Second week in US, homesick starts!
Jul 20th 2017, 3:18 pm
#46
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Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 5
Re: Second week in US, homesick starts!
I nearly choked on my coffee at that one!!
I would have thought that eating "typical" US foods and watching US tv programmes would have made the homesickness much, much, much worse.
I couldn't give a hoot about a lot of US tv but take away my iplayer and I'm a very unhappy PF.
In my 15 years of living outside the UK, I think that living in a culture/country not your own is a continuous low level of stress, like tinnitus perhaps that you don't notice most of the time. I need my little bit of Britishness (food, friends or tv) to retreat to so that I feel fortified to go out there again.
I would have thought that eating "typical" US foods and watching US tv programmes would have made the homesickness much, much, much worse.
I couldn't give a hoot about a lot of US tv but take away my iplayer and I'm a very unhappy PF.
In my 15 years of living outside the UK, I think that living in a culture/country not your own is a continuous low level of stress, like tinnitus perhaps that you don't notice most of the time. I need my little bit of Britishness (food, friends or tv) to retreat to so that I feel fortified to go out there again.
I agree! We lived in Texas for a year (had to return to the UK for family reasons but are in the process of a possible relocation to Arizona). While in Texas I felt so isolated and alone. I'd say it was likely I was even a bit depressed in the clinical sense. If I'd have had the foresight to get some Alan Partridge on, some original Kitchen Nightmares and even some Top Gear I know I would have felt a huge comfort. I know now for next time
Jul 20th 2017, 3:21 pm
#47
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Re: Second week in US, homesick starts!
We lived in the US for twenty five years with no TV and never missed it. We sometimes flick through the channels when we are staying at a hotel, and there's nothing to watch on any channel (unless you're into car chases or commercials.) Occasionally end up watching the local school board meeting or similar. One time we were staying somewhere a couple of days and were able to watch an entire season of downtown abbey ...
) )
Jul 20th 2017, 4:45 pm
#48
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Posts: 111
Re: Second week in US, homesick starts!
Oh bless you! Where have you moved to in the US? I swear you'll settle in soon! Moving to another country is one thing but moving to a large country like the US is a whole different story. Unless you live in a small neighbourhood with long term residents who are friendly and want to talk, it can be tough to get to know people at first. But once you're in your new home you'll make friends quickly as you have children. They'll be your gateway to making friends and you'll soon settle down and feel much happier.
We are considering a move to the US from the UK. I already feel very anxious about it and we are in the VERY early stages of it all. But I know the US well and have lived there before (pre children).
Keep posting your updates. I'll keep checking. I'm always here for a chat! You're not alone
We are considering a move to the US from the UK. I already feel very anxious about it and we are in the VERY early stages of it all. But I know the US well and have lived there before (pre children).
Keep posting your updates. I'll keep checking. I'm always here for a chat! You're not alone
Jul 20th 2017, 10:41 pm
#51
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Re: Second week in US, homesick starts!
https://www.bayarea.com/
Last edited by johnwoo; Jul 20th 2017 at 10:45 pm.
Jul 20th 2017, 10:57 pm
#52
in Northern California
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 284
Re: Second week in US, homesick starts!
The generally accepted definition of the Bay Area is the nine counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma.
Jul 20th 2017, 11:33 pm
#53
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Re: Second week in US, homesick starts!
You are correct on geographical terms, but I think as common usage, anyone living in the city wouldn't say they lived in the Bay Area, more likely to say they lived in San Francisco. In fact I often say I live in San Francisco to people who probably would have no idea where or what the "Bay Area" is.
Jul 20th 2017, 11:39 pm
#54
in Northern California
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 284
Re: Second week in US, homesick starts!
You are correct on geographical terms, but I think as common usage, anyone living in the city wouldn't say they lived in the Bay Area, more likely to say they lived in San Francisco. In fact I often say I live in San Francisco to people who probably would have no idea where or what the "Bay Area" is.
But for others, I usually say "San Francisco Bay Area" or "near San Francisco".
Jul 22nd 2017, 12:44 am
#55
Joined: Dec 2001
Location: Dixie, ex UK
Posts: 52,446
Re: Second week in US, homesick starts!
Robin's wife is a born US citizen, and when they retired they agreed to buy a second home in the UK, then split there time between the two countries, but with a twist: Robin spends slightly more than half a year in the UK and is tax resident in the UK, and his wife spends slightly more than half the year in the US and is tax resident in the US.
AFAIK they haven't agreed and end game and they know there is a risk that medical issues could ultimately strand them each in a different country, or that one may be forced to move full time to take care of the other - they are both dual citizens.
Last edited by Pulaski; Jul 22nd 2017 at 12:52 am.
Jul 25th 2017, 5:31 am
#56
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Re: Second week in US, homesick starts!
We have been here 4.5 weeks and still in temp accommodation so l honestly feel your pain about routine as l have a young son and as off the weekend we are now down to one car for a couple of weeks!!! 😳 The apartment we are in is beautiful but there is only so long you can keep kids happy when they aren't in a home and l remind myself that l will look back on this time fondly one day as it was the start of our adventure.
We have recently started going to the library that has story times most days. I also go food shopping every couple of days (don't buy much) but it fills the time and l start working out which stores are good and which to avoid and generally l end up chatting with someone.
I do an hour of school work each day with my little one which gives us a little bit of a routine and hopefully is beneficial to him.
Try joining your local ymca near your new house as that apparently will have loads on for you and the kids.
I have noticed (in my v brief time here) that lots of people here move about quite a lot and therefore there are plenty of people in a similar situation to us.
Please don't underestimate how big a move this is and just because everyone is excited for you and we are lucky to have this chance, that doesn't mean it is any less daunting or emotional.
I have another carless day and 10 hours to fill so wish me luck!!! 😀
We have recently started going to the library that has story times most days. I also go food shopping every couple of days (don't buy much) but it fills the time and l start working out which stores are good and which to avoid and generally l end up chatting with someone.
I do an hour of school work each day with my little one which gives us a little bit of a routine and hopefully is beneficial to him.
Try joining your local ymca near your new house as that apparently will have loads on for you and the kids.
I have noticed (in my v brief time here) that lots of people here move about quite a lot and therefore there are plenty of people in a similar situation to us.
Please don't underestimate how big a move this is and just because everyone is excited for you and we are lucky to have this chance, that doesn't mean it is any less daunting or emotional.
I have another carless day and 10 hours to fill so wish me luck!!! 😀
all the best!
Jul 25th 2017, 6:14 am
#57
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2012
Location: bute
Posts: 9,740
Re: Second week in US, homesick starts!
Live "off-grid". Disengage from all that nonsense beamed at you through TV and Radio !
Jul 26th 2017, 1:36 am
#58
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Location: Oregon
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Re: Second week in US, homesick starts!
Jul 26th 2017, 3:05 am
#59
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Location: Northern California
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Re: Second week in US, homesick starts!
How are you finding the bay area? After deciding against moving to Texas we have gone full circle and are reconsidering California (Livermore, Mountain House, Stockton kind of areas). We are struggling with Florida and have decided its as near to SF as we can afford or home! Hope you feel more settled once you get into your new home, being in limbo is definitely unhelpful when you're missing home
The Bay area in general is overcrowded and over priced. If you are young and can endure the hassle of traffic, high prices and overcrowding it's fine. There are lots to recommend it.
Jul 26th 2017, 3:40 am
#60
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Location: Oregon
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Re: Second week in US, homesick starts!
Livermore is OK, good downtown scene, if you can find a home at your price level, be aware it you have to commute traffic is a nightmare here.
The Bay area in general is overcrowded and over priced. If you are young and can endure the hassle of traffic, high prices and overcrowding it's fine. There are lots to recommend it.
The Bay area in general is overcrowded and over priced. If you are young and can endure the hassle of traffic, high prices and overcrowding it's fine. There are lots to recommend it.
Are other areas like mountain house/stockton or north of there ok? Or are we starting to hit what might be problem areas? They are much lower in price than Livermore seems to be.