Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Back to the Homeland

After 1 year and (what will be...) 29 days, Simon will return to the mother ship for the first time since departure.

I am incredibly excited for him to be able to go home and see friends and family-and experience the sense of familiar that he will surely feel by being back in London.

I wonder if he's truly prepared however, for what has changed-both in London, and him.  I recall that there was a tipping point for me that made me feel less familiar with the US and more familiar with London-almost a comfort level.  I don't know if this will be the trip for Simon-it is just the first year after all, but it has been a year, so he's probably quite settled in the 'American-ness' of his life already.

This should be interesting.

7 comments:

  1. Hello Kristina,

    I've not caught up with your blog in some time, I've been terribly busy but the good news is that I've been accepted to a university in London and will be moving to Kingston-Upon-Thames on Sept 9. The goal is to find a job and stay permanently. It seems like you and Simon are doing all right adjusting back to life in the States (reverse culture shock: duly noted).
    I am VERY nervous about the move right now, saying goodbye to friends and family, worrying about the future, whether this was the right decision or not. I've just taken on $50,000 of debt in student loans for this Master's degree, I think that scares me more than anything else at this point.
    I certainly wish you well and hearing a "real person's perspective" on life in London and some of the nuances of being American vs. being British has been quite helpful.

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  2. Wow. Sounds like you've been busy! Congratulations.

    Taking that first step on the airplane on a one-way ticket was the hardest thing I've ever done. Yes, I was terrified.

    And then I got on with it-and though it was a very, very hard first few months, it all got easy.

    It will be difficult and stressful, but it will all work out in the end. Keep telling yourself that, and you'll be fine. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hello Kristina,
    I have been here 6 weeks now and finally starting to settle in and take a breath, so I thought I'd write to you. Things are really great and really awful all at the same time, which I'm sure you understand! I had a miserable time getting a bank account, had to borrow money just to eat, and struggled quite a bit with getting accustomed to everything, but every day little things happen to make it easier. I'm glad you said the first few months were hard for you, I was thinking to myself that having been here six weeks now I should have a better grasp on things. I think a lot of it has to do with being a student, and it's where most of my stress comes from. I haven't questioned my decision to move here, but I have questioned the decision to become a student again. I will get through it, just like living here, school gets a little easier every day too. I guess I just thought I'd have it all together by now and I have no patience. Anyway, I hope you two are doing well adjusting to being in the US again! Also, if you have any advice on coupon/money saving websites you used when you were here? I'm using Deal Zippy, Voucer Codes UK and Money Saving Expert right now.
    Take care and all the best to you!
    Gennifer

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jennifer,
      Congratulations on surviving 8 weeks! :) A milestone for sure.

      The post is a bit dated-but still applies. Suggest you check out: http://anexpatinlondon.blogspot.com/2011/01/saving-money-in-london.html
      I was just reading an article on the Taste Card the other day-seems even bigger now than when I lived there. Well worth it imho.

      As far as Groupon-like sites, there is Groupon, Living Social, and Time Out Deals. There are probably several others, but those are the reputable ones I used to buy off of.

      Good luck! Every pence helps. :)

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  4. Hey
    Each region has its own problems and peculiarities, in such a developed country as Great Britain, they also have.
    Currently United Kingdom faces various issues, including somewhat concerning air pollution, controversial migration
    http://www.confiduss.com/en/jurisdictions/united-kingdom/environment/
    Thanks for attention

    ReplyDelete
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