Originally Posted by Jerseygirl (Post 4511706)

Will you be a USC when you move back?

Originally Posted by simongb (Post 4511796)

Yes. I am a USC. I am soooo glad I did it (got my citizenship). Best thing I ever did. You?

Originally Posted by Jerseygirl (Post 4511814)

That's good then you can come back if it doesn't work out.

6th April...3 wks to go.

Originally Posted by simongb (Post 4511829)

Good luck. Are you moving back on April 6th?

Originally Posted by TouristTrap (Post 4512135)

Your clothing might have given you away.

An American friend of mine, and older lady, can pick off Americans in Europe by their clothing - much brighter than Europeans on the whole.... ;)

Originally Posted by TouristTrap (Post 4512135)

Your clothing might have given you away.

An American friend of mine, and older lady, can pick off Americans in Europe by their clothing - much brighter than Europeans on the whole.... ;)

Originally Posted by simongb (Post 4511686)

I did not come here because I wanted to. I came because my ex wife is from here. The first 3 years were terrible. I would get a lump in my throat when the British Airways adverts came on the telly. There was really no internet when I came here(it was 1992) and the only connection I had with the UK was my shortwave radio. It was really a long way from Europe and the UK in those days. Now, I have the internet, BBC America (I know it's shite, but compared with what we had when I came here, it is an improvement) and SKYPE. I have a great job here, good money, settled in my work and I own my own home and my car has just been paid off. Life is good. I have lots of spare cash to play with. Good pension and good prospects. HOWEVER, I miss my family terribly and I miss the UK and Europe. I am really alone here except for my friends. I am planning to go home this summer for a year at least. When I visit the UK (which is two or three times a year) I do feel very American. I sound american now and most Brits think I am a foreigner. I went to get my hair cut at the local barber shop in Manchester over Christmas when I was there. I did not even open my mouth and the guy says to me, 'So, you just passing through? Where are you from?'. I thought, I must even look American/foreign now. That makes me sad! The UK does feel like a foreign country to me now. I may be making a mistake when I move back, but I need to try it. We'll see what happens.

Originally Posted by penguinsix (Post 4513047)

We used to play a similar game with European tourists in Washington. You find one walking down by the museums and you ask the question:

"German or Gay?"

Originally Posted by Texas Mom (Post 4513492)

I met a fellow Scot in Michaels yesterday. I don't know who was more excited me or her! It's nice to hear the accent especially when you are least expecting it. Turns out her hubby works with my hubby small world. My US friend that was with me could not keep up in the conversation she asked if all us Brits talked that fast when together. :D

Originally Posted by TouristTrap (Post 4508817)

The longer you're here, the more homesick you'll get - it doesn't get better, it worsens for many people.

From what I've seen.

The first six months or so are adjustment months - some hate it, some love it.

The next two years you're beginning to settle in.

Five years or so into it, you begin to take stock of your life and think about all those birthdays, anniversaries, family outings you've missed.

Eight or so years into it, you seriously start doubting your move to your new country and many start making plans to return.

Originally Posted by TouristTrap (Post 4512135)

Your clothing might have given you away.

An American friend of mine, and older lady, can pick off Americans in Europe by their clothing - much brighter than Europeans on the whole.... ;)

Originally Posted by Partystar (Post 4518691)

That's funny, here I pick out the Brits based on their clothing!