I'm homesick!
 

2 months here and I'm getting really, really homesick. Has anyone else gone through Uk withdrawals? I know it's gorgeous here, and it beats London in some respects, but wow, I miss home!

Andy

Re: I'm homesick!
 

2 months...its to be expected. Homesickness / Culture shock affects most people some point in the first 6 months.

Wish I had something constructive to offer, but it just takes time to pass. :)

Might pass quicker if you can get out there and meet some locals with similar interests, even the "newcomers groups" might help just to get out and explore if you havent. I would hesitate to meet up with expats though... its a bit insular, and misery loves company.

Re: I'm homesick!
 

It passes.
I went through it at round 2 months, get some mates, get out into 'canadian' life and a week from now you'll think I 'phookin' lurve it 'ere I'm NEVER going back'

Re: I'm homesick!
 

well...i could be one of the last people to listen to if you are fed up, as everyone on this forum knows by now, i gave up after around 1 year!!
but my scenario was that my family and kids were involved, and they were not settling down very well, and with higher studies beckoning very soon, i had to make a quick decision, so i opted to come back, at least until their studies are over.
if you punch my name in the search box, you can get an idea of what was going through my mind at that time!
what i would suggest is, like iaink, to give it a lot more time--at least more than a year, as by that time you will have "grown" into the place hopefully.
ok, we are happy to be back, yes, but i am not too chuffed at whats happening in the uk presently with unchecked immigration, a govt gone crazy, law and order seemingly unable to control simple criminality, etc etc.
so if were you, give it some time, as most likely, if you do come back, you will probably kick yourself for doing so after a while, believe me!! :o

Re: I'm homesick!
 

It is so hard going to a new country (I went from Vancouver to the UK) but at about 2 months I was told "The Rules":

1. Never call home when you're homesick.
2. Every weekend go to a different area and see somewhere you've never seen before.
3. Go to every free lecture, concert, art exhibit, museum you can find. In a year you'll have too much of a life to see them!
4. Put yourself out there - join classes, ask your workmates/classmates out for a drink
5. Make sure you decide to stick it out for 1 year. That way you'll have lived through every season, holiday and tons of emotions but what ever you decide you'll have given it a chance!!!!

Good luck!

Re: I'm homesick!
 

On the whole , myself and hub (+2 kids) are really happy here, love our lifestyle, love all that we have now and all that we do.........but still have the odd pang of homesickness. It usually hits when you are feeling low, ie a bit unwell, tired, had a crap day with 2 screaming children etc etc.....but we can see the pangs for what they are, get used to them and don't beat yourself up about how you are feeling. In our case, it passes and we are usually happy as Larry again.
As you can see, ours is relatively minor and to be expected with a huge life change. Other people get it a lot more severe and can't see the wood for the trees. I hope thats not the case for you as that must be horrendous !

Re: I'm homesick!
 

Homesick, or needing the security blanket of familiarity? If it's the latter, remember that what you have done is not much different from moving from London to, say, Edinburgh.

People don't miss places; they miss people. Mostly they miss mixing with people. Find some people to know.

When I came here (six years ago), about the first thing I did was find a local pub. I made a point of getting to know the bar staff. They introduced me to other regulars, who introduced me.......

I had new mates before I had the chance to miss my mates back in the UK.

Just my view on this. It might not be to the taste of all.

Re: I'm homesick!
 

... are there no other BUNACers out there with you to share the pain with, or did they scatter like seeds in the wind once you arrived?

Re: I'm homesick!
 

I haven't read any of your other posts but I presume you're a Bunacer from the above one..

If you're just there for an experience have you thought about going up to Whistler instead? It's SO easy to meet people up there and you'll have a blast. Loads of other Bunacers up there.

Otherwise, like everyone says, join some classes, get out and see things, try new things and just generally keep busy and active.

I think most people hit the homesickness around 2/3 months.

I'm back in Whistler beginning of October so if you fancy coming up, PM me and I'll show you around. :)

Re: I'm homesick!
 

My sister, who has lived in Vancouver for 30 years or so, told me that when she first went there by herself, she made herself stay for a year. She said there was lots of times before that when she would have gladly gone home again, but she had made that decision and stuck it out - and she's still there.

Re: I'm homesick!
 

Sounds like you need a boyfriend
Any single blokes out there want to take a pirate out for a date? ;)
Good luck with the homesickenss, I hope it passes very quickly.

Re: I'm homesick!
 

Not strictly true. I'm really missing North Wales at the moment. I'm missing the scenery and the experience of walking up a bloody big hill, getting lost and finding some spectacular views.

Although I haven't made any friends outside my OH's existing circle here yet, which is a bit frustrating, but that's probably down to living in a small town and being stuck in with a small baby a lot of the time.

So yeah - I'm missing "people" too.

If I really wanted to be morose, I could honestly say there are four things I am missing at the moment.

1 - Weekends in Wales (as above).
2 - Decent beer (seriously!).
3 - Football.
4 - British humour.

Re: I'm homesick!
 

Hey Andy, homesickness and culture shock are normal. Have a read:
http://www.doctortravel.ca/tips/culture_shock/

A friend of mine moved to Hawaii a few years ago and she suffered greatly... inbetween her surfing lessons and hikes through lush tropical paradises. :rolleyes: ;)

... it will be alright.

Re: I'm homesick!
 

Ive been here in Vancouver for just a month, am I a homesick too. Its hard to make friends I find because most peope already have established friends, but I have started to look for meet ups, if you search the for vancouver meet ups there is a british one that meet up once a month.

I have met up yet as I only found it the other day, but I know what it feels like too.

Re: I'm homesick!
 

Great link..... thanks very much! I am sending it to my bro who has just moved to the Carribbean for two years!

Some might say lucky thing!!! ... but he is working for the police and already regaling us with stories of shootings and machete attacks!! :eek:

His wife is trying to counter this with photos of their house on the beach and hammocks and fire-pits etc :p

I especially like the fact that you can flit from stage to stage and back again on a daily basis. That is me at the moment!! :rolleyes: