Why do you use expat forums?
Jul 22nd 2009 | 2:16 pm
#77
Sursum corda
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 38,860
From: Richmond Hill, GA USA
Re: Why do you use expat forums?
I found American Expats less then a year before we moved from the UK, although I don't recommend this forum because the owner charges for access. Anyway, initially she didn't and found there was a few British members on the forum. Including Mrs. London - Ray knows who this is.....
Jul 23rd 2009 | 8:28 am
#78
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 218
From: USA
Re: Why do you use expat forums?
FWIW, speaking as an American, and maybe even one of "those people", , am I proud of being an American, yes? Do I always agree with the actions of my country, no of course not, I'm pretty sure I'm not a jingoist.I'm not about to defend something that needs fixing, if I think it needs fixing. I am a pirate not a parrot!!
I DO get tired of hearing the same crap complaints however AND I have lived overseas outside my comfort zone, so I am familiar with having to adjust. I have gotten to the point where most of the time, I just mutter, "yeah, yeah, yeah, whatever, get over it and move on willya........
Somehow I think if the shoe were on the other foot, the Brits in here would do the same if it were Yanks fussfacing. Certainly I have seen some defensiveness or a bit of flag waving....... Before anyone gets their panties in a wad or knickers in a twist etc, by that comment, I wouldn't be surprised if you reacted that way- if that is your homeland in your heart and soul then so be it. Just don't get defensive with me if I don't say British is best. Me, I won't say American is either though, 
One last thing, I can be and am certainly, sympathetic to those who are in unbearable situations through no fault of their own, lost job, ill parent miles and miles away or even a spouse that's ill and needs afforable treatment, that is the kind of thing that makes fussing about unfamiliar and unacceptable food items pretty small potatos in the large scale of things. It is certainly not a condition that is only suffered by Ex Pats though. 
So why am I here? I morphed off the Marriage and Visa forum and ended up here. I've stayed because the great majority of the time, the interesting posts and discussions outweigh the teeth grinding ones and after almost 7 years here I've come to know some of you ( or as best I can) fairly well. I've felt good about the good things and sad about the bad things that have happened, because at that point you see, I don't see your nationality, etc, etc, I see you.
, am I proud of being an American, yes? Do I always agree with the actions of my country, no of course not, I'm pretty sure I'm not a jingoist.I'm not about to defend something that needs fixing, if I think it needs fixing. I am a pirate not a parrot!!I DO get tired of hearing the same crap complaints however AND I have lived overseas outside my comfort zone, so I am familiar with having to adjust. I have gotten to the point where most of the time, I just mutter, "yeah, yeah, yeah, whatever, get over it and move on willya........
Somehow I think if the shoe were on the other foot, the Brits in here would do the same if it were Yanks fussfacing. Certainly I have seen some defensiveness or a bit of flag waving....... Before anyone gets their panties in a wad or knickers in a twist etc, by that comment, I wouldn't be surprised if you reacted that way- if that is your homeland in your heart and soul then so be it. Just don't get defensive with me if I don't say British is best. Me, I won't say American is either though, One last thing, I can be and am certainly, sympathetic to those who are in unbearable situations through no fault of their own, lost job, ill parent miles and miles away or even a spouse that's ill and needs afforable treatment, that is the kind of thing that makes fussing about unfamiliar and unacceptable food items pretty small potatos in the large scale of things. It is certainly not a condition that is only suffered by Ex Pats though.
So why am I here? I morphed off the Marriage and Visa forum and ended up here. I've stayed because the great majority of the time, the interesting posts and discussions outweigh the teeth grinding ones and after almost 7 years here I've come to know some of you ( or as best I can) fairly well. I've felt good about the good things and sad about the bad things that have happened, because at that point you see, I don't see your nationality, etc, etc, I see you.
And now back to something useless, Cindys phrase 'knickers in a twist' reminded me of something a co-worker said to me, he's allways trying to impress me by useing English phrases so once, after a female manager shouted at him, he said " i think she's got her knickers all wet "
Charles
Jul 23rd 2009 | 12:30 pm
#79
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,792
From: Ft Lauderdale, FL
Re: Why do you use expat forums?
I don't usually have anything usefull to say but i think what Cindy said best describes how i feel.
And now back to something useless, Cindys phrase 'knickers in a twist' reminded me of something a co-worker said to me, he's allways trying to impress me by useing English phrases so once, after a female manager shouted at him, he said " i think she's got her knickers all wet "
Charles
And now back to something useless, Cindys phrase 'knickers in a twist' reminded me of something a co-worker said to me, he's allways trying to impress me by useing English phrases so once, after a female manager shouted at him, he said " i think she's got her knickers all wet "
Charles
Reg. Frank R.
Jul 23rd 2009 | 7:43 pm
#80
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 14,683
From: Bay Area, CA
Re: Why do you use expat forums?
Came for advice (got it), stayed to put a bit back in, then got to like some of the fine folks here and find it to be an easy place to 'hang out' - like a friendly pub, I suppose. I absolutely love it here in CA, and want others to have that same positive experience so try to offset a lot of the negative stuff that floats around.
Jul 23rd 2009 | 11:06 pm
#81
Unmitigated Gall
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 16,162
From: it's still too dark to tell
Re: Why do you use expat forums?
Hell, I don't know.
Jul 24th 2009 | 3:49 am
#82
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 156
From: another dimension
Re: Why do you use expat forums?
I have come on here because I miss England, And enjoy being ripped to pieces by Brits, and I love how Brits always have a knack of finding the funny side of any situation. It is the closest thing I could find to going down to the pub, and at least I can still smoke while sitting in front of the computer.
Jul 24th 2009 | 3:51 am
#83
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,903
Re: Why do you use expat forums?
Welcome to the Cock and Bull then.
Jul 24th 2009 | 4:06 am
#89
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 10,109
From: North Charleston,SC. born in Stockport,UK.
