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Saw a couple of interesting threads about living and working in Florida on this site the other day. For those that have made the permanent move can anyone tell me what they have found to be the biggest difference when comparing the life they have now in the US with what they had in the Uk. I appreciate that everyones circumstances and views will be different but I would be most interestead in their insights.
This sounds like a question for Martin Sarah Jane and one I'm sure we would all love to hear the answer to.
I hope when he's not busy (lol) he can give you an answer.
Martin already did reply OB on another thread http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums...?TOPIC_ID=3483
I have read those threads and as an American who lives in the North, I have to say this. Life in Florida is an inaccurate picture of life in the USA. I visit Orlando nearly every year - we love the attractions and we love the weather, but we would NEVER live there!! What has been said regarding education and social life is all true . . . . for Florida!! Not the case up North - not even close!!
I've forgotten where you live Patty, but this is undoubtedly true. I have a friend from Washington whose husband is moved around all over the place, and they are currently in Atlanta. Huge culture shock - particularly for her boys who were born in Hong Kong and UK. They asked for a posting back to the US so their sons could become "American" again, as they were growing up little English boys!
Top of our list is to visit other parts of USA - New England, Seattle, Washington, New York, Maryland, California, etc. etc. Loads more on my wish list to even mention!
We live in Erie, Pennsylvania, Fiona. The winters are rough, but beautiful change of seasons. The summers are fantastic with miles of beach on Lake Erie.
Another one on the list then Patty! The name sounds just gorgeous, I shall do some investigating on the net!!
Hi Patty,
I know what you mean. We lived in Doylestown Pennsylvania for just over a year (my husband was there for 6 months before I joined him). The people were just fantastic and so generous and hospitable. Bit of a culture shock at first - took me a long time to get used to the fact that people do not walk anywhere. Never forget walking around the village and a little boy aged approx. 6 coming out of a shop turned round to his mother and said "why are those people walking?". My eldest child was born in the USA and says she is going back to live there (even though she was only 6 months when we returned to the UK!).
Geoff's memories of Lake Erie are those of being bitten to death by mosquitos at dusk!!! But he said it was beautiful there. And what lovely memories we cherish.
Hi Diane,
Wonderful to hear from someone who is familiar with Pennsylvania!! Hopefully, you got the chance to experience the incredible Fall foliage! You're right about nobody walking, though!! One of my best friends is formerly from the UK. She's always amused when we go anywhere and I try to get the closest parking spot. I celebrate when I get the one by the door! She says " You are such an American!!" What can I say - I am!!
You can tell us Brits then, in the Walmart car park parked right at the back because it's quicker than driving round and round trying to find somewhere nearer!!
I also remember getting highly indignant at Eurodisney (or whatever it's called now) at how rude the French were (nothing new there then[:p]!) as they barged in completely disregarding the queues of children waiting to see Mickey etc. I said on the bus to my husband how different it was to Florida and how polite the Americans are. And the chap in front of me turns round - and he's American, says how nice it is to hear someone speaking kindly of the Yanks, and then we both agree how rude the continentals are!!
To get back to my original point (phew you all go) it's supposed to be quicker to park at the first parking space you see - doesn't work when it's pouring with rain though does it!