How Costco Can Cure Homesickness...

We have now just celebrated our three month anniversary of living in the UK.  We are more settled into daily life.  The novelty of everyday in England has worn off a bit.  During our relocation process, our cultural trainer that advised us that about three to six months into an assignment, we would start to experience homesickness.  It has been amazing how accurate he was about when homesickness would start to hit.  We obviously miss our family, friends, and coworkers, but there is another aspect of homesickness that I had never experienced until living overseas.  It is a homesickness for the familiar comforts that define home.  The environment, the food, the routines, and the sights that signal to you that you are home...that is what I am starting to miss.

This past weekend, we became members of Costco UK!  I had never been to a Costco in the states, because I did not feel like AJ and I needed giant-sized packages of anything.  We definitely still do not need giant-sized anything and do not have the space for it, but we had heard that the UK Costco carries some items that are not sold in the regular grocery stores.  Off we went with hopes and dreams of finding the items we wished for from the states! 

When we pulled into the Costco parking lot, it immediately felt a bit like home.  The parking spots were huge!  AJ easily pulled the car in without any worry of getting too close on either side!  I opened my door the entire way and just got out!  While this sounds a bit silly, the reality of UK parking spots is that they are tiny.  You never can open your door the entire way.  There is often a short discussion determining if there is enough room on each side for each person to get out of the car!

After joining Costco, I went to get a trolley (cart) and instantly felt at home!  The Costco trolley only had two swivel wheels versus the four swivel wheels on all other UK trolleys.  More swivel wheels on a trolley is definitely not better!  For the past three months, I have fought with trolleys in the UK.  All four wheels swivel on all their trolleys, thus making them impossible to steer without constantly balancing the weight of the groceries in the basket.

As we explored the aisles, the anticipation of finding something, really anything, from the states was heightening!  I think I literally ran down the aisle when I saw a box of Ghiradelli brownie mix.  I can get brownie mix at a store in our town, but the texture is just a bit different, and they are much more expensive!

I then found a mammoth-size bag of chocolate chips.  Two things excited me about this find.  The first was the price per ounce was incredibly cheap...just like in the states.  The chocolate chunks, which are sold at my local grocery store, are fairly expensive.  The second was that the chips are shaped like American chocolate chips, and I love that!

We continued to hunt for American items we were missing! Krusteaz pancake mix was our next find.  Our grocery store only sells crepe mix that makes four crepes...which do not satisfy the pancake craving!  We bought the oversized bag of pancake mix, which will probably last our entire time in the UK.  We also found maple syrup to go along with our pancakes!  Golden syrup is the common topping for pancakes here.  Frankly, pancakes and waffles are not the same with golden syrup!

With each item that we added to our cart, a bit of homesickness drifted away!  As we were checking our, I glanced over to the magazine rank.  In the states, I love to browse the magazine rank while waiting in line.  I usually avoid the magazine rank in the UK, because it makes me feel like outsider.  I still do not recognize any of the celebrities or gossip on the magazine covers.  While gossip magazines are not high caliber reading, the celebrities and their stories in the states provide a sense of familiarity and comfort.  The Costco UK magazine rank was filled with US magazines!  I quickly grabbed a US Weekly with Joan Rivers on the cover. 

Our trip to Costco was successful and cured my homesickness for a bit.  As I curl up with my US Weekly and a brownie, remember the lights are always on!

~W

See It: Warkworth Castle

We continue to take advantage of our Saturdays to explore all that the UK has to offer.  We took one Saturday to explore Warkworth Castle in the small village of Warkworth along the northeast coast of England.  It was about an hour drive north through the countryside.

As we drove through the countryside, we were surrounded by fields and then suddenly, the ruins of Warkworth Castle appeared.  It was kind of like a "Field of Dreams" moment without the corn and baseball field, but with grass and a castle!  There was one small tourist sign pointing the way.  

Warkworth Fortress Ruins

This castle is one of the most impressive fortresses in the northern portion of England.  The most notable occupants of the castle were the Percy family.  The lion badge, which was important to the Percy family, can be seen throughout the castle and grounds.

Warkworth Castle drawbridge

We entered the ruins and grounds by crossing the drawbridge.  As we walked across the drawbridge, it was not hard to imagine knights on horseback approaching the fortress from the vast fields in front of the walls.

 There were a few towers within the walls of the fortress that the guards used to lookout for intruders from the countryside.

The Warkworth Castle residence

The Warkworth Castle residence is still standing.  As part of the tour you can walk through the various rooms.  The mere size of the residence was daunting when you think about people carrying each and every stone used to build the structure.

You can see the unpredictable British weather in the background of the photo above.  The sky was blue and sunny when we left our house and arrived at the castle.  We could slowly see the dark clouds roll in.  Just as we finished our tour, those dark clouds opened up, and it downpoured for about an hour! 

AJ listening the audio guide while standing in one of the ovens of the castle's kitchen.

There were at least two kitchens in the Warkworth Castle.  Each kitchen had two ovens that were used to prepare the food for the residents and visitors of the castle.  Great feasts with other nobility were often held in the Great Hall of the castle.  The cooks of the Warkworth castle had to have strong backs to carry all the meat and produce, not to mention the wood to fuel the fire, up an uneven flight of stairs. 

The views from the castle windows were incredible even given the temperamental English weather!  To the left of the castle were rolling hills that vaguely reminded me of the Midwest.  A river out to the North Sea could be seen over the fortress walls to the right of the castle. 

Warkworth Village

We had planned to walk into the village of Warkworth for lunch, but changed our plans due to the downpour.  We were not adequately prepared for the rain as a true Brit would have been!  As true Americans, we hopped in our car and drove into town.  It has a quaint High Street full of unique shops. We ate a delicious lunch at the Caboose Chocolatier.  Caboose's claim to fame is that Prince Charles recently visited the restaurant! 

We had a lovely Saturday in Warkworth.  Now that we are home, remember the lights are always on!

~W

Now I Can...August 2014 Edition

Well...another month has passed.  We have now lived in the UK for over two months.  Life has become much more routine and familiar in some aspects that it is hard to believe we have only been here for two and half months.  Just as I get comfortable and feel like I have UK life under control, I encounter something that quickly reminds me that I have just arrived!

In  August, I conquered one major fear of life in the UK as well as just learned more about UK life.

Just as a review...at the beginning of the month, I hoped to be able to do the following by the end of the month:

1.  Drive around our local area with some level of confidence, not too much anxiety, and without hitting the curbs!

2.  Join a local gym.

3.  Learn what all the road and highway signs mean.

4.  Pay our bills using the pay point system.
5.  Obtain a library card.

Well, I accomplished 4 out of the 5 goals!  Here is a recap! 

1. Driving:  This has been a major fear of mine for a multitude of reasons, such as driving in a new place and negotiating roundabouts at every junction.  Let's also not forget the main source of anxiety...driving on the wrong side of the car and the wrong side of the road.   I can happily report that I am driving comfortably in the UK.  I have taken four hours worth of formal lessons as well as passed a company driving assessment.  While I have come close to nicking the curb, I have only actually hit it one time.  I am still most comfortable driving with AJ in the car, but I have ventured out to the grocery store by myself.  I still need to practice the driving maneuvers, parallel parking and reversing into a parking spot, for the UK driving test.  In all fairness, I avoided doing those maneuvers in the states!

2.  Leisure Centre/Gym:   I have joined a gym, or leisure centre as they are called in the UK.  It is about a quarter mile from our house, which is convenient!  It is fairly similar to gyms in the states, but smaller.  The hours of operation are different from the states, which has been an adjustment.

3.  Highway signs:  I know what the majority of the road signs mean.  The UK has a lot of signs that do not depict their meaning obviously to a foreigner.  In addition to learning the road signs, I have been studying for my UK driving theory test.  I have not yet scheduled the test.  Just the thought of the three tests for my UK driver's license makes my stomach turn a bit!

4.  Pay Point:  In the UK, there is a pay point system that can be used to pay certain bills.  Various locations, such as grocery stores, are designated pay points.  It is really convenient for me to walk in with my bill and cash.  I just pay the cashier, and it is done.  We only really used this method while we were waiting for our bank account to be set-up. 

5.  Library card:  I did not accomplish this...I tried multiple times!  There is a library run by the council in the neighboring village, which is within walking distance.  This library is only open three days a week due to budget cuts by the council.  It seemed like every time I could go to the library, it was closed!  Hopefully, I will get there this month!

By the end of September, I hope to
1.  Conquer the driving maneuvers required for the driving test
2.  Plan our first official holiday
3.  Inquire about volunteering in our area
4.  Host our first dinner party

As I continue to conquer life in the UK, remember the lights are always on!

~W

See It: York

When we decided to take on this adventure, AJ and I make a pact that we would see as much as we could pack into our time in the UK.  Saturdays have become "See It Saturdays!" in our house.  Now that we are settled and have taken care of all the tasks associated with moving, we are starting to explore the UK with day trips!  For our first stop was York.  It is a 45 minute ride south on the train! 

Just before boarding the train to York...thankful that we would not have to deal with traffic or parking!

York is home to a rich history with lots of sights to see within walking distance of the train station.  Per my typical type A self, I had set out our itinerary using Google maps and my trusty Rick Steves' Great Britain.  We planned to see the major historical sights!  My American mindset of tourist sights made me think that there would be signs, directions, or a production pointing lost tourists in the direction of all the sights to see.  I quickly learned sights in the UK do not scream, "Point of Interest...Stop and Look at Me!"  The sights are much more subtle and just part of the landscape.  We luckily stumbled upon a free walking tour led by local pensioners that were also amateur history buffs!  Had it not been for these guides, we probably would not have known what we were looking at!

Multangular Tower: It was a 12-sided tower built to protect the town from the enemy approaching on the river.

St. Mary's Abbey ruins were spectacular to see.  This abbey stands in the shadows of York Minister, but is no less impressive when I think about it being constructed in the 11th century, without the help of heavy machinery.  The pictures above illustrate the ruins of just half of the monastery.  This abbey stood and was a working monastery until the 16th century when the Dissolution of the Monasteries occurred. 

The King's Manor, formerly Abbot's Place before the Dissolution of the Monasteries, was the next stop on the tour.  The Coat of Arms of Charles I adorns the door above the entrance.  Charles I stayed in the King's Manor during the 1640s.  The unicorn on the arms indicates support of Scotland while the lion indicates support of England.  The flags of St. Andrew and St. George are held by the two beasts.  I do not know if the door above is of any significance, but it was gorgeous, and I love doors!  

The King's Manor has housed a variety of people and organizations since its use by Charles I.  For a time, it became the School for the Blind.  The building above was the school headmaster's residence!  Not a bad house for a headmaster!  The King's Manor and surrounding grounds are now used by the University of York. 

Bootham Bar: A 4th century Roman gate in York's wall

Our guide explained that in York, "Streets are gates, gates are bars, and bars are pubs!"  While he said this in jest, it does hold true.  Bootham Bar is a gate into the walls that were surrounding York in the 4th century.  After climbing a flight of stairs, we were able to walk along the wall.  Soldiers would stand on this wall to protect the town from intruders.  The distance between soldiers was exactly the length that a shout could be heard! 

Walking the wall.

We then walked the wall.  It was about a person and half wide.  At one corner of the wall is Robin Hood's Tower.  No one really knows why it is named that, and if it had not been for our guide, we would not have known we walked through it!  Along the outer edge of the wall, where the grass now is, was a moot.  It was amazing to stand on the wall and imagine water surrounding you as a means of protection. 

Dutch House

This is the Dutch House, which is the first house in York to be built completely of brick.  After the Great London Fire of 1666, people started building homes of brick in hopes of protecting their homes in case of another disastrous fire. 

Street view leading up to York Minister

York Minister has an obvious presence in the city.  Throughout the tour, I was struck that I could see portions of York at almost all the stops. This is just one of narrow road, that is still in use, leading to York Minister.  

York Minister

After the walking tour, we toured York Minister.  It is the largest Gothic church north of the Alps.  York Minister is also a cathedral, since it has the seat of a bishop.  York Minister was not destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries as it was not a monastery.  It is still an operational cathedral, holding weekly mass.  On high holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, it is said that 4,000 people worship there.  While over a million people visit each year to see its grandeur and view history, York Minister is still a holy place of worship.  We arrived just before 2:00pm for our tour.  At 2:00 pm, a priest stood at the lectern and prayerfully reminded all that were visiting that this was a house of the Lord and then solemnly led prayers for those suffering from oppression, victims of war and conflict, and all people needing the comfort and guidance of God.  I do not know if this is just conducted at 2:00pm or at other times of the day as well, but it was a touching moment and reminder that amidst the grandeur and spectacular sights, this is still a place that God dwells. 

Holding owls just outside of the Multangular Tower

Just before boarding the train, we stopped at the Owl Adventure exhibit.  I do not think that owls hold any significance to the history of York.  It just happened to be there on the day we were visiting...so we did it! 

York was a magnificent historical city to explore for our first day trip out.  Now that we are back home, remember the lights are always on!

~W

Kindness of Strangers...

There are a lot experiences in life that can humble a person.  Moving overseas has been the most humbling experience.  Everything, even the language at times, is foreign.  For those first few weeks, ever time we did something, it was our first time.  Moving overseas is not like going on a vacation.  There are all those tasks associated with moving that must be completed.  To complicate matters, when you move overseas, you have no credit history and often times do not understand the process for each task. 

From the moment we arrived in the UK, we have been reliant on the kindness of strangers to answer our questions, explain forms, point us in the correct direction, even give us a drive.  One of the first tasks we had to complete was setting up a bank account.  AJ's company provides each expat family with a letter that helps the family open a bank account, but we still had to fill out the forms.  We tried our best to complete the forms before going to the bank to ask our questions.  Upon arrival, we attempted to ask one of the employees our questions, so we could submit the application.  Initially, she just told us to have a seat a table and "Give it a go!"  After getting this answer three times, she and another employee realized we were truly clueless and needed their assistance.  They then helped us complete the application, which immediately lifted a weight off our shoulders. 

When we moved into our house, there was a host of tasks that needed to be completed.  The first task was switching the utilities into our name.  I called the utilities company to complete this task.  A man with a thick Gordie accent answered to assist me.  At this point, I was still working on understanding the various accents.  As I attempted to understand his questions enough to provide the correct information, I could tell that he was having just as much difficulty understanding me.  After sensing my slight frustration that I could not understand the information he wanted, he politely transferred me to another employee.  This employee was much easier for me to understand and patiently explained everything I needed to do and know. 

 Finally, our neighbors, who initially were strangers, but have quickly become friends, have shown us continual kindness.  Three sets of neighbors introduced themselves to us within two days of our arrival.  They have shown us how to set our security system, pick up train tickets, operate the washing machine, move furniture, and how to lock and unlock the house.  While we were grateful for their help with each of those tasks, we are truly appreciative of the sense of community, friendship, and security they have given us.  So much of life overseas can easily become overwhelming in those initial days and weeks, but our neighbors' kindness has made this new country start to feel like home.

So, as you walk through life, remember that a bit of kindness can be the burst of sunshine in a stranger's day, and that our lights will always be on!

~W 

Laundry...the never-ending story...

Laundry...this was the primary topic or concern of our friends when we announced we were moving to the UK.  After the congratulations and logistical questions, the questions about appliances, specifically the washer, dryer, and refrigerator began.  Would we have American-sized appliances?  How big are the washers and dryers really?  How long would a load take?  How are towels, sheets, and comforters washed and dried?  Am I going to spend my days in the UK just doing laundry?

Our UK washer and dryer in our mudroom.

The rumors are true.  The washers and dryers are smaller than their American counterparts.  We do not have American-sized appliances, but typical UK appliances.  We are fortunate to have a separate room off the kitchen for our washer and dryer.  Many homes in the UK have the washer and dryer in the kitchen.  Our mudroom houses our washer and dryer as well as additional storage.  It also provides a great spot for sorting and folding laundry.

It has taken me a few loads to figure out exactly how much laundry the washer can handle.  The door and opening is quite small, so I was hesitant to overfill the washer.  Putting the clothes in the washer in a certain way allows me to get more in each load.  One load of laundry takes anywhere from 90 minutes to 180 minutes depending upon the type of wash.  I can luckily fit all of the clothes from the washer into the dryer at once.  Each load takes 60 to 90 minutes to dry.  Many of our UK neighbors have a clothesline or rotary dryer (a fancier clothesline) in their back gardens that they use instead of a dryer.  We have not yet purchased a clothesline, but it is on our list!  I have not yet tackled washing comforters or duvets, but have managed to successfully wash our other linens.  Two towels, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases fit into one load. 

Two loads of laundry to be folded!

When comparing our laundry from the states to the UK, I do twice as many loads, and it takes twice the time.  All in all, the laundry situation has not been daunting at all.  I typically just take one day to do all of our laundry.  I am sure that this would be different if we had children, who produced much more laundry!

Remember, our lights are always on, but luckily I am not stuck in the laundry room all day long!

~W

Now I Can...July 2014 edition

As a speech-language pathologist, one of my primary responsibilities was to identify a skill that was weak, identify a goal to target the deficit, and then provide opportunities and practice to learn or strengthen the necessary skill.  Setting and achieving goals is how you challenge yourself and grow.   I saw a quote that said, "The struggle you are in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow."  Honestly, there is so much that is rewarding about this experience, but there is equally as much as that is difficult and a struggle.  Some days everything is hard and tedious, due to unfamiliarity, language barriers, or inexperience.  Some struggles are bigger than others, but each achievement brings a bit of normalcy with it.

"Struggles" has a negative connotation, however, I have chosen during this adventure to use those struggles as a springboard.  Each struggle offers the opportunity to learn and grow.  Since the list of unfamiliar, difficult, or new experiences seems ever-ending, I decided to make monthly goals for myself.  Breaking the list up into smaller bits has made the overwhelming task of transitioning to life in the UK a bit more manageable!  July offered daily challenges and successes; each of which has helped make life feel more routine! 

Now I can...

1.  Cross the street without looking like an American; I now naturally look to my right to check for oncoming traffic!

2.  Pay using exact change in all British coins without having to look at the value of each coin.

3.  Catch a bus from the city center to take me home.

4.  Order food at a pub with confidence and without the server having to ask 20 questions! 

5.  Relay my UK mobile number and address without having to look it up!

6.  Tell you how to buy a TV license and why you must have one!

7.  Use my pin and chip debit card without assistance.
8.  Lock and unlock our front door (the only real entrance into the house) without standing at the door for five minutes just praying for it to open!
9.  Cross a roundabout and know exactly where to look for traffic!  

By the end of August, I hope to be able to...

1.  Drive around our local area with some level of confidence, not too much anxiety, and without hitting the curbs!

2.  Join a local gym.

3.  Learn what all the road and highway signs mean.

4.  Pay our bills using the pay point system.
5.  Obtain a library card.  


As I check goals off, remember our lights will always be on!

~W