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

I've heard that said in Britain and even said here on BE by Brits that moved back referring to other returnees opinions and experiences.

But disregarding these exceptions (and you never know who they are until they express opinion), many people in Britain are friendly enough in a reserved sought of way, as were people in USA in general, in my experience.

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

For those of us who have to bear the unbearable miserable heat in Arizona - none of my UK friends understand there is a massive difference between say 80 degrees and 100+ degree weather for months on end. The former means you have a life and the latter means you stay in, massive ac bills and blinds shut. This is my last summer here and that is for certain. Wish I could move now but not in position to do so right now..

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

I know exactly how you feel as I'm in Arizona too and last Summer was a killer for me. With having no car it was a nightmare walking where I needed to go and I looked like a deep boiled lobster by the time I was done..... Darn this Irish complexion..lol

Luckily I won't have to face another AZ summer as I'm heading home at the end of the month (passport willing..lol)

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

Totally understand about the tea. Why is Orange Pekoe so popular in North America?

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

I can totally sympathize. The few times it reached over 100 in New York, we'd shut ourselves in and feel so miserable. (In an old house with window air conditioning, it's not even possible to be cool inside). Actually, anything over 80 degrees made me miserable because it was always so humid, which meant I spent 3 months inside every year. I could never handle the Arizona heat.

Last summer was our first back in the UK. Everyone here was moaning about the weather but we had a blast. We spent every weekend exploring old castles, and pretty villages, and going on long country walks. Not once were we too hot. We made so many memories and packed more into one summer than we had in the previous 20. Brilliant!

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

[QUOTE=sallysimmons;10586619]I can totally sympathize. The few times it reached over 100 in New York, we'd shut ourselves in and feel so miserable. (In an old house with window air conditioning, it's not even possible to be cool inside). Actually, anything over 80 degrees made me miserable because it was always so humid, which meant I spent 3 months inside every year. I could never handle the Arizona heat.

Last summer was our first back in the UK. Everyone here was moaning about the weather but we had a blast. We spent every weekend exploring old castles, and pretty villages, and going on long country walks. Not once were we too hot. We made so many memories and packed more into one summer than we had in the previous 20. Brilliant![/QUOTE]

I actually prefer the UK weather too and the rain doesn't bother me. The only seasons I like here in the US are Spring and Fall - winters are just too darn cold and summers too darn hot!! I spent way more time outdoors when I lived in the UK - still do when I got back to visit family and friends.

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

When I was there in December, it was strange, being in LA seemed to have toughened me up to the cold, I found the weather crisp and beautiful and only needed a light jacket, the natives were moaning and groaning about the 'Arctic' temperatures.

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

I have been reveling in the cooler weather in Florida for the past week (50s and 60s), while everyone else has been complaining about how cold it is and wearing boots and jackets :eek: Of course, these are the same people who will moan about the 95 degree heat with similar humidity level come summer :rolleyes:

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

I hear you! We're in San Antonio and I dread the summers - months on end of lurching from one air-conditioned vehicle or building to another. I can't wait to be somewhere that I can *go outside* or maybe *open a window* now and again :)

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I really do miss opening windows. I'm in Boston and while we do get spring and fall more than other states the humidity in the summer is disgusting. I hate having to sleep with the AC on but you have no choice. miss a warm night sleeping with the window open. And dont get me started on the winter. It always makes me laugh when my family back in the UK complain about the cold and 2 inches of snow when its -20 farenheit here and we're buried in at least 2 feet of snow:D

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

I had some guests last spring from the US. They couldn't understand why so many windows were open, even though it was freezing outside!

I don't understand this either - why have your central heating on but leave the windows open????

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

My mum used to do that - I couldn't understand that either. She said she needed the fresh air! It's a total waste of energy - yet my mum was never a wasteful person - she was always very good with managing money in every other respect.

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

Which reminds me... I'm probably going to need to go to a charity shop when I get to the UK to get some 'winter' clothes, or go to Goodwill while I'm still here, because I have NO winter clothes at all...LOL :eek: I just haven't needed any here in Arizona. Even in the middle of winter I've walked around in shorts and a t-shirt. I have a couple of cardigans and that's about it ! Yikes !

Even when I went to the UK last year a friend loaned me a jacket and a sweatshirt which was more than enough, but I will need to get my own this time.

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When I lived in the US, my warm clothes and clothes like jeans lasted for ever because I'd hardly ever wear them. Here, my shorts and t-shirts hardly ever see the light of day and now THEY last forever!

We should organise a clothes swap shop for those coming and going UK-US or UK-Australia!

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Hi Whofan

I am currently living in W Mesa and not looking forward to the temperature going up this week to the mid 80's. I am off work for the week so that I can spend spring break with the 5 year old.

Sweaters: just get a couple from Goodwill or Savers until you get home and then go to the charity shops and pick up a jacket. When we went back to the Uk in March 2011 I remember a month before hand I went to burlington's and bought a rainproof with extra zip out liner jacket for $40.00. This was ideal as it was chilly for a couple of weeks and then it warmed up.

Just enjoy being back home.

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

I judged a dog show in Mesa in the grounds of a hotel in Sept 2011.....we judges were almost passing out with the heat and I thought Texas was bad.....

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

This is the beginning of my fourth summer here and it will not cool down again until around October.

By August when it hits 110+ I am finished, you end up being a prisoner in your home. :(

Those poor dogs must have been hot, here quite a lot of dogs are left outside in the yards whilst the owners are at work!

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

It's a pity those of who live in Mesa never got together. Whofan63 is soon departing and my goal is to leave but not for at least 6 months.

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

Just for a different slant on things. There is heat and then there is UV. In NZ I would hardly venture outside between 10.00 am and 5.00 pm in the summer because the UV would hit 13 and plus. Never that hot but if you go for a daytime swim in chilly water you cannot (if relatively fair skinned) warm up in the sun because you burn in just a few minutes. My first job was in a plant nursery and I remember getting home to my bedroom and closing doors and curtains to get out of the intense light. In 2010 even with sunglasses my eyes would start to hurt while driving.

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

Lack of regular sunlight is what brought a US friend of mine back from York after 2 years there with her OH. After being in Florida for 15 years, I love it on the rare occasion when we get an overcast day. I really don't think I will miss it that much.

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I think all of those of us in Arizona should try to get together. :) Pick a location central and all meet up for a drink or two. :) :thumbsup: I'm in Goodyear/Litchfield Park.

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One time when we traveled back from North Carolina in summer time I had to go to UK charity shop to buy shorts, it was much warmer here in UK than I had expected.

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Hi Mrs Bucket (or should that be bouquet???) LOL

I nearly cried when I saw on the news last night that it's supposed to hit 90 degrees on Thursday :( I'm so glad I won't have to put up with another Summer.

I took a trip to Goodwill yesterday and grabbed a couple of things to tide me over, just so I don't end up loading up my suitcase and just in case it's still chilly when I land. So one lightweight jacket, sweater and another pair of jeans all added up to $15.00 :D :thumbsup:

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Well at least I will be covered for that eventuality..LOL Have enough warm weather clothes ! :)

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

Not a bad idea ! :) Probably find it's mostly warm weather gear wanting to be swapped for cold weather gear..lOL

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

Sounds like you all need a drink!