Our Story
Nice to meet you, and thanks for joining us (now insert a warm smile, and an offer of some Yorkshire tea!). Us three ladies originally met in Yorkshire, and bonded over clotted cream and tales about what its like to live in Britain as an American chick, late twenties, no kids, and homesick on occasion. Through lots of Cadbury’s consumption, cheap wine and bitching about visa costs, we found that we shared a lot of the same ideas about British life!
Since our Yorkshire days, Yankeebean has since moved ‘down South’, and is our unofficial “Southern” correspondent. She likes to brag about how much nicer it is weather-wise down there. Meanwhile, Peaceful is ‘up North’ still dishing on Yorkshire life and still complaining about the cold. And lastly, Pacificbird is our expat who has returned ‘home’ back to America with her British man. They plan on making the Pacific Northwest their home for good. With three different scenarios about being an American expat, you can take your pick!
Peaceful Yorkshire
Allow me to introduce myself! I am Ms. Peaceful Yorkshire, and I live in England ‘up North’ in Yorkshire. I am a professional musician, and make my living performing and teaching. I feel so lucky because the UK is the best place to be a performer!
I live with my fiancée, Mr. Chill, a laid-back Northern guy. We live in a sprawling Victorian Terrace House where I am usually freezing. I make him his steak and ale pie with one hand while typing my PhD thesis with another. He faithfully brings me Betty’s tea in bed every morning while I complain about the damp.You can’t get more classic then that, right?
I am a lady doing it for herself, working hard to make my council tax, sometimes too bold, a bit brazen, sarcastic, and always offending the English Genteel folk, unknowingly of course. I bring to you my experiences of understanding your controlling English sister-in-law, Yorkshire chav dating, and the debate if you should attempt sex at a Band B. Oh and in these credit crunch times, don’t forget Aldi shopping! I am sure you can relate to it all too, or at least laugh with me about it.
As you might know, living in the UK as an American woman can be delightful, but frustrating and confusing all rolled into one. I love Mr. Chill, my hunka hunka Brit man, but honestly, there are days I long for the heat of mi familia and my hot American climate. Rain again? Oh dear me, I am British more and more because I am talking about the weather!! (Blaaaahwdy hell…!)
Yankee Bean
In 2000, I met an awesome English guy and never looked back. Now, after braving it through a long-distance relationship, going through Visa hell, and adjusting to some of the hilarious differences between England America, here I am! So I find myself down South living, working, playing and blogging.
Most of the time I love it here, sometimes it drives insane and sometimes it just baffles me. Even after all this time, there are still things that take me by surprise about the UK.
I’m a web designer, a pianist and voice over artist (but never all at the same time) – so I spend most days either buried in a computer or up to my neck in sound.
I lived in Yorkshire for the first 4 years of my time in the UK, but moved South when opportunity came knocking. I guess that makes me the Southern Correspondent – for all your yank in the south p.o.v. needs.
Oh, and my fellow American-women-in-Yorkshire and I are going to stay anonymous. When the three of us get together is one of the only times we can rant and rave without worrying about offending someone… it’s like cheap therapy except with wine and home-cooked food. We’re staying anonymous so we can stay brutally honest!
Pacific Yorkshire Bird
Okay, so one of the first things I had to get used to when I starting seeing my British man and getting to know his ‘mates’ was the use of the word ‘bird’ to describe me and various other women hanging around. I didn’t know whether to be offended or endeared. Love it or hate it, I now accept that it is part of who I am.
I was born in the Pacific Northwest, lived in Yorkshire for 4 years, and moved back to the Northwest in May 2009. At the beginning of this blog I was writing from the perspective of an American woman living in Yorkshire.
Now, I am sort of the Stateside correspondent sharing my experiences of coming home and bringing my lovely new husband with me. In terms of my own personal culture I live somewhere between these two worlds. And this is what She’s not from Yorkshire is all about.
Navigating differences and similarities. Discovering things about the UK and the US that would have never occurred to us if we’d never got to live in England. Celebrating the things that we love and hate about each place. Fostering a sense of camaraderie. Finding our own way in occasional awkward situations. Overcoming being ‘his American bird’. Fitting in without losing who we are. So this is me: Pacific in origin, Yorkshire in location for a time but now returning to my roots, and to some I am ‘our mate’s bird’.
Thanks for the blog site.
I have been here for 3 yrs, and after this last trip back east, have decided to leave. I have learned to appreciate some things, but cannot come to accept the aloof British reserve.
I have felt like I live on a desert island, with permanent cloud cover.
There are some things I will miss, indeed, but mostly, look forward to thinking about them in the past tense.
Happy Election for us all!!!!!
Good luck with your move back!! I know what you mean about the ‘aloof-ness’… it gets old and it stays old…
After reading Michelle’s comment above, It got me thinking: Yeah now that I think bout it, Most of the American and Canadian friends that I meet have moved or are moving too!
As Yankeebean put, its the aloofness! The British reserve.
As Michelle wrote, she feels like there is a permanent cloud over her life…
I can relate to both of those and I find myself feeling often:
lonely
annoyed at the weather
planning my next sunny holiday
calling my family frequently
wow can I relate to this! Here comes my mini-rant (along with a disclaimer: I HAVE met friendly British people!)
I’m thinking of moving back home also- for many reasons, but one of them is the attitude of British people. I had always heard that the British were “well-mannered”, but in reality it DOES come across as aloofness, even smugness…
I long ago gave up expecting a reply when I say “Hello” to someone on the street- people would often just stare at me blankly like I was a crazy woman… even before I open my mouth, I sometimes catch women giving a nasty look (which leaves me thinking “Is there something on my NOSE?!”
p
People have different reactions when they hear my accent (many assume I’m Canadian, and to be honest, I was tempted to go along with it, at least while Bush was still in office)… sometimes people are initially interested in where I’m from, WHY I moved to England etc… but I’ve found it difficult to make close British friends: it IS like High School- and I’m not from Yorkshire, so I’m not in the clique…
It has been a pretty disillusioning experience, to be honest- I was so excited at the thought of moving here, and was unprepared for the anti-American jokes on the telly, the attitude of the people here (smug comments) etc….
Yeah, I have trouble making close friends here too. I learned very quickly that when first meeting new people to always say yes to invitations. I never wanted to give up an opportunity to get to know someone better. It helped but I didn’t click with all of them. Especially in the beginning when most of the girls I knew were my fiances friends or colleagues – so I always felt I had to be sensitive to make sure I didn’t make anything ackward for him.
It is nice to know I am not alone!
Making guy friends sooo much easier – but that is another story.
Living in the West Sussex countryside and after 3 years I have not made any close friends. I have a few girls I go shopping with but English girls dont tend to let you in. Most people are soo standoffish – I have a sister in law 1 year younger than I am and even she and I aren’t close. Lovely girl but for some reason she like all the other british girls I meet are so standoffish. I am still trying to figure out why no one wants to be my friend
HI EK!
Completely agree about finding it hard to find friends! I can for sure say that us three at “Shes not from Yorkshire” and other readers constantly moan about the SAME problem , Well, I am sure as you can see from other comments above!
The sister in law thing is especially hard– because you think, an instant friend, right? Well, mine is almost the same age as me, but I can’t connect with her very well, either! ahhh!!!
Did you see this Yankeebeans blog yet??? — its quite funny!
http://shesnotfromyorkshire.wordpress.com/2008/11/07/english-women-treat-me-like-im-an-alien-from-outerspace/
Brilliant! So glad to have found you. I’ve been compiling a list of US-UK blogs and I’ll be sure to add you to the next iteration. It’s amazing how much we all have in common!!!
What can I say? I’m a Brit living in the US, and I feel I need to apologise to you all on behalf of British women. And Yorkshire people are considered the most hospitable in the country, which makes it even sadder to read what you write.
I love the way people over here are so open and warm and friendly. I often think to myself “it must be a nightmare for Americans moving to England – what DO they make of us?” My worst fears are confirmed reading this blog.
There is always the aloof brigade, but trust me, there are plenty of other nice normal women out there too. Try getting to know the ones who are new in town. They’ll probably be less stuck in their ways and more friendly.
And the weather. I apologise for that too.
Iota! You don’t need to apologize! I know there’s no way you can take the responsibility of all of our experiences here. That’s just as bad as some Brits blameing me when “Bushy” got voted in a few years back.
I think one of the other difficult things is people that don’t understand what it’s like to leave your home country. And that’s something you DO understand… it’s hard.
Sometimes I feel like people think I’m not allowed to want to be American anymore because I’ve chosen to live in England. Like I should sacrifice my American-ness, or just go back home. Strange, isn’t it? I believe Karma will even it all out one day
Thanks for reading Iota!!
Hi Iota, I don’t think you need to apologise either. I completely agree that there are lots of wonderful women here in the UK. Just as there are some not so wonderful women in America. I’m so glad you have met warm friendly people in the US. There’s good and bad everywhere, but it helps us to have each other to lean on when we have difficult moments, which are inevitable when we remove ourselves from the comforts of home.
Like you say – its not wrong, just different. I think that is a lovely and open-minded way to look at life in a new country. I’ll shall try to think that way more often! Sometimes I tell people that one of the biggest changes that I’ve made here is that now I am comfortable being uncomfortable. The little things get easier to let go.
In fact, I hope that at some point if I live in the US again, I can meet a lovely British woman or two who will talk about the things they miss from home, or the things that are difficult about living in America. I’ll want to surround myself with people who understand these things and just maybe I can provide some of the support that my girlfriends, both American and British have provided over here!
Love your blog!
Hi, I’m a Leeds lass living in the middle of Kansas and I had a very hard time adjusting when I first got here. The women here were a problem for me as they all had the cheerleader mentality and I couldn’t relate to them in any way at all. After 33 years I can certainly hold my own, you just have to get to know people and adapt. I must say that when we went back to London several years ago I couldn’t relate much to the Brits and so I feel like I’m in no-mans land sometimes. Love your blog.
Hi Sylvia,
Golllleee gosh a Leeds lass living in Kansas. That in itself is a bit of flash fiction. Do you have a blog? Would love to hear more!
Thanks for your comment, and as I am in America this month for the hols, I have been inspired by your words… post to follow soon!
Thanks for reading
I’m so glad I found your blog – I just started reading but I love it already. I’m engaged to a brit and will be in England for the next 6 months before we go back to America to get married. We haven’t decided which country we’ll be living in. I guess only time will tell, thanks for your insights!
ps. I think I’m lucky, I LOVE my future mother in law and my future sister in law and they are very warm to me.
Hi Chrisitiana – glad you found us and wow – you and I have something in common. I am also getting married in six months and am in the process of getting a visa for Mr. Charismatic to come with me to the US (yes, I promise to officially announce this in a blog soon).
We too, are keeping an open mind about where to settle. Who knows maybe we’ll continue to have a few years in each country for a while. I have mixed feelings about the move because there are things to love and loathe about each country.
Keep us up to date!
Hi ladies,
I’d like to say that I love the website..it’s very funny and so valuable to others. It’s really important to establish a support network when you move to a new country. I found myself in a similar situation when I moved to the US five years ago and if it wasn’t for my British group of friends, I don’t think I would have survived!
I’m actually from Yorkshire but I’ve had to return here until my new visa starts in the summer (don’t you just love visas!) and then I’m straight back there on the first available plane!
SO much of what you say in the site works both ways and I found myself laughing and remembering myself when I first moved to the US..the homesickness, the misunderstandings with the language differences, driving on the opposite side of the road..oh what fun!!!
Now I’m back here and I honestly feel like an alien in my native Yorkshire, apparently I talk funny. I was even asked if I was Canadian!!!! I really didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
I know I’m not American but I do understand where y’all ( I love saying y’all…5 years in the deep south did that to me!)come from so if I may here are the things I miss most about the US…
… my boyfriend, the sun!, restrooms in stores, people saying excuse me before they walk in front of you ( this really drives me crazy here!), skippy peanut butter, good cheesecake and good shopping hours!!
Once again thanks for the website and I look forward to reading more blogs.
)
Amanda
Hi!
I came across your site by chance and I absolutely love it! I am madly in love with a guy from England, but I live in the US still. He wants to move over here, but I want to move over there… sooo yeah we have a bit of a dilemma, but I’m sure we’ll end up staying in the US.
Anyway, thanks for your blog. It makes me smile
Hi J–
A post for you inspired by your comment— which is a common problem among international relationships.
Thanks for reading!
PeacefulYorkshire
An American Woman and a British Man, where should they live?
Same story…met a guy from England, wants me to move there…glad I found your website.
To complicate things, I will be bringing my 10 year old daughter.
Any advice is great!
I am from Florida so I don’t know how I will fare in the cold. I know I will miss my tan and shorts for sure.
Planning trip there in the next few weeks, destination Harrogate. I am a friendly person so the comments about the standoffishness has me concerned. My daughter may do well she is a bit standoffish (you know 10 going on 17) but I’m not…what’s a mom to do? Any comments about the english schools would also be good.
Thanks so much for the response back about school. I am going to have her read your response.
This was a big concern for me and you just alleviated most of my fears.
Everything seems to be falling into place for this big adventure.
I sell insurance here and my job is going to end at the end of the month, I have a customer from England that came in the other day and invited me to tea…so guess that’s a good sign too.
I am very excited now!
Girls! So thrilled to have found you!!! Love your site. Midwestern girl, who lived on the west coast for 8 years, now finds herself lost in Yorkshire….missing sunshine and friends….
Good to find your blog….Also another US expat (due to husband’s job) living in the West midlands of England. Moved from downtown Chicago to a quaint little town…..oh the adjustments!
Welcome to our newest readers/commenters
Amanda – How nice to hear from a Yorkshire lass! I am right there with you on the visa issue.
J – Keep us posted on your plans. You can’t go wrong either way because there are fab things about living in both countries!
Cinda – It is great that you have an English person to chat with. Have her/him make you a proper cup of tea – it is an important skill in case you head this direction!
It was just the American in me… Glad you found us! You and I have the West coast in common. I miss flip flops!
A Good Scottish Name – One great thing about the UK is the proximity of big cities and pretty good transportation to them. Its not Chicago but at least you can find a bit of hustle and bustle when you crave it! How are you settling in?
I love hearing about other women’s experiences moving abroad. Keep it coming!
Hi! I’m a young canadian woman and I’m moving to west london in 2 months (still waiting for my visa)
I’ve just discovered your blog and I love it!!
so inspiring !
I’m so afraid of leaving my frenchie town (cuz yeah I’m from a french family) and ending up alone in Uk… I’ve met that maybe-mr-right-guy during the holidays in London and we are still in touch so I hope he will there for me… but people in uk are so distant sometimes we never know what they really want or think… and neither if they are really into you or something… I will miss my montreal for sure…but I hope find what I’m looking for in London town…
I’ll read your blog to keep myself focused and to laught about what will certainly happen!
I’m surprised at all the Americans living in Yorkshire. I’ve been here since fall, attending grad school at Leeds Met but living in the market town of Skipton. I’m an Anglophile so that helped with the move (and I lived in York for a few months in 2006) but I’m still working on the ‘making friends’ part too.
To wit, it seems to be easy to make acquaintances BUT, it’s much harder to make friends. I’m not working so I have no co-workers, I only see my fellow students once a week and I spend most of my time alone. I’ve gone to my local – but people there are already in couples or groups. Since, I’m in my mid-50s, hanging out at a club to meet people isn’t really a viable option. (Not without looking like a cougar in search of young meat – which I’m not.)
I’m also single and have tried a couple of dating sites…and so far I’m not too impressed with the Yorkshire guys. Believe me, it gets harder to find “good ones” as you get older. (My theory is that women are smarter than men and therefore will hang on to a good one…whereas men may very well leave a good woman to search for greener pastures…) Hate to be negative but there is a REASON that a lot of these guys are single!
Whew! Thanks for letting me vent. I do feel better now…
LOVE the blog posts.
If ANY of you ladies ever come out Skipton way, I’d love to invite you to dinner so we could really have a good “chin-wag”. Not sure how we could connect in person – maybe meet at a public place?? =]
Hiya Happy Go Lucky and Wordgoddess,
I can really relate to you both.
Happy Go Lucky – it is strange when you are in that transition period and know you are about to move to another country but you are still in the waiting process. I’m right there with you. I hope you get your visa soon and that the move goes well!
Wordgoddess – you must check out the American meet-up groups. Both York and Leeds have one. I’m not sure about Skipton. I was in grad school my first year in Yorkshire and I remember that feeling of only seeing classmates once a week. It was so hard to connect with people with so little time to get to know them. And it is hard spending the other days alone. I really feel for you. I think your theory about women holding on to the great men is a good one. I’ve always found people at the local fruit and veg shops or weekly markets are up for a chat. Especially if you become one of their regular customers. Can’t say I ever met up with any of them (men or women) but they are easier to get to know and well connected in their communities. We are anonymous so our policy is not to meet our readers. Otherwise dinner sounds great!
Hi Wordgoddess
You have inspired a post and hence I have written:
http://shesnotfromyorkshire.com/2009/03/19/how-do-you-find-people-in-britain-who-make-you-happy-when-youve-just-moved/#comments
Hope that helps!
PeacefulYorkshire
Hi,
I’m glad I found this site too! I’m an american who has lived in Greater London for 9 years now (married a brit). In all this time, I still haven’t met any good friends (keep in mind, we have a 6yo daughter so I’ve been and done all the baby/toddler group mingling as well). I’ve got 1 friend, if you can call her that, whom I go shopping with occasionally and that is it…and she only calls me when her man isn’t busy spending time/money with her. The “aloofness” of UK girls is REALLY getting to me…I want to find some girlfriends who will just open up and chat, chat, chat! Because I feel isolated, I often find myself wanting to uproot and take my daughter back to Texas so I can see my parents and friends again. It is so hard b/c financially, my husband and I are better here. We have an age gap and he would find it too difficult/expensive in TX. So if I did move, he’d stay here. That would NOT be good for our daughter….so I’m feeling very torn right now. Any tips how to get over all this??
Hi Lisa,
Welcome to our blog!
Just posted about your situation, I hope that you find it helpful.
A Reader in London ponders her return to Native Texas
This is really interesting. I have lived in the UK, mostly London for 30 years and am originally from a tiny place in Nebraska.
Making friends always came easily here, more so than at “home” I think. I wonder is it different for men, or is it to do with living in a big city?
I’ve found that alot of UK men are more laid-back & chatty than the UK women…that’s just my experience so far. I’ve heard quite a few Uk men say the same thing…that lots of the women are sorta reserved and tight-lipped. My husband’s last wife was british and he agrees. hehe
Hi all at SNFY, Ive linked to your holidays blogs in my recent post–hope you’re ok with that!
I love your blog so much! I’ve read almost every single post and comment!
Here is my situation- I am in high school (Secondary school) And my life goal is to become a citizen and live in England. Despite my family’s best attempts to change my mind about that, she can’t, and neither can anyone else.
That’s why I love your blog so much. I’m sure you’ve had the same doubts I am having. I’m sure you’ve dealt with the lack of support. This is the one place where I get a general idea of what my future looks like- and I love it!
Anyway, I have a few questions. I’m just trying to get some idea of what’s going to be happening in a decade or so, and you would be the coolest if you could answer them (Okay, okay. You’re already the coolest)
-What is the best thing about living/moving to England?
-What is the worst?
-What was the hardest thing about moving?
-Besides family, what do you miss most about America?
-How long was it before you started using the word “home” again?
-What is the least pleasant difference between England and the U.S.?
-The most pleasant difference?
-If you were to google British culture, how many of the results would you say are true/realistic?
-What are some of your reasons for moving to England?
-On a scale of 1-10, how happy would you say you are in England/
-Is living in England what you thought it would be?
-Do you plan on moving back to the U.S.?
-And finally, would you say England is worth all the drama and pain and tears that it takes to get there?
A lot of questions, I know, but thank you in advance.
Hello Taylor!
Thanks for stopping by, I’m really pleased you’ve joined us!
Man, that’s a huge list and I feel like I could blog about every single one of those bullet points one at a time…
I’m going to copy your list into a blog post and try and come up with some good answers
More info soon!
Thank you so so so much!
I am a Texan who is looking to move to London and make it my home for good. I have bookmarked your page and I have looked at it a good deal today.
I am looking to make friends here before I go, as well as get tips on what I can and cannot do for work/employment.
I have always dreamed of meeting “the one” and making my life in London. Texas has never called to me in the way that London has, and I have to say, it is good for me to read the good and the bad here on this page so that I have a good idea of what could happen if I am not aware of it.
I am not putting off my life any longer. Onward with the paperwork and such to get my life in order.
Hiya Dixie,
Welcome, welcome to SNFY
Well you have come to the right place to get a view on what life is like in England– our disclaimer: we *always* promise to give you our honest opinions ’bout living here in the UK as an American chick.
you might enjoy this post from Yankeebean:
http://www.shesnotfromyorkshire.com/2009/07/15/living-in-england-the-good-the-bad-and-the-the-fugly/
Let us know how it goes making the move!
(We’re always up for a good story… and so are our readers!)
peaceful xx
Good afternoon. Returned on Monday from a 10 day trip to visit my honey in Chatburn. Also spent some lovely time in Clitheroe, Nottingham, Barrow Upon Soar ?:) and York. Met my fiance’s family and they are fabulous. I love, love England. The scenery is breathtaking and the people are wonderful. Also fell in love with proper bacon and crumpets. I could eat them every day with Lancashire cheese. Can’t wait to go back at Christmas time. PS Also love reading your stories. Thank you.
Hey girls,
Valentina eventually moved back to the US to work a few years ago, and I miss her still…
Just wanted to say that I am an English woman, and firstly-I absolutely LOVE your blog after recently discovering it!! I also wanted to tell you that I used to have a best friend called Valentina who was Californian, and personally, I loved the directness & friendliness that used to radiate from her-it was just like myself (I think I was born English by mistake, I should really be American). So us English women aren’t all the same….honest!!
I’d love for you to read my blog sometime, and pass any comment you see fit-good or bad!
Best wishes
Julie
http://www.madenglishwoman40.blogspot.com
I-129F for those of you out there not familiar…the fiance visa. Yankeebean, follow up to our brief comments on the links tab. Good news … after a little over 2 months, my fiance and I received our NOA2 today from the Vermont Service Center. Very excited and still in shock, expected it to take 5 months. Next step (which many are probably familiar with) is the National Center and then on to the London embassy. Hope everyone is having a great week.
Hi Ladies!
I’m a British returned expat to the States! I thought when I returned after living in the US for 7 years that I would never look back – how wrong I was! There is so much I miss about American people – the ‘sharing’ … of everything … from conversation between total strangers … to craft patterns! The only community spirit here is behind the bar at the local pub.
I want to know what American expats do here for Thanksgiving??
My young daughter is an American citizen and I want to celebrate it!
Home-from-home sick! (It’s a shame crumpets and bacon don’t pack well…)
Sarah xx
Hi Sarah
I’ve celebrated every Thanksgiving every year since I moved to the UK and it is SO FREAKIN’ FUN. In my experience, English peeps are psyched-up to go to an ‘authentic American Thanksgiving’ and get really excited. Every year it’s been SO fun – good moods all around!
A few recommendations:
Take the Thursday and Friday off (that’s the thing that still makes me homesick, no auto-day-off. After the first year I’ve booked time off work specially)
Be prepared to talk about what Thanksgiving means and the history of it because EVERYONE will ask
Gut a pumpkin now and freeze it because finding pumpkin at the end of November is blasted impossible.
Have fun!
How about a reading list / movie list for someone just getting to know England, or starting a distance relationship with a Englishman and wanting to know everything “England!” ? (Etiquette, basic history, pop culture) I am American; have lived for a long time in Asia and have somehow managed to learn next to nothing about Europe/England. Where to begin!?
I just found you guys today, and have enjoyed reading. I think it’s great that you three found each other, and even though you’ve now spread out location wise, are keeping this going. Between the three of you, there’s a something for every expat to relate to. Well done!
Hey Ladies! I love the blog! I am an American girl planning a transatlantic move (for my own wonderful Brit) after I finish my Bachelor’s degree. I enjoy reading your insights, and I know now that it is possible for a “yank” to survive other there. On the plus I’m from Seattle so the rain won’t bother me TOO much!
I just wanted to say Thank You to you ladies fro writing this blog. I moved to the UK in January from Michigan. I Also brought my two daughters, and married a brit. We love it here and would never think of going back, but it can be hard at times. Thanks again for sharing your time and your thoughts with us!
Hi Starle,
You are most certainly welcome! Thanks for stopping by, let us know how you are getting on!!
Glad to have found your website. I have lived in the Northwest of England for 3 years. I am really missing the USA! LOL I see a lot of observations and experiences that you ladies have talked about, are things I have experienced as well.
I will visit again.
Thanks!
(Anyone know where I can buy Kraft Mac & Cheese? LOL!)
I am so glad I found this blog! I thought it was just me who was having trouble making friends over here and well so many of your thoughts, feelings and reactions are so similar to how I feel about living in the UK – it does make me feel better to know I’m not alone. Not only that, but your sense of humor about a lot of it is refreshing because when I’m feeling lonely or frustrated I can’t always see the funny side of things. I moved to the North West of England to marry my British sweetheart a little over 2 years ago and have finally reached a breaking point of missing home so much I have decided I want to move back. (the seemingly unrelenting rain in October/November broke the camel’s back) My husband is willing to go but we won’t be able to move back immediately, of course, finances, bad economy, and logistics dictate we stay at least another year … so I know this blog will be one of the things to help me make it through … that and Skype and a Costco membership my husband told me he is eligible for at work! Thank you so much.
Hi dragonflysky – thanks for stopping by!! Good Lord, I remember it well – it’s not easy jumping ship to a new land. A big turning point was when I met the other Not From Yorkshire ladies and finally had a place I didn’t have to keep my voice down
The phrase ‘letting off some steam’ comes to mind…
So welcome, I hope your move goes smoothly – keep us posted with how it goes!