An American's 13-Year Epiphany in London: What He Learned About Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Ice Cream

Evan Edinger moved to London over a decade ago for what was supposed to be a temporary adventure, but 13 years later, he’s more of a Brit than an American. His journey has led him to confront numerous assumptions about living in the U.S. that he never questioned before—especially those surrounding gun culture. Having grown up in a pro-gun household, he admits that living in a society with strict gun laws has opened his eyes to how differently he views safety and freedom now.

Beyond firearms, Edinger dives into the downright shocking world of healthcare, consumer rights, and even worker protections. He points out that in Europe, there’s a more humane approach to both healthcare and workers’ rights, finding that Americans often have to consider the cost of being sick. His reflections also touch on quality of food, public transport, and the oft-romanticized notion of life abroad. Through humor and a few cravings for good old American Mexican food, Edinger shines a light on the beauty of discovering how life in another country can reshape your view of home. Edinger’s experiences prompt us to reflect: what do we take for granted in our own lives?