UK has 'worst quality of life in Europe'

It's official. Not only is the food bad, it's expensive. Not only is the weather rubbish, but Brits get fewer days' holiday in which to escape to somewhere warmer. And despite having the highest average incomes (altho we know LOTS of people on incomes well below the average!), the costs of petrol, utilities, food and other basic living expenses mean that life in Britain is a bit grim.

Tell me something I didn't know.

Rome may have more dog poo, litter and visible homeless people in the streets. The welfare safety net stinks as much as the good name of its politicians. And it is almost impossible for me to buy shoes or bras that fit properly. But I do not miss kebabs that smell of rancid meat, or vomity street corners every Saturday morning. I do not miss gloomy winter days, badly fitting clothes and rampant big chain consumerism.

I do miss friends, folk music and fresh game meat. We're planning a couple of trips back for winter. And when we get there, we will remember why we loved it there, despite the weather, the food and the horrendous expense. It will be worth it, because the people and places we love belong there. And a part of us still does too.