When I decided to study abroad in London I knew the language would be the same, but I had no idea how many other similarities there would be. Winston Churchill coined the term ‘special relationship’ in reference to the United States’ and Britain’s WWII alliance. Since then, the countries have collaborated on issues from foreign affairs to trade agreements. When the British needed help fighting in Argentina in the 80s, the United States was there. Similarly, when other countries hesitated to support American foreign wars after Sept. 11, 2001, Prime Minister Tony Blair did not.

London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral is a historical landmark that symbolizes hope and British strength. For 1,400 years a cathedral has been on its site, with the present cathedral built 300 years ago. St. Paul’s holds memorials to British heroes of the past and, as a working church, has also been home to historical services such as the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill. It has come to represent the resilience of the British people because it was bombed heavily during WWII but, like Britain, it’s still standing.

St. Paul’s is full of marble statues and enormous jewel-colored mosaics on its high ceilings. At this site of British nationalism, directly behind the High Altar, is the American Memorial Chapel dedicated to US servicemen stationed in the UK who died during WWII. Symbolically, in the same place Britain pays respect to its country it also respects ours. But the ties that bind the United States and the UK go beyond government cooperation.

Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Jay-Z dominate the UK Top 100 singles chart. Friends, The Hills, Scrubs and True Blood are constantly on television. Abercrombie and Fitch is still a teenage staple. I’ve even heard Springsteen’s ‘Born in the USA’ played by a DJ (and no, not at Sports Café). Starbucks, McDonalds, Pizza Hut and KFC all line the streets. With so much in common, it seems like more than 3,000 miles really isn’t that far.

Don’t get me wrong, Britain is definitely its own country. The soccer obsession, amazing pub food, classic taxis, the red telephone booths and landmarks such as Stonehenge and Big Ben, are all things America doesn’t have. There’s always the monarchy to admire and there are rules about manners and etiquette for escalators that the United States would never abide by.

For instance, when you take escalators in London you have to stand on the left or walk on the right, you can’t do the opposite or people will freak out. In addition, if you want directions you shouldn’t say, ‘I’m looking for Marylebone Station. Do you know where it is?’ Instead you say something like, ‘Excuse me, I’m really sorry to bother you, I know you’re just trying to cross the street, but I was wondering if you could maybe possibly tell me how to get to Marylebone Station?’

Historically, economically and culturally, a bond exists between Britain and America. This special relationship is discussed at length in my classes here, but it’s taught in more than just the classroom. As the weeks continue to roll by, a piece of this bond grows in my own personal outlook. I feel like I belong in this city now. My random fits of homesickness are getting fewer and farther between. My daily commute and favorite places to grab coffee are becoming routine. I love America and am excited to get back to country music, apple pies and 24-hour stores, but this country and all its quirks are starting to feel just like home.

Courtney Egelston is a junior magazine journalism and political science major. Her column appears weekly and she can be reached at cbegelst@syr.edu

Published on October 14, 2009 at 12:00 pm