English is not American

In most of my classes and in day to day life in London, I have learned that English is not American. One of my professors, British Youth Culture, went all the way back to the Beatles and fashion of the 60s. The Beatles wrapped themselves in the British flag, sang in British accents...it was the first time ever that a band/musical group fully distinguished themselves in their music without American influence. Because for centuries GB was heavily influenced by all aspects American, not that it still isn't, but it has fully distinguished itself. Most Brits, when asked about America, say 'just because we speak the same language doesn't mean we are the same country,' but then they'll continue by saying they love America and are the  most American-loving country in Europe - both statements holding true.
I personally was raised with a huge appreciation for Classic Rock and artists such as The Cars, Dire Straits, Lynard Skynard, The Eagles, etc so I'm somewhat unfamiliar with the Beatles, but I've definitely been learning a lot lately. They completely transformed GB and brought the English people's patriotism out of the roof. At one point John Lennon was quoted saying, "Now we're more popular than Jesus." In GB that was true. GB is a very secular nation, but in an contrasting way. We've learned and seen that 80% are Christian and only 20% atheist. However, they hardly ever attend church, because they feel that religion should be a private matter - it's their culture. For example, Tony Blair was Catholic and prayed with George Bush countless times, but he didn't publicly admit it until his 10 years of being Prime Minister was up. I just think it's unbelievably interesting how our nations differ in so many aspects, yet we fully influence each other and speak the same language.
Back to the whole secular religious idea, gay marriage sailed through Parliament in the 90s, but their government/state and religion are interwined - the Queen is the head of state and of the church...how does that work out? They are also a completely hierarchical society.First off, I don't think legal gay marriage will be sailing through our Senate anytime soon. Secondly, we don't have a hierarchal society we have more of a racial one. Example: interracial couples in the US (particularly the south) is the equivalent of a couple from different social classes in Britain. However, both of these aspects are more relaxed in our day and age with the ideas becoming more liberal.
I hope I haven't bored you with rambling facts and ideas, but as every day goes by that I'm here I'm more and more aware of how different yet similar GB and the US are. As you can tell, I am thoroughly enjoying my classes and learning unbelievable amounts - that was literally only a taste!
For the last 72, no joke, I've been working on booking trips throughout the end of the semester. It has been a task to say the least!!! To figure out where to go, when to go, the cheapest way to get there (50+ options), who to go with (I've known ppl here for 2 weeks), where to stay, the costs, etc, etc....it's incredible what goes into it! Soooo I pretty much got it nailed down last night and just have to finish booking everything...then there will be a HUGE sigh of relief and nothing left to do but get excited!!!
This morning I went for a run along the River Thames and it was gorgeous - probably one of the best Thursday mornings I've ever had! It took me less than 3 minutes to get to the Thames banks...gorgeous :)