Where's my red carpet then?

 

Hello.  My name is Jackie.  I am in the UK as a trailing spouse from the Midwest to the South East.  We've been here since January, but were in the UK for a 2 years in the early 90s - same (ish) job, same area.  I have two kids in an English prep school (which we adore), and one at home with me.

I'm loving the expat life and have lots of real life American friends and English friends, through school and church.  I would love for DH to be sent on another international assignment when this one ends.

Welcome, Jackie!   

Welcome to the board Jaq.  If you had your choice, where would you like your husband to be assigned next?

wench

Hi JaqChic, good to meet you.  Welcome back to the UK and welcome to UK Yankee.  Glad you're enjoying your life here, long may it continue.

**rolls out carpet**

Liz

Wait--- I didn't get red carpet!!! 

Welcome -- I look forward to learning more about you. What type of work does your husband do that brought you to England? Sounds like the experience has been a good one for you. I haven't been here too long but so far it has been very good. I have been very pleased with my daughter's school and how they have made her feel very welcome here. I was worried about moving a teenager-- it is a hard enough age under normal circumstances. She has made the adjustments wonderfully!

Helena

I have my eye on Brussels - not sure why exactly as it doesn't sound very exotic.  But I'd like to be in continental Europe and I think Brussels would be quite easy for an English speaker (I speak a high school French too, but it needs a lot of practice).

I'd love Paris, but that isn't an option for DH work-wise.  I wouldn't really care to live in Germany (another work option), but I'd be more than happy to jump on the train for a visit.

Thanks for the welcome!

So your husband is American is well?  I often wonder how much more difficult that is to settle in, when there's both of you that are on the learning curve...

Where are you from in the Midwest?

We have a very good support network making it easy to settle in.  With a corporate move, a lot of the details are taken care of by professional relocaters.  We already knew some people from the US who were able to give us lots of "tips" about how to do certain things.  The moms at my kids' school are so friendly.  I joined the social committee only to find that there was only two English moms on it - for some reason it attracts all the expats (American, South African, Australian).

HG, my kids are still in elementary school, so it has been very easy for them to move.  They've adapted well to their English school.  My older boy just loves that he gets to play soccer at school during recess and lunch and then actually have soccer coaching as a lesson for an hour every afternoon.  I like it because I don't have to be a soccer mom anymore    I worry about the High School years, but we could move them to an American school over here, so I'm not too concerned.

Well since the red carpet is already rolled out I will just say hi and welcome! Being an expat is fun and a great experience for your kids though they may never be able to settle down in one place.  I speak from experience.  Brussels is quite nice and hey they have great moules and frites... not to mention lovely heaters for the winter to warm the street cafes and the great peeing statue.

I had my first mussels in Brussels!

Honest, I did. 

Welcome to the site!! 

Welcome to UKY.