I said state schools because 'public schools' in the UK are private schools - I edited this message because I just re-read your message and realise that your would know that!

We looked at the Carden school in Fresno when we first got here. When we pulled up there, we saw that it is comprised of two rows of shacks (literally) that I wouldn't even use as allotment sheds (LOL) and behind it, there is a massive, expensive-looking church. I may be putting two and two together and coming up with five, but if the school fees are clearly not going towards the school buildings, then they must be going somewhere else...

If you struggle to get rid of your house I'll give you $50k and a wet weekend in Northern Ireland...deal?!!!

You took the words right out of my mouth.

Jamie Oliver is generally believed to have sorted out the problem of alleged crap food in American schools during his foodie time over there...obviously he didn't quite make it work. He did his bit carrying the Olympic Torch when it was being relayed around Essex the other day - somewhere around Chelmsford or Harlow or some such TOWIE place down there.

How could he possibly do that?

You really talk utter drivel, and your tiresome stereotypes are just pathetic.

He tried. He failed.

Most schools that tried, reverted back.

Maybe he's a magician....

I'm in Fresno too, coming up to my third year here. Sorry it hasn't worked out for you, I hope that whatever you decide, either to move back to the UK or to look for another location in the US, that it works out for you = )

Found this old pic of Fresno a while back.



I tried to look up the same view today but. Sadly everything in this postcard appears to have been demolished in the name of 'progress'. If it still looked like that it might give Harrogate a run for it's money.

That is Fresno?
It's incredible what gets destroyed in the name of 'progress' isn't it?

Thanks Cherrypi,
I just don't want to force myself to continue to live in a place I don't want to be - hope that makes sense?
It's actually made me appreciate the UK a lot more and not take certain things for granted, so that alone makes it worthwhile. When I talk to people back home, as I do a few times a day, every day, I just connect with them on a level that is impossible here (and I'm not just talking about family) due to cultural differences etc. I try not to be negative, but I find myself thinking negative thoughts too often here, eg, getting irritated by small things. So, it really is time to go home! Again, this is a Fresno-specific comment.

It looks a lot like Disney's Main Street USA in Magic Kingdom, if you replace the town hall type building at the end with the Cinderella Castle.

What does it look like now? Walmart, Macdonalds, CVS and Payday lenders?

Good luck with your move back! It really is a shame that you don't feel that connection with people here, and on many levels I understand. As you said before, its hard to be the round peg trying to fit into the square hole!

We finished off an iced fruit cake from Bettys last night and only have 2 biscuits remaining

Best wishes for your move back, glad you aren't bitter and see it as an experience rather than a huge waste of your life.