Going Native?
#1
Going Native?
When I first moved to the US, I suddenly became much more aware of my heritage and proud of my nationality. It probably had something to do with the nationalist attitude of the state I found myself in.
I mellowed a little over the years and slowly found myself needing less imported foods but, while eligible, I chose not to become naturalised for several years. Visits to the UK always ended with a feeling of not wanting to leave.
Last year, I saw enough changes in the UK (and my home town in particular) that I didn't feel a part of it any more. Now I'm in a tiny mountain town where I feel like I belong. I'll always be British (a piece of paper can't change that), but I'm Coloradoan first. This is finally home. I still can't say tomato, basil, banana or yoghurt like the natives, but I'm pretty close to being one of them.
Does anyone else feel that they've gone native? How long did it take?
I mellowed a little over the years and slowly found myself needing less imported foods but, while eligible, I chose not to become naturalised for several years. Visits to the UK always ended with a feeling of not wanting to leave.
Last year, I saw enough changes in the UK (and my home town in particular) that I didn't feel a part of it any more. Now I'm in a tiny mountain town where I feel like I belong. I'll always be British (a piece of paper can't change that), but I'm Coloradoan first. This is finally home. I still can't say tomato, basil, banana or yoghurt like the natives, but I'm pretty close to being one of them.
Does anyone else feel that they've gone native? How long did it take?
#2
Re: Going Native?
When I first moved to the US, I suddenly became much more aware of my heritage and proud of my nationality. It probably had something to do with the nationalist attitude of the state I found myself in.
I mellowed a little over the years and slowly found myself needing less imported foods but, while eligible, I chose not to become naturalised for several years. Visits to the UK always ended with a feeling of not wanting to leave.
Last year, I saw enough changes in the UK (and my home town in particular) that I didn't feel a part of it any more. Now I'm in a tiny mountain town where I feel like I belong. I'll always be British (a piece of paper can't change that), but I'm Coloradoan first. This is finally home. I still can't say tomato, basil, banana or yoghurt like the natives, but I'm pretty close to being one of them.
Does anyone else feel that they've gone native? How long did it take?
I mellowed a little over the years and slowly found myself needing less imported foods but, while eligible, I chose not to become naturalised for several years. Visits to the UK always ended with a feeling of not wanting to leave.
Last year, I saw enough changes in the UK (and my home town in particular) that I didn't feel a part of it any more. Now I'm in a tiny mountain town where I feel like I belong. I'll always be British (a piece of paper can't change that), but I'm Coloradoan first. This is finally home. I still can't say tomato, basil, banana or yoghurt like the natives, but I'm pretty close to being one of them.
Does anyone else feel that they've gone native? How long did it take?
Question From US Immigration Agent to Me, at Sault Ste Marie Border Crossing, last year:
"You have been a Permanent Resident for 16 years now, isn't it about time you got your US Citizenship?"
My Reply:
Will that lead to you asking me fewer questions next time I cross the Border?"
His Response:
"Probably not"
My Reply:
"I think I will stay as I am, then"
His Parting Words;
"Have a Nice Day"
#3
Re: Going Native?
I think those people are selected by their ability to start arguments. I never met one that didn't have an attitude.
#4
Re: Going Native?
I've lived in the US for 25 years, most of it in Boston and I now have US citizenship, but I'll always be British.....the US thing is mostly a matter of convenience, to protect my SS benefits and so I can vote.
I definitely have a soft spot for Boston, and feel completely at home here, but I don't feel warm and fuzzy for the rest of the US.
I definitely have a soft spot for Boston, and feel completely at home here, but I don't feel warm and fuzzy for the rest of the US.
#5
I have a comma problem
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: Fox Lake, IL (from Carrickfergus NI)
Posts: 49,598
Re: Going Native?
No, I haven't. The UK is still 'home', this is just where I eat and sleep.
#6
Re: Going Native?
When I first moved to the US, I suddenly became much more aware of my heritage and proud of my nationality. It probably had something to do with the nationalist attitude of the state I found myself in.
I mellowed a little over the years and slowly found myself needing less imported foods but, while eligible, I chose not to become naturalised for several years. Visits to the UK always ended with a feeling of not wanting to leave.
Last year, I saw enough changes in the UK (and my home town in particular) that I didn't feel a part of it any more. Now I'm in a tiny mountain town where I feel like I belong. I'll always be British (a piece of paper can't change that), but I'm Coloradoan first. This is finally home. I still can't say tomato, basil, banana or yoghurt like the natives, but I'm pretty close to being one of them.
Does anyone else feel that they've gone native? How long did it take?
I mellowed a little over the years and slowly found myself needing less imported foods but, while eligible, I chose not to become naturalised for several years. Visits to the UK always ended with a feeling of not wanting to leave.
Last year, I saw enough changes in the UK (and my home town in particular) that I didn't feel a part of it any more. Now I'm in a tiny mountain town where I feel like I belong. I'll always be British (a piece of paper can't change that), but I'm Coloradoan first. This is finally home. I still can't say tomato, basil, banana or yoghurt like the natives, but I'm pretty close to being one of them.
Does anyone else feel that they've gone native? How long did it take?
#7
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2004
Location: Midlands - MA - CO-CA
Posts: 2,763
Re: Going Native?
I got citizenship a few years ago, but never felt at home in MA. I don't know whether it was the people or the place we lived in or me. Now we are in CO and it feels like home, at least most of the time. I think I will always retain that bit of Britishness, be it 5% or 50%. Britain is now a place to visit and not really home any more, although we still have some family there.
#8
Heading for Poppyland
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: North Norfolk and northern New York State
Posts: 14,532
Re: Going Native?
We came into Boston last week from Heathrow, and we got what looked like a bad one.. a mean-looking old guy who was barking questions at us (tobacco? alcohol? fruit or dairy? were you only in the UK or any other countries?) Then he handed our passports back with the laconic greeting "Welcome home." Made me feel all warm and fuzzy about the US.
#10
Re: Going Native?
Not a citizen yet, but seriously considering it.
#11
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2012
Location: Boston
Posts: 62
Re: Going Native?
spouse got in last night from Heathrow to Boston, and was held up 30 mins because person in front in the line (queue!) was interrogated, then apparently arrested and deported. INS agent's comment: 'believe me, you didn't want him in town'. Surprised they didn't do this in the separate inquisition room they have for waterboarding, I mean, these interviews.
Anyway, she's so at home she thinks she was American in a former life. After 25 years, with two passports, I can still feel stateless and rootless...
Anyway, she's so at home she thinks she was American in a former life. After 25 years, with two passports, I can still feel stateless and rootless...
#12
Re: Going Native?
We came into Boston last week from Heathrow, and we got what looked like a bad one.. a mean-looking old guy who was barking questions at us (tobacco? alcohol? fruit or dairy? were you only in the UK or any other countries?) Then he handed our passports back with the laconic greeting "Welcome home." Made me feel all warm and fuzzy about the US.
#13
Heading for Poppyland
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: North Norfolk and northern New York State
Posts: 14,532
Re: Going Native?
Still can't decide about Boston. I love the place, lived there many years... Are people from Boston (a) total moronic twats or (b) sweeties (to use your characterization.) My wife can't stand them, but she's from NYC.
#15
Re: Going Native?
Never had a pleasant experience of Logan, neither has the missus and she's the yank