Maxine, when we were over there in 2011 we sat on a bench with a couple of older gents and had a wonderful time discussing all thins.
They were very keen to get to know us and help us with our understanding of the local life so I encourage you to just sit with them and introduce yourself as they could be a gold mine of information for you.
We have made friends with a maltese couple who are extremely keen to help us with our knowledge and understanding of their country.
You are right to say its not England and of course it never will be so I think you have right to try and see their country through their eyes and make adjustments to your way of thinking.
Good luck in your search for your final place. It seems such a long way still for us before we get there in April next year and then it will be only for one month as our plan is to arrive in 2016.