Things I've learned Since Being Back in the UK
 

Hi everyone! I know I haven't been around much lately. I haven't forgotten BE or the wonderful help I received here! My course is just taking over my life at the moment...

Anyway, I thought I'd just update with some things I've learned since being back here. It's just for fun, and hopefully I won't offend anyone.

:fingerscrossed::thumbsup:

1) How to pack a fridge properly. There's not a lot of space in the standard UK fridge, and learning to pack one correctly so that you get all the food in and don't cause leaks, spillage and other destruction is a good idea- especially if like me, you're used to the massive sea-faring vessel that is a US fridge.

2) How to cross the road like a Londoner: i.e, with styyyyyyle. Yup. I do it now- dodge cleverly into the street, narrowly avoiding busses and other pedestrians, and make it to the other side like I was just out for a little stroll in the garden, my hair's not mussed is it? These are no country roads chaps, these are busy South London thorofares and admittedly it scared the living daylights out of me the first time I did it. But it's now a necessary evil in the time of traffic-light crossings and late students.

3)Good quality food makes all the difference. This is a big one. I've been cooking entirely on my own for the first time this year (my mum used to help me out by doing the meats for me- now I'm on that job too.) It really is nice though knowing that not everything you buy in the frozen section has an obscene amount of calories, that your deli meat is still mostly meat, and that a chicken isn't easily mistaken for a turkey.

4) When you feel like you belong, you do. I like it here- people say I sound like a Londoner, and I've been on hyperdrive since I got off the plane learning my surroundings and the little cultural nods that they didn't have in america. It wasn't easy- I was shocked at first by the way people will discuss sex in perfectly innocent conversations without the slightest hint of selfconsciouness or naughtiness or anything- it's just matter of fact. Same with race, religion, politics and pretty much every thing else I was given to understand I must never to mention outside the house because it turns people into weirdos. Brits know how to laugh at themselves, and laugh they do. I've found that it's okay to have an irreverent sense of humour, although I still struggle with expressing myself after not really being able to for so long.

5) Going back to America to visit will be fun. Going back to live will be impossible. England's way too good. London's even better. I'd love to see the states again in a year, when I'm not half american anymore, when I don't remember what it feels like to have warm weather in the winter, when I can't remember what Macy's is. That's going to be amazing I think. For the time being, I need more time. I want to sort of wash away the 'before' and start knowing things about what's going on here, now, in this country.

6) I like rain. Which is good. Because that's what the weather does here. Seriously though, there are few things I like better than waking up to the sound of rain in the morning or falling asleep to it at night.

7) Life's bloody expensive, but you can eat at least. You can. If you're not too picky, food is really inexpensive- I spent £8 in the market, and got enough produce to last me two weeks and then some. I've got a fully stocked fruit bowl, and veg to boot. Nice. Oh, and BoB. Bring your own Bags! You definitely need sturdy ones because you either pay for plastic, or it tears on you on the way home.

8) Tea. Dear sweet Jane the tea. *sigh* I drink at least one cup every day. EVERY day. I didn't really believe that I'd ever develop a tea habit, but I find it comforting, comfortable, and a great way to avoid talking when you really don't want to a la: "I'll just go put the kettle on then..."

9) Hotdogs come in jars. It makes for easier opening. I actually really like the british/polish/general european version of hot dogs better than the all american ones. These ones might still have meat in them.

10) home is somewhere that makes you stop stressing about where you are, where you should be, and where you're going next, and that's just how I feel now that I'm here. I don't have that weird, anxiety in the back of my mind that I could actually "live" if I were somewhere else, I don't feel stifled or trapped anymore. In fact, I don't even think about where I am, or wanting to run away, or how much I want to "get out of here" or anything- I just think about cooking, or meeting up with friends, or doing coursework, I think about everything but, and no matter where I am, I can always find something I like about that little corner of the world. It's so different, and I love it.

Re: Things I've learned Since Being Back in the UK
 

Sounds like you're enjoying the experience. Long may it continue.

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Ha ha brilliant!

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Good morning London.

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Tel8, What a wonderful post. I am so glad that things are going so well and I love your enthusiasm:)

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There's no place like home .......there's no place like home ............... there's no place like home .....

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Thank you, thank you - lovely post and for just 2/3 minutes I was back - oh well...back to lala land for now.

Glad your having fun

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Take another 2/3 minutes and imagine a bacon buttie, fish & chips, a pork pie, bacon, gravy on Yorkshire Puds, really good sausages, pasties, cake and scones and shortbread etc.

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Tel8

Thats a lovely post, being an ex londoner I laughed about crossing the road (you definitely brought back fond memories, I am a south london girl as well).

These are all the things I miss (apart from meat bits we are veggie's) and cannot wait to return to. We are in Arizona so understand about the heat!

Keep on enjoying the UK and life.:)

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What a lovely post! Sounds like you have really embraced your new life and that will serve you very well in the future. What a beautiful definition of "home". All the best and thanks for sharing!:starsmile:

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Great post, Tel8. You know how to celebrate life!

Bev

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Loved reading this post, I so appreciate hearing from those who have moved back, both the good and bad.

Thanks!

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home is somewhere that makes you stop stressing about where you are, where you should be, and where you're going next, and that's just how I feel now that I'm here. I don't have that weird, anxiety in the back of my mind that I could actually "live" if I were somewhere else, I don't feel stifled or trapped anymore. In fact, I don't even think about where I am, or wanting to run away, or how much I want to "get out of here" or anything- I just think about cooking, or meeting up with friends

That's beautiful. Thanks for putting into words how some of us are feeling!

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Great to hear your update and your take on London, kind of sums it all up very well! Can't wait to get there and shop again! I feel like I am back in the 80's here in Canada! So glad you are happy :thumbsup:

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Thanks - Flights booked for Xmas - I'm going to enjoy my full English breakfast in the afternoon:)

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Tel8,

your post brought a smile to my face. So good to read your thoughts. It warms my heart to think that I will be in the UK next year :fingerscrossed: So until that time I will continue to read your posts whenever you get a chance to write and enjoy to tidbits you include in them:thumbsup:

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What a great post and it's so good to hear you're settling in so well.

Just one thing ... only one cup of tea a day?? Oh love, you need to pick up the pace a little bit :lol:

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:lol: I thought that too.

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So true! I've finally hung up my ruby red slippers for the time being :thumbsup:

Thanks Curleytops, I'm so grateful to be back- through and through!

Thanks Jeannie! Are you this side of the pond or elsewhere?

Lol! The shopping is beyond words- I'm a clothes horse and I honestly don't even want to think about how much money I've spent since I've been back... but I do so love my wardrobe...

Yes! I had to stop myself from having one every time I went out in the first few weeks!

Oh Thank you Brigette! I truly can't wait to hear that you're back over this side- I'll have my fingers crossed for you too!

:lol: Yes! I definitely do- some of my course mates are leaving me in the dust! We've installed a kettle in the staff kitchen which is now unofficially the student kitchen, and everyone's started bringing their own mug! I've only got three at the minute, but I'll head out this weekend and get another two (for school use :D )

Bud: That picture made me want to have my own little place with a garden and a cat... what's happening? Is adulthood finally pending?! Lol- seriously though, I can't wait to have a permanent home here. I'm currently in Halls (in a nice hall now as I've moved) but I would really really like a home that no one can take away from me at the end of the year, where I could keep a cat... and maybe a dog too... and a boyfriend... (but the last might be too messy to clean up after.)

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great update. so glad you are happy.

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What a fabulous post. I LOVE it!!!

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Hi Tel8! Great to hear that you are feeling so at home already. I'm loving being back too!
I hope things carry on getting better and better for you, and keep cultivating the tea habit!

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I just love this! It is so encouraging on those days when I worry things won't go as well as I've planned. I hope you will keep posting for those of us still left behind:)

:britflag: 4 MORE YEARS!!!

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Oh thank you! That made me really happy, Im SO excited to be heading back to London, I cant wait to get a proper winter coat when winter comes! But what about the curry? and have you had sweet and sour prawn balls? cant get them in Oz, yeah I know theyre bad...but lush!

I also miss those huge tea rounds at work having to make 20 cups and remember who has what! doesnt happen here.....

small things....big smile!!

:thumbsup:

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Maybe you could have this as your signature? I really liked what you wrote, especially in point 10 (above.) Keep enjoying. :)

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HI Tel8...

I could feel the joy and peace behind your words. It has been wonderful to watch your journey from your first posts here to where you are now. Congratulations!

I think you can really help ameliafirefly. Her thread is "Want to move back but scared" in the main MBTTUK list. Her dilemma reminds me of where you started.

I loved your list but I too particularly resonated with #10. Every few years I do a collage by intuitively tearing out pictures that speak to me as I flip through a stack of magazines, trying not to make it an analytical process. It was time to make one again over the holidays; the first in 11 years. After hours going through magazines, I thought I didn't have much in my pile but decided it was time to stop tearing anyway and put it together on a board. I couldn't believe it. England was "written" all over it. It's amazing. I love it. I have it propped up on my piano and look at it every day.

So far every collage I have ever made speaks of the future and has "come true". If it does, then I too can be living my life in the UK and not have to think about how to get there anymore.

So happy for you.

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What a great post, and I agree with it all and everything you've said my American wife has also said over the years.

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Loved reading this post, excellent and uplifting. I also love being back in the UK and London.

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So true! I giggled to myself for days when we all made a list of how everyone takes their tea and tacked it up on the bulletin board! Ahhhh!!! So perfect :D SWEET AND SOUR PRAWN BALLS? Dear sweet Jane- why have I not had these yet?!? I'm going to go hunt them down - I shall report back with my findings! As for the curry.... there is no comparison. Anywhere. Except maybe India. My goodness- it's so good!

4 Years!? Oh my goodness!! I'll be rooting for you the whole way! May I ask what your situation is? And don't worry- I was worried as well when I first thought about moving back, I wasn't sure if I'd love living here as much I love visiting, but I wanted to love it I really did, and I think that's made it so much easier- I wasn't kidding about number 10! You just don't think about it anymore and it's like this invisible weight off my shoulders.

Sometimes it still hits me when I'm in a new area of the city or I'm crossing the Thames and there's the London Eye in the distance and I'm just like "hang on... I'm in England!" I just get this little thrill that it's all real and I'm not dreaming! I hope it never goes away because I think some people take living here for granted. If I had my way, everyone would get to live in another country to the one they were born in at least once. You only really appreciate it when you leave.

Aww, thank you brissybee! It's tough to put the feeling into words, but I'm glad I didn't muddle it too badly!

Thank you so much for this- what a lovely thing to do! A collage is such a lovely way to remind yourself of what you're really thinking and feeling- sometimes we almost overrule ourselves because we're all caught up in whatever's going on at the moment, but taking that time to reaffirm your own feelings is wonderful. I'm going to hunt down ameliafirefly's post, if I can help at all then I definitely want to.



Heehee- I'm slowly subverting my mum! She's gone native as they say, and loves everything about America. When she came up for a visit, she alternated between wild delight at seeing her old stomping grounds again (she was brought up here) and absolute despair: packing the fridge, using the self-check out, not being able to find 1000 pre-packaged items that were tossed in huge piles in obvious places in the grocery store.

It was so funny watching her complain about the size of the kitchen (in the house she grew up in mind you) the size of the fridge, the hob, the oven, the bedrooms, the loo LOL my (step)dad is american and even he mentioned that he felt a bit claustrophobic. The two of them were so cute.

They were both confused by the oyster cards, but I was really proud of mum for remembering most of the stops on the bus and tube! And she did agree with me completely about the food- she went on about how everything from the eggs and bacon to the bread were so much better here, and I think my dad agreed- he was blown away by the fact that he was full on a massive English breakfast that cost the equivalent of $6 (he's a big guy- a really big guy and he eats a lot, but he almost couldn't finish his one!)

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Keep on having a blast, Tel8. I envy you. And love reading about your joy. :)

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Actually, on 3 more years now :thumbsup: Funny story really. Have lived in the US on and off for 30 years -with a year back in London 1988-89 - last time I've been :eek: Have a USC hubby and 21 year old DD.

Anyway, DD develops an obsession with Doctor Who (she'd been brought up with British comedies on the telly - Mrs Bucket, Faulty Towers, etc). Talked about wanting to go to the UK maybe to study. I start looking into this and found out she is a citizen by descent. We decide to get her passport asap and plan a trip over together.

Kept doing all this research, and low and behold I am suddenly gripped by this aching homesickness. Memories were flooding back of things I used to eat, places I used to go, the history, the green fields, the little white dots of sheep on the hillside as you passed by in the train. All of it....just this longing that hasn't abated, and I just cry at the drop of a hat thinking about going home:D

So broached the subject with the hubby. He is a world traveler and worked in many places overseas, so he was game right away. I have some practical reasons for coming home too. He is older than me by 12 years, and I worry about long term healthcare. Also, I am tired of having to take the car wherever I go, and the expense of it all.

We have a house and a small business to sell. The 3 years is to give my daughter the two years she needs to get through nursing school, and an extra year to see her settled (since now I am rearing to go she is dithering). She will make a decision then if she stays or comes with us. Then we sell up and move!

Thank you so much for still being here. As much as I appreciate all the detailed information I have gathered here, it is the heartfelt responses to being home that I value the most. Hope to hear from you again!

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Perthhomeschool, yes I think health care is one of major reasons a lot of Brits return home to UK combined with other factors I am sure it will be one of reasons I return home. I have no health insurance right now as can't afford it.

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I agree about the healthcare, its a major concern. I too have no healthcare and yet in Britain when I was back I had to see doctors and explained my situation(long story) and he just told me when you get back and get settled let me know and I will be happy to see you. An eye specialist. The docs over here only care about money. In order for me to come back I would have to leave my husband and dogs. I may be forced into that if medical bills get the better of us. I much prefer the UK. Spent 6months over there last year helping out my parents after surgery . I didn't mind the weather one bit. I actually enjoyed a walk every day. I just wrapped up. I did miss the blue skies somewhat but overall I felt at peace. I don't want to grow old in the US.I wish everyone the best. I read a lot of posts every day and realise I am not the only one torn.

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Fulwood, it can be very stressful without it. Since we are business owners we pay 100%, which in my case is $700 a month. My husband is already on Medicare. If the Medicare date is raised to 67, as is proposed, I will have 12 more years of paying that, and my husband will not be able to retire. As it is he will be almost 70 when we move.

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I hope you are able to get back and have your eyes seen to soon. Do you have family over there you could maybe stay with until your DH could join you?

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yes i have family I could stay with, but there is no way for me to make the income necessary to bring my husband over!!

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Puritanism and repressed attitudes and unwarranted hang ups over matters which are simply natural parts of life itself must have died a death a long time ago now here in Britain

Sex - all aspects of it - was part of the school curriculum anyway - at least it was in my case. Why should discussing sexual matters be any different from a casual discussion about the current weather situation - very cold and snowy as it happens right now - or the high price of spuds following last year's very wet summer or a forthcoming referendum on the UK's continued membership of the European Union or what will finally happen to the Olympic Park in Stratford, East London?

Down the pub or over a dinner table or in a pleasant chat in the park with a mate or two on a fine sunny day - why not? :confused:

As Dame Judi Dench said when playing the part of Mrs Laura Henderson outside her Windmill Theatre in the West End of London:

"Americans - strange people - but very polite!"

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Lothian, I was about to respond to the heart of your comment (sex) but when coming upon your final statement about Judi Dench, I was gripped by yet another longing to go home. I lived in London and frequented the West End. The theatre is one of the things I miss the most about the UK. Better than sex :rofl:

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"Americans - strange people - but very polite!"

The corollary must be :

"English - strange people - and very rude !"

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Maybe if you sell up and rent for 6 months you could do it on savings, then move to UK where your Dh's income as well as yours can count towards the income requirements.