How homesick are you?
Mar 13th 2007, 5:58 am
#50
Account Closed
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8,266
Re: How homesick are you?
the guy says to me, 'So, you just passing through? Where are you from?'
An American friend of mine, and older lady, can pick off Americans in Europe by their clothing - much brighter than Europeans on the whole....
Mar 13th 2007, 7:10 am
#51
CA to TX to Jamaica
Joined: Jun 2003
Location: Location, Location.
Posts: 4,887
Re: How homesick are you?
Mar 13th 2007, 12:12 pm
#52
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Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Hong Kong, mostly.
Posts: 5,214
Re: How homesick are you?
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?"
Mar 13th 2007, 12:25 pm
#53
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Joined: Mar 2007
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 535
Re: How homesick are you?
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.
I hope it works out for you when you go back.
Mar 13th 2007, 2:20 pm
#54
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Joined: Dec 2006
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Re: How homesick are you?
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.
Mar 13th 2007, 3:38 pm
#55
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 5,763
Re: How homesick are you?
I'll have to try that one with hubby. His "gay-dar" is pretty good. 
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.
Mar 13th 2007, 4:16 pm
#56
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,059
Re: How homesick are you?
Canadian ex-pat here. On a scale of 1 to 100, my homesickness rates minus 10. Not the slightest intention of going back.
Mar 14th 2007, 7:16 pm
#57
Back where I belong!
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: Melbourne, Oz to Banbury, England to El Mirage, AZ & now back to England!
Posts: 5,989
Re: How homesick are you?
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.
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.
I also agree with the person that said it depends on how your life was in England. Our life was great, we were very happy & had nothing to complain about (except the Air Force, but he's out now!!!). We thought we'd give it a try here, just cuz we had the chance & we both like to travel the world & try new things.
It's turned out to be more expensive for us here, as the cost of living is high & we have nothing to fall back on if the shit hits the fan. We miss my family incredibly & ultimately for us, that's what matters. We lived in a great area (the Cotswolds), I miss going to Bourton on the Water for a few hours to stroll around & eat a '99'!
I can't wait to move home & I'm so glad I get to have a holiday back there this summer, wooohoo!!!
Mar 14th 2007, 7:22 pm
#58
Back where I belong!
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: Melbourne, Oz to Banbury, England to El Mirage, AZ & now back to England!
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Re: How homesick are you?
That's funny, here I pick out the Brits based on their clothing!
Mar 14th 2007, 7:28 pm
#59
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Joined: Feb 2007
Location: USA
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Re: How homesick are you?
german or gay? Having lived in germany for many years before getting here I fail to see the similarities between the two. A german is picked out by his shorts, sandles and black socks pulled up to mid calf and the beer belly. A gay german is picked out by his handbag in his left hand.
Mar 14th 2007, 7:38 pm
#60
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Joined: Oct 2004
Location: Mother Land.
Posts: 14,858
she's going home in June 
but I'm not that far behind her.