Things that Make Me Smile

The weather.
Sure, I'm not a fan of being cold and there's really no point in doing much with my hair when I go outside since it gets blown apart in two seconds, but I love the feeling of bundling up against the cold (I'm a bit of a scarf addict - those who have yet to discover the joy of colourful, soft scarves are seriously missing out). Call me crazy, but I love using umbrellas and I love walking in the rain.

The friendliness of the people.
All the people I've visited or stayed with have been friendly and welcoming... I've even had a couple of hugs! Almost every time I've asked for directions I've been met with a friendly response. I'e asked strangers in trains, shopping centres, on the street, or in shops and I've never felt like I'm imposing. I've asked train conductors, ticket agents, and bus drivers and they've all been great. (Hmmm... that makes it sound like I get lost a lot.)

The landscape.
Sure, people love to complain about the rain, same as back home, but it keeps everything green and there are plenty of trees to remind me of home. The land here seems peaceful somehow and I love watching it roll by when I'm travelling around.

The trains.
Trains make me happy. Not sure why. Even when they're jammed full of people and I have to stand in the aisle for an hour, I still love riding in them.

Their accents.
Sorry, I just can't leave it alone. I love listening to people here speak. Everything sounds more interesting with an accent - they can say almost anything and it sounds fabulous.

My accent.
Sarah and Ruth were right - you're just not appreciated in your own country!