Originally Posted by ali_j

LOL! I am not kidding! I teach in Elementary schools, and we all say that too, in Texas. Some schools make you stand and listen to America the Beautiful too!

Originally Posted by TruBrit

oh pleeezzeeee.....and so when do you all have time for the national anthem?

Originally Posted by ali_j

Let's not forget the follow on:

Honour the Texas flag, I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas one and indivisible.

Originally Posted by britvic

Pretty sure it's taught at most school's very young, 5 year's.

Originally Posted by Ray

This year ..I believe it was changed to
Honor the Texas flag.
I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible.

or was it the other way ...

Originally Posted by ali_j

Well, interestingly that's not played. Don't know why...

Originally Posted by Redlippie

Cos Texas wants to secede but they're too chicken to?

Originally Posted by KJ2007

Texas is famous for being a place all its own. I believe that most Texans consider themselves Texans first, so there's truth to what you say.

Of course, I haven't lived there, so perhaps this is all hearsay. For those of you who do, let me know if I'm incorrect.

Originally Posted by KJ2007

Texas is famous for being a place all its own. I believe that most Texans consider themselves Texans first, so there's truth to what you say.

Of course, I haven't lived there, so perhaps this is all hearsay. For those of you who do, let me know if I'm incorrect.

Originally Posted by Redlippie

Cos Texas wants to secede but they're too chicken to?

Originally Posted by TruBrit

i'm told there aren't any other states except texas, it is the lone star state

Originally Posted by keira-2007

You would think i should know what she did wouldn't you? She actually only went for a year or so... and I think it would have been about 89/90 ish. She was a spooky looking gothic type... or maybe that was durinng her punk phase? Blue mohican possibly!! I'm sure you'd remember her if you'd seen her!

Originally Posted by KJ2007

The jokes is that Northerners who come to Texas are called Yankees. Northerners who move to Texas are "Damn Yankees".

Originally Posted by another bloody yank

Really? For you, maybe. But respectfully, I think there a few million who might disagree. The clue is in realizing that that phrase probably wasn't coined by ex-pats coming over for a few years with a relo package and a waiting job, but by those who carried nothing but a suitcase and a desire for a better life. It's not all just a chapter in the history books either, talk to the Vietnamese restaurant owner, the Indian grocer, even the Korean lady that does nails or the Mexican cleaning lady and it's possible you'll get a different perspective.

For those coming from the UK or other some other western European countries, the "American Dream" probably doesn't exist in the way the phrase was intended. For you, emigrating might be an adventure, a change of pace, a chance to experience a different culture and better weather (the latter depends on location, of course!). For many coming from less fortunate backgrounds the "American Dream" is having the opportunity to take control of their lives and destiny to better their situation. Something they didn't have in the "old country".

Enough with the flag waving, any more and I'd have to start singing "God Bless America" and nobody wants that!

To the OP, FWIW, I think you made the right descision. You're coming here with a lot of things that will prove to be in your favor. Plenty of money, a visa that will ultimately allow you to work, many options on where to live, your destination is one of the greatest Cities in the country and you have the means to return home to the life you left if it doesn't work out for you. As others have said (and better than I), don't expect the U.K., keep an open mind and don't burn the bridge back home!

Good luck!