The current passion for things British helps, she added.

This standard television relationship of super detective and solid assistant is by now a British thing.

Like the other 42 members of the expatriate group, she continues to be infatuated with all things British.

A really great breakfast is not just a British thing.

The fact that tipping culture isn't a culturally British thing goes some way to explaining the typically poor service one gets here.

"It's a British thing if something gets bad publicity, then everyone has to jump on the bandwagon."

It's not a very British thing to do.

"It's an old British thing that's lost," she agrees, when I bring the subject up.

She definitely has that British thing of the unknown surprise.