Thydney

Gobsmacked means stuck for words and isn't new

Cricket like golf FFS woman

madeofkent

Random!

madeofkent

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jt5P_...eature=related

cybersecretary

The only thing I would miss about living in the US is the weather where we are and the fact that the rooms in our house are HUGE cf. UK house. Other than that I would leave here tomorrow if given the chance, despite the downsides to living in the UK - and there are many! I dont hate it but its just something that we have to do for now - although I have just got back after a months visit back home, and had an excellent time fitting in 6 months of my social life into 4 weeks, I even popped into work. It all made me think that although I live in California, I have no life here - and I have done everything possible to integrate. At the end of the day home is where the heart is, and the UK is where mine is. However, it has taken a relocation here to make me realise and appreciate that.

ukelaine

Wish you were closer, you sound how I feel

Some people can adapt better than others. I've tried as well.

I think the area we live in didn't help me, but, now my circumstances are such, that I couldn't move if I wanted to.

If you ever want to chat, let me know

Dan725

Aye, gobsmacked has been around forever - I can't remember it ever not being in use, certainly not come about in the last 15 years!

ukelaine

Well, I actually left UK 20 years ago.

Only came back twice since then and once was for my mum's funeral and once more after that and I didn't get to go many places either times, so, it's quite possible I never came across the term.

lyndilou

hi there all the others are right but if you want to get clothes and other things cheaper I suggest you find an out of town shoping centre such as Mcarthur Glen. they have a lot of the good shop such as NExt Marks & SPencers Clarkes Gloria Jeans and many more but they are all discounted stuff. Some up to 50%. And if you keep your receipts you can claim the value added tax you pay on them back at the airport. My son did this with a load of clothes bought at Marks and Spencers. Hope this helps and have a great time

Jerseygirl

You may find this recent thread about claiming VAT back on purchases in the UK helpful.

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...iming+VAT+back

pejpm1

I moved over here on 1st April and am going back for my first visit at the end of August. I cant wait!! I like it here but I'm definitely starting to miss home. I cant imagine what it must be like to have been away for 15 years.

cybersecretary

Ass bless yer heart. I cant imagine feeling like this for the next 15 years, our assignment is only for 2.5 years!, but there were times that were harder than others - the first month was a bitch and worrying about parents is never easy, but that would happen even if you lived in the next town - however it does get easier. I could do longer if it was right for the family as a whole but it would be hard - thank god for the other brits I have met over this way. OH has finally got arse in gear and getting Inhumane Resources to sort out applying for my EAD, I am a bit of a freak in that I REALLY enjoy work, it gives me a sense of purpose and belonging - I even did some interviewing for them when we were back - not that its the be all and end all, but it certainly makes me feel that I am more than a wife and mother. I gotta tell you, my month of socialising was brilliant - we go home every 6 months (thank you to OH's company for paying for this) - I tend to have to put my body into rehab when we get back - you are in for one hell of a party!!

Hove

[QUOTE=ukelaine;6599565]Yes, I have a family member who works for an Airline, normally summer months are a No No for stand by, but as so few are flying it's ok this year, thank God. We are going stand by 1st class, so I'm praying hard. The thought of over 10 hours on a plane with actual LEG ROOM !! Priceless

As I live close to the Border, asking if someone speaks English is a common thing here, although, usually it's the other way round, do you speak spanish.

Some stores like Walmart are JAMMED pack, again, living near the border.

What new sayings / swear words are there in England ?

I've heard Gobsmacked, which I think means WOW ??

I had to laugh trying to explain that my daughter may not be able to see a football match, but, she could watch Cricket. She then asks what's Cricket ?
I tried to explain it's like Golf but, even more boring to watch

At present I'm trying to find some fairly cheap luggage, for some reason everywhere I go they sell SETS, I don't need sets, just large suitcases !

Plus, with this type of stand by you have to dress so that you look like you can afford 1st class and you can't dress like a superstar or rich bum.
Hard to find something in the summer in San Diego, that is conservative and no sandals ![/
Find a Big Lots store I bought a carry on for $15 been every where with me

fogga4000

I think England has seen many changes in the last 15 years. I think we're almost back to the 1980's cynicism. One thing I like about the U.S is the enthusiasm and positivity. Britain has become a negative and miserable place. I'm just about to move to the U.S and although a number of things concern me I'm glad to be leaving. I'll really miss my friends and family but England as a place I will not.
Young (chavs) people hanging around on street corners pestering people, loud drunken idiots ruining the town centres and the economic downturn are all factors effecting the country. Their seems to be a general lack of love and respect for each other(especially amongst young people) over here at the moment and that is really something that saddens me.
One thing I've found with the U.S that I really love and it's the same in europe is that people are so much warmer, they always meet with a hug and I think it tends to break the ice straight away(perhaps this is just my experience?). I think people in england are so much more judgemental and instantly are making judgements against you and are trying to pick negatives out.

Anyhoo I guess you know much more about the states then me but thats my experiences so far, I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on this?

Stu

Tujeste

Football season is about to start Hove - lots of friendly "warm-up" games going on so your daughter may get a chance to see a game. Check the club websites.

New words... hmmmm I was confused by "minging" when we returned to the UK as I'd not come across that before (= unattractive ) but that seems to have dropped out of continual use over the last year or so (we've been back in the UK for 5 years after 10 years in Northern Cal)

As for shocks - I dont think you'll get too many

Elliott

One thing that i noticed going back after a few years was that all the parks and open green spaces are now flats. Larger homes had been converted into flats. The pubs on the coast overlooking the ocean had been knocked down and are now flats. Its all flats flats flats. And on top of that all my friends were complaining that they could not start a family because they both needed to work full time in order to afford a mortgage on a flat.