British Expats

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-   -   The first week back (https://britishexpats.com/forum/back-home-158/first-week-back-730563/)

White-ishRose Sep 2nd 2011 12:31 am

Re: The first week back
 

Originally Posted by bigmattE (Post 9596259)
Apple crumble and custard. :thumbup:

Ooh yes - made with Bramley apples - must go and hunt some down!

Today my #13 in my list of things that ard good about being home is not culinary - it is the Robin. Not the quirky 3 wheeled car, but the small and perfectly formed bird. It brought a smile when he stopped by the front door this morning! I didn't realise how many things I had missed, these past few years...

Karrie72 Sep 2nd 2011 6:26 am

Re: The first week back
 

Originally Posted by charleygirl (Post 9595237)
haha I had two egg custard tarts back to back yesterday......
and tonight a T Bone steak with chinese shop gravy yum!!

Ooh, I'd love one of those egg custard tarts!

Karrie72 Sep 2nd 2011 6:28 am

Re: The first week back
 

Originally Posted by DDL (Post 9595307)
Love custard tarts - our local tearoom has the most awesome ones! But as for steaks, we've never, ever, ever had a good one over here. We've given up searching for a good one after disappointment upon disappointment.

That's true! I think America knows how to do steaks better.

usoruk Sep 2nd 2011 4:12 pm

Re: The first week back
 
So happy for you....going back is not failure, you are still moving forward in your life..I really admire all of you who pluck up the courage to do what feels right and make that move, however difficult it seems. There's me after 15 years still dithering about...US or UK!! the what if's and what will everybody say and how do I do it all etc...

How about the original All Day Breakfast, the high streets, trendy quality clothes, Marks and Spencers, cute solid brick homes/cottages and Brit TV, I can go on and on!!...these must be on your list!!!

Good luck

bigmattE Sep 3rd 2011 12:14 am

Re: The first week back
 
Do not forget Tesco. I missed it bad. We only really had walmart where we lived and it was like hillbilly day out. We seen some of the weirdest people in walmart. Do not get me started on folk we met in Missouri :(

Though, I do miss the walmart prices on torches etc. Maglights are so over priced in the UK. Good job I stocked up on all my hiking gear in the states.

I am so looking forward to christmas time in the city. Be my first one in 4 years. The holidays with my family once again. :thumbup:

J.J Sep 3rd 2011 3:09 am

Re: The first week back
 

Originally Posted by bigmattE (Post 9598135)

.............. Maglights are so over priced in the UK...............

It is amusing how one rather utility item like a Maglite can be marketed as a shiny desirable to another group - it illustrates the difference in desirability values or fashion held in esteem by different societies. It led to us receiving some rather apparently odd choices of Christmas gifts sent from UK to US (including a Maglite)

As for the desire for vehicle vanity number plates in the UK, I am forever puzzled when the significance can only be interpreted if you squint and miss out two of the digits.

All part of the culture adjustment of being back.

bigmattE Sep 3rd 2011 3:59 am

Re: The first week back
 

Originally Posted by J.J (Post 9598349)
It is amusing how one rather utility item like a Maglite can be marketed as a shiny desirable to another group - it illustrates the difference in desirability values or fashion held in esteem by different societies. It led to us receiving some rather apparently odd choices of Christmas gifts sent from UK to US (including a Maglite)

As for the desire for vehicle vanity number plates in the UK, I am forever puzzled when the significance can only be interpreted if you squint and miss out two of the digits.

All part of the culture adjustment of being back.

Argos and most places only sell the mini maglights in a gift box! and at 14.99 for it.
I was buying a 2 pack of those for $8.99 in walmart. I convert them to LED as they are not that bright at all. And a mini maglight is attached to my mobility scooter key chain. My wife says I have a crazy love of torches lol. I do admit, i kinda collect them. Sure as hell not paying 15 pounds for a mini mag in the UK.

JustBecause Sep 3rd 2011 6:43 pm

Re: The first week back
 
Have you seen the People of Walmart website? You couldn't make it up!

Bramley apples are definitely one of the first things I would have on return to the UK, can't wait...

White-ishRose Sep 3rd 2011 7:19 pm

Re: The first week back
 
OK, here's today's positive. This may only be a relevant positive when moving from the US.

#14. the price on the ticket is the price you pay. No sales tax added at the till!

Beedubya Sep 3rd 2011 10:23 pm

Re: The first week back
 

Originally Posted by DDL (Post 9595307)
Love custard tarts - our local tearoom has the most awesome ones! But as for steaks, we've never, ever, ever had a good one over here. We've given up searching for a good one after disappointment upon disappointment.


DDL I had a most beautiful steak here the other week. :thumbsup: And as you know I have lived in Australia for the past 30 years where steak is a must for any household. :lol:

It was at the end of the day at my local Sainsbury's where you can get bargains if you are lucky. I can't remember the cut (don't forget cuts are called by different names here than the US and Australia) but I do remember it was Scottish......got it home and cooked it in some garlic and a bit of olive oil.
Divine. :thumbup:

Beedubya Sep 3rd 2011 10:31 pm

Re: The first week back
 

Originally Posted by White-ishRose (Post 9596272)
Ooh yes - made with Bramley apples - must go and hunt some down!

Today my #13 in my list of things that ard good about being home is not culinary - it is the Robin. Not the quirky 3 wheeled car, but the small and perfectly formed bird. It brought a smile when he stopped by the front door this morning! I didn't realise how many things I had missed, these past few years...


I love the small birds that dart in and out of the trees here including Mr Robin. :) When I do my morning walk I almost always see at least one cute little rabbit with a white bobtail or a squirrel. :D

DDL Sep 3rd 2011 11:56 pm

Re: The first week back
 

Originally Posted by Beedubya (Post 9599504)
DDL I had a most beautiful steak here the other week. :thumbsup: And as you know I have lived in Australia for the past 30 years where steak is a must for any household. :lol: It was at the end of the day at my local Sainsbury's where you can get bargains if you are lucky. I can't remember the cut (don't forget cuts are called by different names here than the US and Australia) but I do remember it was Scottish......got it home and cooked it in some garlic and a bit of olive oil.
Divine. :thumbup:


Thanks for this, Barb. I'll bear it in mind (I've heard that Scottish Angus steak is more 'gamey' tasting that steaks that we're used to?) ... but I was talking about eating out.

Me? Cook? Ha! I do as little of it as possible. :o

BTW, got my latest issue of The Lady on Friday - no Residential Manager jobs in this issue at all. But as promised, whenever I see one, I'll let you know. :thumbup:

alicat26 Sep 4th 2011 1:35 am

Re: The first week back
 

Originally Posted by White-ishRose (Post 9599250)
#14. the price on the ticket is the price you pay. No sales tax added at the till!


I'll second that!! It's annoying trying to work out the price plus 6% sales tax on items at the till - I never understood why they can't just add it in the the displayed price on the item/or on the shelf.

I'm glad to hear you're enjoying your time back so far, it sounds wonderful.

Can I suggest another couple of items to add to the list:- Proper cheese (no plastic crap)
Proper bread - with no sugar added!!
Proper chocolate

:)

Karrie72 Sep 4th 2011 1:37 am

Re: The first week back
 

Originally Posted by bigmattE (Post 9598135)
Do not forget Tesco. I missed it bad. We only really had walmart where we lived and it was like hillbilly day out. We seen some of the weirdest people in walmart. Do not get me started on folk we met in Missouri :(

Though, I do miss the walmart prices on torches etc. Maglights are so over priced in the UK. Good job I stocked up on all my hiking gear in the states.

I am so looking forward to christmas time in the city. Be my first one in 4 years. The holidays with my family once again. :thumbup:

Haha, I have to brace myself when walking into our local Walmart and always come leave feeling distinctly 'unclean'. The most bizarre people...where do they come from? Can't beat the prices though and with three kids I appreciate that.

Beedubya Sep 4th 2011 2:04 am

Re: The first week back
 

Originally Posted by JustBecause (Post 9599212)
Have you seen the People of Walmart website? You couldn't make it up! Bramley apples are definitely one of the first things I would have on return to the UK, can't wait...


That was sooo funny, thanks for the Sunday laugh!! :lol:


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