Hi everyone,

We are currently having a big problem getting internet as apparently the cables have been cut through in another location, but looks like it could go on for even longer, in the meantime I am going to attempt a quick summary on my phone.

Overall subjective impressions

Feels 'right'. No longer an oddity. Belong and connect.

It's beautiful! Gorgeous countryside abounds, so many lovely old buildings, cool new architecture, 'gritty' parts of town can be visited without getting shot. Huge amount of regeneration going on. Big shopping centres, restaurants with large outdoor eating areas, vastly improved interior design.

Food and drink: out of this world!

Work

My husband already had a job lined up. I don't know how easy it would be to find one on spec.

Practicalities

We needed a lump sum of money to start up with, as generally our US credit rating was worthless. The exception was npower, a utility company. I think we would have had a big problem getting a rental, but fortunately the university where my husband works has some housing available to rent to staff. We have a broker looking into the mortgage situation but have not made an application so I don't know how that will go. Apparently they like 3 years' UK residence, but some will take deposit and income into account. Most will only allow a mortgage term going up to retirement age.

Registering with a GP was no problem. They just wanted something with our address on. Referral to a specialist is simple, you can choose from a list of appointments. The waiting time for mine was 5 weeks. I would imagine something urgent would be quicker.

Electoral roll is done online. NI number for my daughter, was done by telephoning the relevant number from gov.uk and they mailed it.

We had kept our bank account. The bank was a bit funny about giving my daughter an account without proof of address, but eventually they agreed to do it with passport.

Driving - roads in urban areas do seem narrow and roundabouts look daunting. I have let my husband do all the 'difficult driving' (ie almost everything) so far.

Personal

We left our son, a university senior, in California. He seems to be coping all right so far. He plans to take US citizenship, and consider his options once he's graduated. We'll see him at Christmas.

My daughter has to make the transition from Calabasas to Norwich. At the moment, she seems fine about it but is taking the view that she will go back. She and her boyfriend Skype every waking minute and he is coming over for Christmas too.

My husband is satisfied with his workplace; it's back where he used to be so he knows the 'warts and all'!

As an empty nester I have to define my role/fill my time, not such a bad problem to have

Great to see an update from you and good to know things are going well

Good luck with the mortgage app and continuing house hunt (or have you found somewhere yet?) I've always found myself really excited/enthusiastic about looking at houses to start with, but then get really bored with it quite quickly

Glad you are settling in. I hear you on the driving bit, it took me a while to get used to driving over here on the narrower roads. I am OK on the rural roads now, but think I will avoid city driving forever.

Thanks rebs! We found a place which we think would suit us. Thought I'd better not put every single one on my 'railway line' thread We just have to sort out the mortgage before we can make an offer.

Thanks. Yes I just have to go for it. Mañana!

Very happy to see that the move back has been a resounding success. It is very useful that the university has housing available for employees - I think we (academics) have it so much easier in many ways when it comes to the whole expat thing. I respect all of those expats that are prepared to step out into the void without the security blanket/s that we have (H1b visas, employers used to international hires, etc.)

A year or so ago I applied for a job at the same university (I think) as your husband is working (I'm using the Edgbaston address as a clue ... ), but I came second. If/when I retire early I may still look for some P-T or temp teaching there, which I think/hope may be a bit easier.

Thanks dunroving!

Yes, it has some advantages although it was like pulling teeth to get the post finalised and accommodation sorted. If a real international hire had turned up at the house they would have run a mile, luckily we are not afraid to get our hands dirty - literally

Sorry you didn't get the job, that would have been a good fit for you. How cool if you do come here for some p/t stuff!

Sounds like it's all going well. I'm sure you're not missing the 100 degree weather!! Good luck with everything. And I totally hear u on the driving issue. When I move back I will stick to buses and trains!

Sally, I am so happy for you and your family. I hope all continues to go well.

Getting around even in the gritty areas without fear of being shot, is all I want out of life too ....cracked me up.

Is there anything you have missed about the U.S so far?

Please continue to keep us updated.

No joking, we were sitting outside at my friend's house in Chelmsford yesterday and it started to get too hot for me.
Thanks both of you for the good wishes.

I have not missed a single thing. Just need my son, daughter's b/f and N1cky to move over here

Sounds like it's all going pretty well.

Fantastic!
You just need to get creative in luring your son and daughter's bf shouldn't be too difficult.

Thanks Mummy. Hope you're all doing well too.

I thought you had been in UK longer! Your posts just seem like you have been there for ages. Where is the place where you live? Sound marvellous..

Sounds like it is all falling into place for you both. Looking forward to more updates in the future

Hi fulwood. We are living in Birmingham but that was an impressionistic view including other places we've visited - Norwich, Eastbourne, London and Chelmsford.