Steerpike

True, but the OP has stated he's only here for a 1-2 year assignment, and is tied to his current location due to job ties ... so he's not in a position to 'up and move somewhere else'. Since I think the Bay Area is one of the best places in the US, I don't have much sympathy for his troubles ... he can solve his problems by moving 5-10 miles up the road to Palo Alto - as long as he's willing to massacre the environment by so doing, with all that extra CO2 he'll be polluting us with ...

Paul B

Take up a hobby, meet other similarly minded folk, try to get into their mind set.

If I lived in the USA I'd be like a pig in shit, as hot rod parts are simply so cheap and available I'd be finishing a new car every six months.

Or if you are not into hot rods, then be into something else. It is so awfully British to simply kick back and moan about stuff, so make a difference.

dlake02

Correct - not really at liberty to move location. Besides, we do have the ability to walk to school and shops just like we had in the UK which is great. Also, we are in a similar-sized house as we were in the UK, and if we moved to PA, we would probably have to down-size as property is so expensive (near London prices).

As with everywhere in this world, there are things we like, things we don't. Whatever, it's an experience that we will all benefit from !

Thanks to all those that have given their advice, viewpoint, flames, etc.