No looking back now...
#1
is finally happy
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2012
Location: London! (yes!)
Posts: 195
No looking back now...
I'm officially back in the US for my first visit to my parents house in 9 months... and I can't wait to get back to England! I'm already frustrated by the lack of public transport, the way people pronounce the word 'watch' and the fact that even the crap TV is well and truly crap.
Don't get me started on the fact that my parents are driving me absolutely up the wall. It's tough being back in the same house, and giving up my independence to do it.
Still, I'm really glad I came back. It's like the decision has finally been made. I'm better off in the UK.
It's been oddly jarring to be back after so long- hearing accents that sound completely weird to me because I haven't heard them in ages (a bloke from Boston on the TV scared the crap out of me - I couldn't place his accent at all!)
Oddly enough, I haven't got as many food related complaints- most things I've eaten have been delicious, but then again, I am eating at home mostly.
Everything seems bigger though- unwrapped a burger this afternoon and nearly dropped it in shock. It was massive! Mum swears up and down that it's the same size it's always been, but I was full for ages afterwards.
It doesn't feel like I've ben away that long, but everything seems slightly different- like I'm seeing it through a lens or something. I don't bother constantly comparing it to the UK anymore, because thankfully I'm going back there at the end of the month, but it's strange how disconnected I feel from things I used to cling to over here (like BBC America...).
I'd better get used to it though- yearly visits back the states are mandatory for my family now
Don't get me started on the fact that my parents are driving me absolutely up the wall. It's tough being back in the same house, and giving up my independence to do it.
Still, I'm really glad I came back. It's like the decision has finally been made. I'm better off in the UK.
It's been oddly jarring to be back after so long- hearing accents that sound completely weird to me because I haven't heard them in ages (a bloke from Boston on the TV scared the crap out of me - I couldn't place his accent at all!)
Oddly enough, I haven't got as many food related complaints- most things I've eaten have been delicious, but then again, I am eating at home mostly.
Everything seems bigger though- unwrapped a burger this afternoon and nearly dropped it in shock. It was massive! Mum swears up and down that it's the same size it's always been, but I was full for ages afterwards.
It doesn't feel like I've ben away that long, but everything seems slightly different- like I'm seeing it through a lens or something. I don't bother constantly comparing it to the UK anymore, because thankfully I'm going back there at the end of the month, but it's strange how disconnected I feel from things I used to cling to over here (like BBC America...).
I'd better get used to it though- yearly visits back the states are mandatory for my family now
#2
Re: No looking back now...
.............*waves*................
I love reading your posts. It always cheers me up.
I love reading your posts. It always cheers me up.
#4
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Apr 2011
Location: Maine
Posts: 1,204
Re: No looking back now...
Thanks for the update, that's a great perspective into how returnees do upon going back to their adopted country.
I worry how my kids will do, they are so American. I think being British is an innate thing inside us. You either are or you're not. I always have been despite 21 years away. I'm on countdown to 2016 when I'm planning to go back for good.
I worry how my kids will do, they are so American. I think being British is an innate thing inside us. You either are or you're not. I always have been despite 21 years away. I'm on countdown to 2016 when I'm planning to go back for good.
#6
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 41,518
Re: No looking back now...
Great update. Hope you enjoy the time with your family.
#8
Re: No looking back now...
Ah well, enjoy the holiday!! I guess it's good to know that you've made the right decision for you! Far better than going back and being torn apart by the angst of what you are giving up! Don't have too many big burgers!
#9
Banned
Joined: Jan 2011
Location: The REAL Utopia.
Posts: 9,910
Re: No looking back now...
I know it isnt quite the same but I felt the same way when I went down to my hometown (Geelong) from Brisbane, driving in was like going into a different alien world. It depressed me when I lived there and felt the same when I visited. It all looked temporary and grubby.
#10
is finally happy
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2012
Location: London! (yes!)
Posts: 195
Re: No looking back now...
#11
is finally happy
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2012
Location: London! (yes!)
Posts: 195
Re: No looking back now...
Thanks for the update, that's a great perspective into how returnees do upon going back to their adopted country.
I worry how my kids will do, they are so American. I think being British is an innate thing inside us. You either are or you're not. I always have been despite 21 years away. I'm on countdown to 2016 when I'm planning to go back for good.
I worry how my kids will do, they are so American. I think being British is an innate thing inside us. You either are or you're not. I always have been despite 21 years away. I'm on countdown to 2016 when I'm planning to go back for good.
#12
is finally happy
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2012
Location: London! (yes!)
Posts: 195
Re: No looking back now...
I know it isnt quite the same but I felt the same way when I went down to my hometown (Geelong) from Brisbane, driving in was like going into a different alien world. It depressed me when I lived there and felt the same when I visited. It all looked temporary and grubby.
#14
Just Joined
Joined: Jan 2013
Location: Formely of Phoenix, AZ USA, now Barry, UK
Posts: 23
Re: No looking back now...
I've been back a month now after 32 years in Arizona. And I have to say I absolutely love it! People are so friendly and down-to-earth. Months ago, before I left Arizona, I would read posts on here trying to make my mind up about coming back, and I think it was Tel8 that wrote something that really resonated in me...and then miraculously the path back to Britain really opened up for me...and here I am....!!!! It just feels 'right' to be back!!!
#15
Re: No looking back now...
so happy you are enjoying your return after living in the US for so long. Whofan63 also returned from AZ and she is also enjoying herself so good to know that you made the right decision.