Yes, yes we have moved to the UK. We have been here a total of 10 days now. It has been an adventure for sure. I have learned so much and still have so much to learn. Countries are so very different. I truly thank God that it's an English speaking country although sometimes I can't understand a word they are saying. We are just outside of London in Reading. The people here are amazing. We have yet to meet someone that isn't helpful. Maybe it's because we look like lost American tourists but that's OK. I was prepared for the worst weather on the planet but have yet to see that awful cold, wintery snow. Fingers crossed it will stay pleasant! We landed December 3rd and it's taken a while to adjust to the time difference. I mean here it's now 12:30am, so I should be asleep but back home everyone is wide awake and getting their Friday night started. Here's a list of the few things I've learned:
1. People smoke around here.. a lot! I mean it's COLD and people will go outside the pubs to smoke.
2. Everyone seems to be in a hurry.
3. Space is much more limited
4. People drink all the time and it's no biggie. It doesn't have to be 5:00 somewhere- they like to drink
5. It's a flipping act of Parliament to get a cell phone. Like literally, you have to be here 3 years to get a regular monthly cell phone plan.
6. Everything closes really early, like 8:00 pm early.
7. Kids aren't allowed in many places after 5:00 pm, if they are allowed at all.
8. Trains, buses, subway (aka the tube/underground) is expensive when traveling with 4.
9. Every time I ask someone about the best place to live I get a different answer.
10. It's EXPENSIVE. Everything is expensive. EVERYTHING! £2 for a soda doesn't sound all that bad until I do the conversion.
11. People here are wonderful. Everyone has been more than hospitable.
12. Health care here rocks. I went for an eye exam, contact fitting and contacts all for FREE!
All in all, this is a really cool place. I'm still trying to figure it all out. Slowly, daily I am making progress. I have a hard time of letting go of the old and embracing the new, now. I know once the girls start school it will be a bit easier.
This is it. This is life. I am in ENGLAND! I am in England. I can't wait for my family to come visit.
~Wife
