Anglophiles

When I was growing up, history, especially British history (Russian history came in a close second) fascinated me. The Kings and Queens, lines of succession, the customs, the pagentry, the castles, I wanted to know about it all. I had an old book from the 60s or 70s that listed the British Monarchs and gave details about each of their reigns. I read it cover to cover more than once. I did a research paper in 10th grade about Elenore of Aquitaine and was immediately smitten by her. Then I delved into more recent history, Churchill, Thatcher. Oh and Monty Python and Black Adder? Of course! I was a complete Anglophile.

When my husband entered the Air Force the one thing I was excited about, other than his actual job, was that we would be able to travel. The first place I wanted to go? England. Then in February of last year, after five years in Missouri, we got notice that we were headed to England. I was on cloud nine. I was finally getting my wish. It was destiny.

Now that I actually live here, yes, I love it. It however was not a seamless transition. In fact I still have moments where I question what the hell I was thinking when I thought THIS was a good idea. The simplest thing all of a sudden became a chore. Then you learn the system and how things are done and the chore becomes less of a chore. You learn to combine your shopping trips, find the shops that are the closest together, and make a day of your shopping experience. If you don't want crowds, you learn to avoid market days. If you are looking for a bargain, you actively seek market days. A whole bowl of plums for a £1, yes please.

I am still getting used to the hot and cold water taps, the lack of a "proper" flush handle on toilets, the small fridge and a few other quirks. And I am certain that when I go back to the States I am gonna be grabbing into thin air looking for the pull cord for the lights in the bathroom. However, I would not change this experience. For every rough time, I have had a good time. I have also made some awesome friends through this experience.

So Anglophiles beware, if you have thoughts about moving to the UK, know it might not live up to your expectations. It might throw you some curve balls. You might question your sanity. But where else in the world could you see all this on a regular basis?

But just remember, when you move here, you also have to learn how to drive all over again.