Home thoughts...

We have invited a mix of journalists and young Europeans living in London from all 27 EU Member States to look at their homelands from the UK. We discover what they think is essential about their national culture: a personal snapshot. What makes them think of home? What do they miss or carry with them? We are not talking stereotypes but the familiar things which help give life its solidity and bearings.

Life of a Finn in London by Tuuli Hongisto
I left Helsinki in October 2004 to go abroad for a gap year (or maybe half, if it didn't go too well), and like many young people coming to London before and after me, took a job in a bar. I had a splendid time, as any 21 year old would in that environment, and decided to apply for a university place...>>

Italia, mamma mia! by MariaBeatrice Fazi
Living in a foreign country gives you a not-to-be-underestimated asset: perspective. You learn to look at your own country from a distance. This doesn't mean being detached or indifferent. In fact, never as now have I felt so strongly about my country, my culture, my people. >>

Britain and Ireland: Fraternal twins by Luke O'Neill
For an Irishman, coming to work in the UK is part of a heritage that spans back centuries. Terry Wogan, Graham Norton, Bob Geldof, Roy Keane... Seriously though, in making the journey from Dublin to London, I traced a well worn path made by thousands before. I'm sure it will be made by thousands after me, too. >>

Little Portugal in Great Britain by Rita Guerreiro
Coming from a small country like Portugal, arriving in London can be a mixture of shock and excitement. In a city where it would be possible to fit almost the entire Portuguese population, one can feel a little dizzy in the hectic streets and underground stations. >>


Don't mention...Britain, Germany and the debate about Europe... by Kathrin Haimerl
All Europe loves Angela Merkel. Queen for a day. Merkel kisses her way through Europe. This is how German tabloid Bild covered the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome. >>


Siesta, Fiesta, Tapas... by Maria Pomes
I confess: I have been feeling homesick recently! Being a Spaniard in London the first months of the year can sometimes be challenging: while people back at home are already out on the beach on holiday, here we are still unable to leave our umbrellas at home! >>


Romanian in Britain by Cristina Irimie
Ages ago, when I was beginning my adventure as a Romanian Londoner, I used to travel all the way from Seven Sisters in North East London to West Kensington to find Polish food similar to Romanian food. I wouldn't have imagined then that in a few years time I would be able to find Romanian food and wine everywhere in London. >>

Mysterious sounds and mysterious silence by Julian Popov
Now Bulgaria is exposed. Entering the EU is a kind of unwrapping, walking out of the twilight zone between Europe and, what we consider, dark Asia. We were wrapped there and through one little peephole in our box for many centuries we have been observing and absorbing and singing to ourselves. >>

The time is now for Poland by Dorota Brauntsch, London
Polska kielbasa, polskie produkty, polski sklep. Polish signs all over London are hard to miss. Wherever I go I hear Polish spoken, I meet Poles, I can buy any Polish product I want. I was literally shocked when I arrived in Britain last year and I saw Polish stores on every corner." >>


A dream came true....How Germany has changed its international approach by Udo Seiwert-Fauti, Edinburgh
As 2006 ends and the German Presidency of the European Union begins, Udo Seiwert-Fauti based in Edinburgh looks back to an "everything changing" summer and the effects of the 2006 World Cup on the Germans' perception of themselves....." >>

Moralism and irreverence by Jan Maarten Slagter
The Dutch church at Austin Friars in the City of London is the oldest of its kind in the world. Established in 1550 by Protestants who had fled the Catholic Spanish oppression in the Netherlands, the name 'Dutch church' is in fact a bit of an anachronism....." >>