Experiencing culture shock
Nov 30th 2004, 7:16 pm
#1
Displaced Canadian
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2004
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Posts: 24
Experiencing culture shock
Hello all, as you can see I'm new to the forum. I've been lurking here for some time now and decided to finally start posting.
I am from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, and I am now residing in Ohio. I think Newfoundland is far more in-tune with the UK than the rest of Canada so I guess that's why I feel at home here.
I've been here since June and I must say the homesickness is really beginning to sink in. While I do like it here, the land is just so flat and boring and everything just seems so 'new' and lacking a sense of history. Then there are the cultural differences! I can't go for a walk without getting strange looks from the locals; I'm often mistaken as Irish (I guess Americans aren't used to Newfoundlanders!); gravy without gravy browning scares me; and I long for a real beer
; and it is hard to find a decent meal that isn't both high fat and high carb! To top it off I'm so incredibly frustrated in my dealings with USCIS! Aughhh.
Guess I needed to vent a bit there
I am from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, and I am now residing in Ohio. I think Newfoundland is far more in-tune with the UK than the rest of Canada so I guess that's why I feel at home here.
I've been here since June and I must say the homesickness is really beginning to sink in. While I do like it here, the land is just so flat and boring and everything just seems so 'new' and lacking a sense of history. Then there are the cultural differences! I can't go for a walk without getting strange looks from the locals; I'm often mistaken as Irish (I guess Americans aren't used to Newfoundlanders!); gravy without gravy browning scares me; and I long for a real beer
; and it is hard to find a decent meal that isn't both high fat and high carb! To top it off I'm so incredibly frustrated in my dealings with USCIS! Aughhh.Guess I needed to vent a bit there
Nov 30th 2004, 7:23 pm
#2
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Dec 2003
Location: Waukee, Iowa
Posts: 1,583
Re: Experiencing culture shock
Originally Posted by Amywen
Hello all, as you can see I'm new to the forum. I've been lurking here for some time now and decided to finally start posting.
I am from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, and I am now residing in Ohio. I think Newfoundland is far more in-tune with the UK than the rest of Canada so I guess that's why I feel at home here.
I've been here since June and I must say the homesickness is really beginning to sink in. While I do like it here, the land is just so flat and boring and everything just seems so 'new' and lacking a sense of history. Then there are the cultural differences! I can't go for a walk without getting strange looks from the locals; I'm often mistaken as Irish (I guess Americans aren't used to Newfoundlanders!); gravy without gravy browning scares me; and I long for a real beer; and it is hard to find a decent meal that isn't both high fat and high carb! To top it off I'm so incredibly frustrated in my dealings with USCIS! Aughhh.
Guess I needed to vent a bit there
I am from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, and I am now residing in Ohio. I think Newfoundland is far more in-tune with the UK than the rest of Canada so I guess that's why I feel at home here.
I've been here since June and I must say the homesickness is really beginning to sink in. While I do like it here, the land is just so flat and boring and everything just seems so 'new' and lacking a sense of history. Then there are the cultural differences! I can't go for a walk without getting strange looks from the locals; I'm often mistaken as Irish (I guess Americans aren't used to Newfoundlanders!); gravy without gravy browning scares me; and I long for a real beer
; and it is hard to find a decent meal that isn't both high fat and high carb! To top it off I'm so incredibly frustrated in my dealings with USCIS! Aughhh.Guess I needed to vent a bit there
Nov 30th 2004, 7:25 pm
#3
Not living a 9 to 5 life
Joined: Jun 2002
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 11,061
Re: Experiencing culture shock
Originally Posted by Amywen
Hello all, as you can see I'm new to the forum. I've been lurking here for some time now and decided to finally start posting.
I am from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, and I am now residing in Ohio. I think Newfoundland is far more in-tune with the UK than the rest of Canada so I guess that's why I feel at home here.
I've been here since June and I must say the homesickness is really beginning to sink in. While I do like it here, the land is just so flat and boring and everything just seems so 'new' and lacking a sense of history. Then there are the cultural differences! I can't go for a walk without getting strange looks from the locals; I'm often mistaken as Irish (I guess Americans aren't used to Newfoundlanders!); gravy without gravy browning scares me; and I long for a real beer; and it is hard to find a decent meal that isn't both high fat and high carb! To top it off I'm so incredibly frustrated in my dealings with USCIS! Aughhh.
Guess I needed to vent a bit there
I am from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, and I am now residing in Ohio. I think Newfoundland is far more in-tune with the UK than the rest of Canada so I guess that's why I feel at home here.
I've been here since June and I must say the homesickness is really beginning to sink in. While I do like it here, the land is just so flat and boring and everything just seems so 'new' and lacking a sense of history. Then there are the cultural differences! I can't go for a walk without getting strange looks from the locals; I'm often mistaken as Irish (I guess Americans aren't used to Newfoundlanders!); gravy without gravy browning scares me; and I long for a real beer
; and it is hard to find a decent meal that isn't both high fat and high carb! To top it off I'm so incredibly frustrated in my dealings with USCIS! Aughhh.Guess I needed to vent a bit there
Never been to Columbus but as you'll read, my in-laws live in Cleveland, "the mistake on the lake". I don't like it that cold but I more often than not end up in Cleveland for Christmas, and I will be there this Christmas.
Feel free to vent. It's probably more healthy than taking it out on an American!
Nov 30th 2004, 7:32 pm
#4
Powder Maggot
Joined: Nov 2004
Location: Nuevo Mexico
Posts: 4,452
Re: Experiencing culture shock
Greetings! Always good to see someone from Canadania!
Nov 30th 2004, 7:35 pm
#5
Blindside Fumbler
Joined: Jul 2003
Location: Tampa
Posts: 967
Re: Experiencing culture shock
Stop messing with petri dishes then 
Dec 8th 2004, 5:22 pm
#6
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2003
Location: Chicago, was in Ohio, Go Bucks
Posts: 366
Re: Experiencing culture shock
Originally Posted by Amywen
Hello all, as you can see I'm new to the forum. I've been lurking here for some time now and decided to finally start posting.
I am from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, and I am now residing in Ohio. I think Newfoundland is far more in-tune with the UK than the rest of Canada so I guess that's why I feel at home here.
I've been here since June and I must say the homesickness is really beginning to sink in. While I do like it here, the land is just so flat and boring and everything just seems so 'new' and lacking a sense of history. Then there are the cultural differences! I can't go for a walk without getting strange looks from the locals; I'm often mistaken as Irish (I guess Americans aren't used to Newfoundlanders!); gravy without gravy browning scares me; and I long for a real beer; and it is hard to find a decent meal that isn't both high fat and high carb! To top it off I'm so incredibly frustrated in my dealings with USCIS! Aughhh.
Guess I needed to vent a bit there
I am from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, and I am now residing in Ohio. I think Newfoundland is far more in-tune with the UK than the rest of Canada so I guess that's why I feel at home here.
I've been here since June and I must say the homesickness is really beginning to sink in. While I do like it here, the land is just so flat and boring and everything just seems so 'new' and lacking a sense of history. Then there are the cultural differences! I can't go for a walk without getting strange looks from the locals; I'm often mistaken as Irish (I guess Americans aren't used to Newfoundlanders!); gravy without gravy browning scares me; and I long for a real beer
; and it is hard to find a decent meal that isn't both high fat and high carb! To top it off I'm so incredibly frustrated in my dealings with USCIS! Aughhh.Guess I needed to vent a bit there
I know what you mean, I livd in C'bus OH for nearly 2 years when I first got here. Apart from OSU football the town is shit. I got a great job in Chicago and moved here. Much better place to live. Get out while you can!
Dec 8th 2004, 5:52 pm
#7
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 22,105
Re: Experiencing culture shock
Originally Posted by NC Penguin
Welcome! It's probably more healthy than taking it out on an American!
Dec 8th 2004, 8:43 pm
#8
You fat bastard
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: Columbus, OH, US of A
Posts: 523
Re: Experiencing culture shock
Originally Posted by BritishInOhio
Apart from OSU football the town is shit.
Dec 8th 2004, 9:20 pm
#9
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2003
Location: Chicago, was in Ohio, Go Bucks
Posts: 366
Re: Experiencing culture shock
Originally Posted by adeshell
Beg to differ. There are a lot of worse places and I've lived in most of 'em.
What is there to do there apart from going to the countless, charecterless malls?
I did have a decent pint of Tetley's once in a bar in Reynoldsberg and they sell decent Guiness in Fado at Easton. Drink and shoppin' that' all there is to do. I personally only enjoy one of those pastimes and can do that anywhere.
Dec 8th 2004, 10:45 pm
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Experiencing culture shock
Originally Posted by Amywen
Hello all, as you can see I'm new to the forum. I've been lurking here for some time now and decided to finally start posting.
I am from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, and I am now residing in Ohio. I think Newfoundland is far more in-tune with the UK than the rest of Canada so I guess that's why I feel at home here.
I've been here since June and I must say the homesickness is really beginning to sink in. While I do like it here, the land is just so flat and boring and everything just seems so 'new' and lacking a sense of history. Then there are the cultural differences! I can't go for a walk without getting strange looks from the locals; I'm often mistaken as Irish (I guess Americans aren't used to Newfoundlanders!); gravy without gravy browning scares me; and I long for a real beer; and it is hard to find a decent meal that isn't both high fat and high carb! To top it off I'm so incredibly frustrated in my dealings with USCIS! Aughhh.
Guess I needed to vent a bit there
I am from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, and I am now residing in Ohio. I think Newfoundland is far more in-tune with the UK than the rest of Canada so I guess that's why I feel at home here.
I've been here since June and I must say the homesickness is really beginning to sink in. While I do like it here, the land is just so flat and boring and everything just seems so 'new' and lacking a sense of history. Then there are the cultural differences! I can't go for a walk without getting strange looks from the locals; I'm often mistaken as Irish (I guess Americans aren't used to Newfoundlanders!); gravy without gravy browning scares me; and I long for a real beer
; and it is hard to find a decent meal that isn't both high fat and high carb! To top it off I'm so incredibly frustrated in my dealings with USCIS! Aughhh.Guess I needed to vent a bit there
Dec 11th 2004, 3:22 pm
#11
Forum Regular
Joined: Dec 2004
Location: One nation controlled by the media
Posts: 37
Re: Experiencing culture shock
I've moved from Seattle to Kentucky (near Ohio), and I think I have worse culture shock than you do. This bible-belt, support your troups, join the Rotary, Soccer Dad stuff has me about over the edge.
Just remember that if you decide to stay in the US (which I haven't), the coasts (either one) are the places to be. Some excellent micro-breweries in Seattle (or anywhere in California), but the alcohol content in beer is pretty harshly regulated anywhere in the US. Some excellent cuisine of all types in the West also.
I find in the midwest, unless you go to the white tablecloth establishments, the food is uniformly bland and nasty. If I have one more cardboard doughed pizza with out of the can tomato sauce and faux mozerella cheese...
Just remember that if you decide to stay in the US (which I haven't), the coasts (either one) are the places to be. Some excellent micro-breweries in Seattle (or anywhere in California), but the alcohol content in beer is pretty harshly regulated anywhere in the US. Some excellent cuisine of all types in the West also.
I find in the midwest, unless you go to the white tablecloth establishments, the food is uniformly bland and nasty. If I have one more cardboard doughed pizza with out of the can tomato sauce and faux mozerella cheese...
Dec 12th 2004, 3:07 pm
#12
Just Joined
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 9
Re: Experiencing culture shock
Hi. I've just joined the forum today and wanted to post a new thread, but cant figure out how to create my own - which is why I am am replying to you! Any advice would be much appreciated!
Dec 13th 2004, 12:25 pm
#13
Gone but not forgotten. RIP
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,570
Re: Experiencing culture shock
Originally Posted by Patent Attorney
............... Just swallow it and think of England!
as the Actress said to the Bishop
Dec 14th 2004, 1:54 am
#14
The fattest member
Joined: Jul 2004
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 496
Re: Experiencing culture shock
Originally Posted by Amywen
Hello all, as you can see I'm new to the forum. I've been lurking here for some time now and decided to finally start posting.
I am from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, and I am now residing in Ohio. I think Newfoundland is far more in-tune with the UK than the rest of Canada so I guess that's why I feel at home here.
I've been here since June and I must say the homesickness is really beginning to sink in. While I do like it here, the land is just so flat and boring and everything just seems so 'new' and lacking a sense of history. Then there are the cultural differences! I can't go for a walk without getting strange looks from the locals; I'm often mistaken as Irish (I guess Americans aren't used to Newfoundlanders!); gravy without gravy browning scares me; and I long for a real beer; and it is hard to find a decent meal that isn't both high fat and high carb! To top it off I'm so incredibly frustrated in my dealings with USCIS! Aughhh.
Guess I needed to vent a bit there
I am from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, and I am now residing in Ohio. I think Newfoundland is far more in-tune with the UK than the rest of Canada so I guess that's why I feel at home here.
I've been here since June and I must say the homesickness is really beginning to sink in. While I do like it here, the land is just so flat and boring and everything just seems so 'new' and lacking a sense of history. Then there are the cultural differences! I can't go for a walk without getting strange looks from the locals; I'm often mistaken as Irish (I guess Americans aren't used to Newfoundlanders!); gravy without gravy browning scares me; and I long for a real beer
; and it is hard to find a decent meal that isn't both high fat and high carb! To top it off I'm so incredibly frustrated in my dealings with USCIS! Aughhh.Guess I needed to vent a bit there
I'm with you on the beer thing..... Though there are quite a few good micro breweries here.
Dec 14th 2004, 2:10 am
#15
Concierge
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 46,387
Re: Experiencing culture shock
My husband's mother was from St. John's Newfoundland. Yes, Jim is Canadian. His mom was Irish and his dad a Brit. He, too, found it difficult to adjust to the States and that from a man that spent much of his adult life outside of Canada in the service of the RCAF. Rest assured that not all of the US think white gravy is the norm. I've never had white gravy in my life and agree that it doesn't look appetizing but then since I've never had it, suppose I'm passing judgment without actual knowledge.
I'm curious though. Why do you get strange looks when you walk down the street. Is there is a physical attribute that you possess that makes others look at you strangely? ;-)
How did you happen to migrate to Ohio? Did you marry a Yank? Why are you frustrated with the CIS? Anything we can help you with?
I'm curious though. Why do you get strange looks when you walk down the street. Is there is a physical attribute that you possess that makes others look at you strangely? ;-)
How did you happen to migrate to Ohio? Did you marry a Yank? Why are you frustrated with the CIS? Anything we can help you with?
Originally Posted by Amywen
Hello all, as you can see I'm new to the forum. I've been lurking here for some time now and decided to finally start posting.
I am from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, and I am now residing in Ohio. I think Newfoundland is far more in-tune with the UK than the rest of Canada so I guess that's why I feel at home here.
I've been here since June and I must say the homesickness is really beginning to sink in. While I do like it here, the land is just so flat and boring and everything just seems so 'new' and lacking a sense of history. Then there are the cultural differences! I can't go for a walk without getting strange looks from the locals; I'm often mistaken as Irish (I guess Americans aren't used to Newfoundlanders!); gravy without gravy browning scares me; and I long for a real beer; and it is hard to find a decent meal that isn't both high fat and high carb! To top it off I'm so incredibly frustrated in my dealings with USCIS! Aughhh.
Guess I needed to vent a bit there
I am from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, and I am now residing in Ohio. I think Newfoundland is far more in-tune with the UK than the rest of Canada so I guess that's why I feel at home here.
I've been here since June and I must say the homesickness is really beginning to sink in. While I do like it here, the land is just so flat and boring and everything just seems so 'new' and lacking a sense of history. Then there are the cultural differences! I can't go for a walk without getting strange looks from the locals; I'm often mistaken as Irish (I guess Americans aren't used to Newfoundlanders!); gravy without gravy browning scares me; and I long for a real beer
; and it is hard to find a decent meal that isn't both high fat and high carb! To top it off I'm so incredibly frustrated in my dealings with USCIS! Aughhh.Guess I needed to vent a bit there
