I am now a British citizen!
• I am part of the apparently 1.8 million people that have settled in this country in the last decade (according to statistics released just last week).
• I am no longer an overseas student but part of the English workforce.
• To think (not just talk) in both languages: English & Spanish. Some things are better explained in English and vice versa, in Spanish.
• That I can switch from both languages without realising that it has happened! Sometimes I even dream in English!
• I can now read and write in English very quickly (I didn't have the best marks for this in Mexico. Therefore, it is an achievement for me).
• I understand the news! It was almost impossible to follow them when I first arrived.
• I can now recognise different English accents: American, Scottish, Australian, etc.
• I understand the English bad words, slang and even some cockney.
• I have learned a lot about different cultures, countries and customs.
• I have travelled to places I only could have dreamt of and met amazing people.
• The anonymity that London offers. You can loose your old emotion ties and do whatever you want, no one knows you!
• All your perspectives and beliefs of the world can change.
• To use the postal service for everything, from saying hello to a friend, to pay the bills or buy goods. It is part of the daily life and you always receive something through your letterbox.
• I now know Central London so well, that I could be a tourist guide. My English boss constantly asks me for advice on what's the best way to arrive somewhere!
• I saw snow falling for the first time in London. And after 10 years, at last I've seen frozen ponds.
• Now I am very aware of recycling rubbish and eating healthy. It is impossible not to reconsider after being bombarded with constant studies results on this latest topic.
• In London to go out, you really need to plan: About the time your have to go, transport, routes, timetables, engineering works, if you need cash or you can use card, the dress code, the last train home etc. In Mexico, no planning, you just go!
• Nights out are mainly over by 11 pm (most pubs close at this time). In Mexico, the party is just starting!
• I travel mainly by train whereas in Mexico, it is by car as a train system is virtually non existent.
• I am now quite resistant to the cold weather, months without Sun and constant clouds.
• To drive in the other side of the road.

About what I love:

• The vibrancy London has that cannot be compared with other city...even with its gloom, it's unique. You will never forget it once you have being here.
• The original characters you can see daily on the streets.
• The long days during the summer.
• The English fashion...so stylish! London is a shopper's paradise.
• The amazing parks and gardens.
• Roast dinner, English custard and butter shortbread.

About what I still can't get used to after 10 years:

• To use the English measures: yards, pounds, feet, etc.
• The expensive rent, food and transport prices.
• To understand cricket or rugby.
• Binge drinking culture.
• Short days during the winter.
• Drinking English tea!
• Marmite and black pudding.
• The traffic in Central London.
• James Bond.

And so the list goes on.  It is quite difficult to describe and compact 10 amazing years in just few words.  The only thing for sure is that after all this time in the UK, I cannot help but to admit that I feel divided: I don't belong anymore to Mexico neither to the UK.   And if I ever leave, I will miss a lot of things I am used to now in England.   And while here in England, I miss terribly many things that always will be part of my Mexican heritage.  But then I think that this is the price that it has to be paid when one wants to see the world, isn't it?...

And oh!, of course!  I forgot to mention the fact that obviously worries me being a woman, ha,ha!...That I am 10 years older!  No matter where in the world you live...this is always a thing to consider, don't you think?