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Original poster

Things that exist in other countries that you wish existed here

81 replies

emkana · 19/02/2006 20:08

One thing I keep thinking about:
Suppositories for babies/small children! Sooooooooooooooooo much easier to administer than blooming sticky medicine from a spoon, can be done without baby noticing anything at all, also no need for nasty add ons to make it more palatable, so much more pure!
Why why why can't they be generally available in this country????

OP posts:
uwila · 20/02/2006 12:28

Lower taxes!

jenkel · 20/02/2006 12:30

Ok, never been to Germany so cant comment, but I do feel that this country is not particulary child friendly.

uwila · 20/02/2006 12:46

Oh, and 24 hour grocery stores -- seven days a week.

poppiesinaline · 20/02/2006 12:52

2manypimms - we went to hols in Switzerland last summer and I loved it. What a fab country. (sorry hijack over.)

2ManyPimms · 20/02/2006 12:56

I miss it sometimes - and then I remember that life there has all the gusto of an undertaker's convention.

LIZS · 20/02/2006 13:05

lol 2manypimms, can identify with much of what you say but "child friendly" not some much ime. Also underfloor heating, plain whitewashed walls and double/triple glazing as standard, large, high rooms and open plan living, safe open green spaces, clean fresh air, convenient (if pricey) healthcare.

Jackstini · 20/02/2006 13:31

Better maternity leave (longer time off at full pay!)

2ManyPimms · 20/02/2006 16:57

Oooohhhh....underfloor heating! Almost forgot! AND the triple glazing on the windows! AND moving into spotless (and I mean SPOTLESS) flats - so clean you could eat off the floor!!!!

Kelly1978 · 20/02/2006 17:04

cheAp petrol!

Hausfrau · 20/02/2006 17:06

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bambi06 · 20/02/2006 17:31

transport that keeps going even in huge snowdrifts!! one price tube network like in newyork!

nailpolish · 20/02/2006 17:33

beautiful weather all year round

JanH · 20/02/2006 17:38

2 great things from America -

  1. having your groceries loaded into your boot for you at the supermarket (esp good in frigid weather when you have a remote boot opener)

  2. right turn on red - only when safe! - (would be left turn in this country of course)

uwila · 20/02/2006 18:03

Oh yes, JanH, or even just baggers at the checkout. I hate bagging my own groceries, juggling the kids, and trying to pay all at once.

Gem13 · 20/02/2006 18:34

expatinscotland - Whole Foods are coming to London. Not much help for you I know but at least they are coming. Nigel Slater said so.

It was our local supermarket in Philly. I still carry my loyalty card to make me happy (and because I am sad ).

kama · 20/02/2006 18:44

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kama · 20/02/2006 18:46

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Pruni · 20/02/2006 18:50

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blueshoes · 20/02/2006 20:15

I have never lived in the US, but do like their Cheetos - American version of twisties ...

TwoIfBySea · 21/02/2006 21:33

expatinscotland, Whole Foods are also coming to Edinburgh! I can't remember the other sites but I know one was in Morningside, is there an old shop building there?

They are currently looking for sites in or around Edinburgh. I have a friend in Chicago who goes on and on about Whole Foods so shes got a list of things for me to look for when they come here! Can't wait and it is good they are looking further than always just London!

uwila · 22/02/2006 09:26

Oh yes! Oh yes! I can't wait for whole foods. But I'm a little skeptical about whether the supply is going to be the same as in the states. For example, Starbucks doen't serve the same scones/biscuits/cookies/muffins (pick your language!) as they do in the states. I have yet to find a lovely (American) cinnamon scone at Starbucks over here.

So I hope I hope I hope whole foods is everything I miss. They made the BEST smoothies in Houston. mmmmmmm.... I could do with one of those now.

DaddyCool · 22/02/2006 09:58

basements. They provide 1000 square feet extra to use as storage or you can fit them out with bedrooms and living rooms etc. Seriously increases the size of your home. You can turn a 2 bed bungalow into a 4 bed family house.

DaddyCool · 22/02/2006 10:00

service culture - the US is good but like someone has already said, it's usually sly and fake.

canada has a genuine service culture though. people seem to realise that if you are polite and helpful... YOU'LL MAKE MORE MONEY! but unlike the US, it's genuine. the rural service culture is a very 'you scratch my back, i'll scratch yours' type thing and can really help your business.

expatinscotland · 22/02/2006 10:05

God, yes, Daddy! My walkout basement back in Denver. I MISS that! Made over into a full utility room and a games area.

Whole Foods I miss so much, uwila, I even dream about it. How I thought nothing of stopping by to refill my gallon jug of Dr. Bronner's peppermint soap, the BEST for cleaning. Now I have to pay £30 for it and I can't refill it.

spacedonkey · 22/02/2006 10:06

Barkers on High Street Kensington is being turned into a big Whole Foods Market store apparently - it'll be huge!

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