August 4th

England is known for it’s drinking.

In pubs.

In bars.

In the park.

On the beach.

If you’re socialising with your friends, and you’re over 18, there’s probably alcohol involved.

Oh, and you can drink anywhere.

People pour out of bars onto the streets at night in the city of London. You squeeze through the crowds to order your pint at the bar, before returning to stand in the middle of the road, obstructing pedestrians and cars trying to be in places other than bars. There’s no such thing as a “full bar” as far as I can tell.

The only limit on your ability to acquire a beverage is how many sweaty men in Barbour jackets you’re willing to worm through.

That is the foundation of our nation. And Football of course.

…

I don’t know what Canada is known for. (Maple syrup? Justin Trudeau’s hair?)

It’s not drinking. I’m sure of that.

In fact, it’s almost impossible to have a drink.

There are no good pubs (everything is a restaurant).

Drinking outside is illegal. Drinking standing up is illegal. And the worst bottle of wine you can buy costs at least $20.

You probably think I’m joking about drinking standing up. I’m not.

When I first moved to Canada, I went to meet an old friend for a drink at a Brewery. As I passed the windows walking up to door, there was barely anyone inside, except a few people sitting at the distantly spaced tables.