About

Hello,  my name is Melissa and I’m a professional Britophile.

 Thanks for visiting my blog.

I assume you are here because you have at least a passing interest in the ninth largest island in the world called Great Britain or what so many lovingly refer to as ol’ Blighty.

Or maybe you’re like me, barking mad over it, which makes you what I call a Britophile.

What’s a Britophile, I hear you asking? Isn’t that the same thing as an Anglophile?

Well, frankly, no.

If you check the dictionary, you’ll see an Anglophile is defined as someone who admires England and English culture.

While I love England,  I adore Scotland and Wales as well,  which make up the rest of Great Britain.

So I’m sorry, the title Anglophile just doesn’t cut it for me and I’m proud to call myself a Britophile, a term that is growing in use and popularity. (See my entry in Webster’s Online Dictionary)

 

But what makes me qualified to write this blog and give you information and advice on Great Britain?

1. I’ve been fascinated with Great Britain for 31 years, since the age of 13. (You’re doing the math in your head right now, aren’t you?)

2. In 1988, I moved to England where I lived for three years.

3. I was once married to a Scotsman.

4. I have a son who is half Scottish and a citizen of Great Britain. (I’m a proud mum.)

5. I love a proper cup of tea (and if you know what I’m talking about, then you know what I’m talking about.)

6. I watch so much British television and listen to so much British radio that on most days the only American accents I hear belong to my husband and son (who if you ask him, can do a crackin’ Glaswegian one on cue.) My husband has jokingly referred to our home as Little Britain.

7. I am studying European history with the intention of attending graduate school in British Studies.

8. I love British history and read tons of books on the subject.

9. I have traveled and will continue to travel to Great Britain as much as time and money will allow.

10. I have a very strong connection to Great Britain through family lineage that I have traced back 500 years.

That's me, taking part in a Visit Britain campaign.

 

So why a blog?

When I started this blog three years ago, my intention was to connect with others who shared my passion for Britain.

Other than my parents, I rarely found another person to talk to who had the same depth of interest I had; it felt like I was on an island of my own.

Now,  I have a network of online friends and readers who share my love for all things British and I couldn’t be happier.

Writing this blog is one of the passions of my life and I appreciate everyone who takes the time to read it.

As I pass the third anniversary of Smitten by Britain, I am re-evaluating my goals for the blog.

My hope is to begin making a small income that I can use to finance my travels to Britain.  (Read my disclosure policy here.)

In turn, I will share these experiences with my readers, bringing more of the best of Blighty to the blogosphere.

I hope you’ll stay with me as I continue my journey in Britophilia.

I’m glad to have you here.

Cheers!

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