Homesick and depressed...
Dec 31st 2007, 10:45 pm
#106
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 13,111
Re: Homesick and depressed...
Hmmmmmmm. Having been here 20 years ( I know the regulars are probably sick of me saying that, but some people are new) I've went back and forward. When I first came to the US I wanted to embrace all things American, when in Rome and all that stuff. I thought why move to America to be amongst just British. I eventually realized I wasn't accepted, people still saw me as the Brit/ limey( foreigner).
I then found an area in LA with a large English community and even a pub, I re-embraced my English identity and even romanticized the 'All Creatures great & small/Masterpiece Theatre' England of books and TV, even though I'm from inner city Birmingham and never had such a life.
I now realize I am forever changed, having spent all my adult life in the States I am neither English or American. There are aspects of both cultures I like and abhor.
The politeness and sense of humor of the English with their petty small mindedness and class snobbery or the can do, positive spirit of the Yanks with their brash, loud and obnoxious style.
I stuck it through and sometimes wonder why. I've seen many, many Brits come and go over the years. I now feel neither the naive, wide-eyed Brit I was or a fully fledged American, and I never will be. I'm a trans-atlantic hybrid.
I then found an area in LA with a large English community and even a pub, I re-embraced my English identity and even romanticized the 'All Creatures great & small/Masterpiece Theatre' England of books and TV, even though I'm from inner city Birmingham and never had such a life.
I now realize I am forever changed, having spent all my adult life in the States I am neither English or American. There are aspects of both cultures I like and abhor.
The politeness and sense of humor of the English with their petty small mindedness and class snobbery or the can do, positive spirit of the Yanks with their brash, loud and obnoxious style.
I stuck it through and sometimes wonder why. I've seen many, many Brits come and go over the years. I now feel neither the naive, wide-eyed Brit I was or a fully fledged American, and I never will be. I'm a trans-atlantic hybrid.
Dec 31st 2007, 11:02 pm
#107
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2007
Location: NW Chicago suburbs
Posts: 11,253
Re: Homesick and depressed...
I like 'trans-atlantic hybrid' ! I like to think of myself as a 'citizen of the world' these days; sounds perhaps a bit corny, but true. My girlfriend is Filipino. My favorite food is Thai, second favorite food is Italian. My favorite vacation is to go Tuscany/Umbria, or to Andalucia, and would like to retire there if anywhere. I drive a Japanese car, my co-workers are South African, American, Chinese, you name it. My favorite beer is Corona. Not a whole lot of 'Britain' or 'America' in my daily existence!
I had the most bizarre beer ever last night - called "Bourbon Bastard Ale". The place honestly has a beer call "Absolute Rat Bastard Ale" which is quite nice (brewery).
So I tried a bit of "Bourbon Bastard Ale" - they really meant it! Had actualy Bourbon in the stuff.
Strong, and ...... yuck.
Dec 31st 2007, 11:05 pm
#108
Homebody
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: HOME
Posts: 23,181
Re: Homesick and depressed...
Just watched the New Year's fireworks in London.
I'm so homesick I can barely breathe...
I'm so homesick I can barely breathe...
Dec 31st 2007, 11:09 pm
#109
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2007
Location: NW Chicago suburbs
Posts: 11,253
Jan 1st 2008, 2:14 am
#110
In yonder hills
Joined: Oct 2007
Location: Nr. Lincoln, England
Posts: 4,132
Jan 1st 2008, 2:25 am
#112
Banned
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: Santa Monica,CA from Birmingham, UK
Posts: 18,402
Re: Homesick and depressed...
I like 'trans-atlantic hybrid' ! I like to think of myself as a 'citizen of the world' these days; sounds perhaps a bit corny, but true. My girlfriend is Filipino. My favorite food is Thai, second favorite food is Italian. My favorite vacation is to go Tuscany/Umbria, or to Andalucia, and would like to retire there if anywhere. I drive a Japanese car, my co-workers are South African, American, Chinese, you name it. My favorite beer is Corona. Not a whole lot of 'Britain' or 'America' in my daily existence!
Jan 1st 2008, 2:28 am
#113
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: Somewhere south of New York
Posts: 541
Jan 1st 2008, 2:30 am
#114
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: Somewhere south of New York
Posts: 541
Jan 1st 2008, 2:36 am
#116
Septicity
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 23,762
Re: Homesick and depressed...
Jan 1st 2008, 2:39 am
#117
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: Somewhere south of New York
Posts: 541
Re: Homesick and depressed...
I have to go. Feliz Nuevo Ano!!!!!!!!!!!
Jan 1st 2008, 2:41 am
#118
Banned
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: Santa Monica,CA from Birmingham, UK
Posts: 18,402
Jan 1st 2008, 2:47 am
#119
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: Somewhere south of New York
Posts: 541
Re: Homesick and depressed...
The only Spanish word I know is 'hola'. It's a good job I wasn't asking for directions to the bathroom.
Jan 1st 2008, 3:37 am
#120
Homebody
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: HOME
Posts: 23,181
Re: Homesick and depressed...
But can you believe that effing Nazi deleting all our posts........ She needs to get a life :curse:
Sad really...