Texans In The UK....

I will be moving to the UK in December to join my british fiance.  I live currently and have always resided in Dallas, TX.  When I move we will be living to the Greenford/Middlesex area (SouthEast London).  I just wanted to get any and all experiences of Texans moving abroad. Any challenges you have faced, peoples reaction to you, if you love it, how different it is...you know..everything.  I dont have a southern accent, just an "american one" as Alan calls it    Thanks!

Another Texan here!  I moved in the autumn of 2007.  Granted, I was living in Massachusetts when I moved; but, I was raised in San Antonio, which is where a good part of my family still live.  You will miss Mexican food and good margaritas.  Houses are smaller and it is much colder; but, in exchange, you get fantastic scenery, amazing history, and an experience that will definitely help you grow within yourself.  You have easy access to continental Europe and more vacation days (average is 4 weeks).

You will miss the US terribly at times.  At other times, you won't be able to imagine living anywhere else but the UK.  You will experience a range of emotions and experiences.  You may settle quickly.  You may find it hard to settle.  Everyone is different.  In the end, if you come over with an open mind and the knowledge that this is a different culture, you should be just fine.  It is an adventure!  Have fun!

I'm not a Texan but I lived there for twenty years.

People's reactions in the UK: lots of the tired old stereotypes, not always meant in malice, but it can get old after a few years/months/weeks....

Upon learning you are a Texan you may be asked:

Where's your hat?
Did you live on a ranch like in the TV show "Dallas"?
Is it all desert and tumbleweeds?
Where's your Texas accent?
So you have no lakes or trees because it's so dry?
Are you stinking rich like the Ewings? (Because everyone in Texas is rich...)

On the less lighthearted side, I will say I have encountered some UK people who, upon hearing I lived in Texas, truly and seriously believed that this meant I must ONLY be a racist, a bigot, anti-gay, and a staunch Republican, because aren't all those things what 100% of people in Texas are? (I happen to be the opposite of all those things.)

Even as a non-native, I find those discussions hard not to feel pissed off by, not least for the fact that these people were/are incredibly hard to convince otherwise, even though they were ignorant and had never personally been there. They especially wouldn't believe the picture I painted of the liberal, artsy, laid back and tolerant culture/circles I ran in in Austin, for example.

But then again, it's not just folks in the UK -- an NYC friend of mine, cultured, cool, educated and open minded, also did not believe that Texas was not the wasteland she believed it to be -- so you get this from Americans too, as you probably know.

Just to say, lots of people will have gentle fun with you about your specifically Texan heritage, and some will even have a positive opinion and fascination; but there will also be some individuals who are negative and hold erroneous and offensive stereotypes they have consumed wholesale from sources other than personal firsthand experience; but then they would be bringing that ignorance to a conversation with someone from New Jersey, California, or ...Pakistan. Have fun with the nice assumptions, but I guess just roll with the stupid or aggressive ones. (I don't always manage so well.   )

Hello there! I'm from Dallas, but I live up in Northern England in the countryside. I love it here! But, Midnight Blue is right, unfortunately you do get some unappealing questions. A lot of people want to know about Southfork Ranch and the Grassy Knoll. I, too, have a generic American accent, if anything I sound a bit surfer-ish thanks to my love of saying "Dude" all the time, so people think it's strange when I say I'm from Texas - they do expect a more Southern drawl. I often have to explain that Dallas is a modern, fast-paced city full of skyscrapers and highways, and no, everyone doesn't live on a ranch. In fact, Southfork Ranch is the only ranch I know of in Dallas, and it isn't even really a functional ranch, more like a corporate retreat. Yes, you will miss Mexican food, but it's easy enough to make a lot of things at home (except tamales and things like that, unless you're brave and have a lot of time on your hands), so I don't mind too much. Ocassionally, I do get the odd person asking if I love George Bush, but for the most part, most people are just making friendly conversation and are curious about where I'm from. You do have to hear about everyone and their granny's holiday in Florida, but I'm used to that. Again, it's just them basically telling you that they like the place where you are from, similar to how people in the states ask my husband about London even though we live 400 miles away. 
Incidentally, which part of Dallas do you live in? I've lived all over, really, but Lakewood is my favourite neighbourhood and my usual stomping grounds. 
Good luck with your move! And if you wanna ask me anything specific about foods here, etc., just PM me anytime. 

I often have to explain that Dallas is a modern, fast-paced city full of skyscrapers and highways, and no, everyone doesn't live on a ranch.

I've had to explain the same thing about Austin, Jewlz!   And that it is a hub of the hi-tech industry, Dell being based there plus many others operating and producing there. I've had some reactions from people amazed that anywhere in Texas has indoor plumbing let alone skyscrapers, freeways and computers, hah hah!

On a good day I shrug it off. On a bad day I find it quite tiring and even hurtful.

I don't know how bad it will be in the UK, but honestly, you will get this from anyone from any corner of the planet who hasn't been to Texas.  I know when I moved to DC from Dallas, my roommate's mother asked if I knew the Texas two-step? I politely said no. To be honest, I don't think I would even know what the Texas two-step looks like.   A guy from Northern California in my class asked why I didn't "speak like a Texan?" I just replied with, "why don't you speak like a surfer?"

I don't use the you-all contraction   but apparently they will call you out on it in the UK. Also, be sure to stress that we drive cars. I do not own a horse and never wanted one. That typical dream when five-year old girls want ponies, I spent wanting a computer.

Don't forget my favorite, "who shot JR?"  

I've had to explain the same thing about Austin....

Whenever I tell someone I'm from Austin, I generally add, "It's the city in Texas where all the dope-smoking hippies with bands live," and that orients people quickly. 

Even the dope smoking hippie imagery doesn't ring any bells with most UK people! I've run into not a single person who even knows that about Austin!

Besides, Austin is now almost as notorious for the "yuppie, SUV driving, rude on the roadways, superficial, materialistic, suit wearing, high powered professionals" who are rapidly driving out the hippie Austin image of old, which is now not really ubiquitous anymore. Well, perhaps in the form of the crystal buying, aura-reading New Agers, another recognizable Austin cliche these days....

I was none of all three, but had friends in all camps.

wow thanks for all the responses!!!  My fiance was totally shocked to find out that Texas was not as he called it like the movie "city slickers" I just died when he said that on the phone the first time we spoke.  All his friends and family are super nice, and like the fact that im from the south.  They are all really surprised we all dont wear cowboy hats, ride horses, and listen to nothing but country music lol.  I am more of an indie/rock girl, really do not like country at all...so that suprised the lot of them.

Im not worried that people will be rude or anything in London, more so just curious because its a different world in the states. So its going to be fun to squash alot of stereotypes of Texas..and will definately make for some interesting conversation.  I do agree though people even in the US have wrong ideas about texas and the people who live here.  I live and grew up in Dallas...the addison area to be exact...and its far from country.  My fiance absolutely loved it here when he visited. 

He is 100% sure I will hate the weather with a passion in London, but he said I should make a nice fit..because I am a very open minded, non-judgmental person..and take everything as it comes. My own family & friends had alot of silly stereotypes about the UK also..and I have been telling them how wrong they are.  They were all under the impression that everyone from the UK is posh, and says Cheerio all the time ...lmao. 
Oh...how far off that is from my fiance.

I will miss my mexican food though, good thing I know how to cook alot of it...but i figure I need to bring and ship certain ingredients over.  Cause even my fiance said the mexican food in London...and what he tried here were way diff....he loved our Tex-Mex! 

wow thanks for all the responses!!!  My fiance was totally shocked to find out that Texas was not as he called it like the movie "city slickers" I just died when he said that on the phone the first time we spoke.  All his friends and family are super nice, and like the fact that im from the south.  They are all really surprised we all dont wear cowboy hats, ride horses, and listen to nothing but country music lol.  I am more of an indie/rock girl, really do not like country at all...so that suprised the lot of them.

Im not worried that people will be rude or anything in London, more so just curious because its a different world in the states. So its going to be fun to squash alot of stereotypes of Texas..and will definately make for some interesting conversation.  I do agree though people even in the US have wrong ideas about texas and the people who live here.  I live and grew up in Dallas...the addison area to be exact...and its far from country.  My fiance absolutely loved it here when he visited. 

...l miss my mexican food though, good thing I know how to cook alot of it...but i figure I need to bring and ship certain ingredients over.  Cause even my fiance said the mexican food in London...and what he tried here were way diff....he loved our Tex-Mex! 

Dad was born in Texas; mom was raised there...I'm Texan by descent!

I know what you mean...They think we all wear ten gallon hats and ride horses to work. LOL!  I'm not kidding you, I've had that reaction before with my husband's friends, in laws, acquaintances, etc.

I am totally going to miss Mexican food. I hope I can get some imports.  I finally got my husband to like Mexican food when I make quesadillas or ck enchilladas.  He really likes fried plantain with onions and peppers.  We are going to have to keep each other posted how we can still make Tex Mex across the Atlantic.

wow thanks for all the responses!!!  My fiance was totally shocked to find out that Texas was not as he called it like the movie "city slickers" I just died when he said that on the phone the first time we spoke.  All his friends and family are super nice, and like the fact that im from the south.  They are all really surprised we all dont wear cowboy hats, ride horses, and listen to nothing but country music lol.  I am more of an indie/rock girl, really do not like country at all...so that suprised the lot of them.

Im not worried that people will be rude or anything in London, more so just curious because its a different world in the states. So its going to be fun to squash alot of stereotypes of Texas..and will definately make for some interesting conversation.  I do agree though people even in the US have wrong ideas about texas and the people who live here.  I live and grew up in Dallas...the addison area to be exact...and its far from country.  My fiance absolutely loved it here when he visited. 

He is 100% sure I will hate the weather with a passion in London, but he said I should make a nice fit..because I am a very open minded, non-judgmental person..and take everything as it comes. My own family & friends had alot of silly stereotypes about the UK also..and I have been telling them how wrong they are.  They were all under the impression that everyone from the UK is posh, and says Cheerio all the time ...lmao. 
Oh...how far off that is from my fiance.

I will miss my mexican food though, good thing I know how to cook alot of it...but i figure I need to bring and ship certain ingredients over.  Cause even my fiance said the mexican food in London...and what he tried here were way diff....he loved our Tex-Mex! 

I used to live near Addison (Preston and George Bush) and worked at Houston's and Chamberlain's Fish Market Grill there for a while. I don't miss the weather in Dallas at all, to be honest, I always hated the too hot summers and the lack of true seasons there. I'm sure you will have a great time in London!

I am totally going to miss Mexican food. I hope I can get some imports.  I finally got my husband to like Mexican food when I make quesadillas or ck enchilladas.  He really likes fried plantain with onions and peppers.  We are going to have to keep each other posted how we can still make Tex Mex across the Atlantic.

You will learn to make do and use substitute ingredients. I never did find any Monterey Jack cheese. (I know it sounds stupid but I used Mature Cheddar 'cause it was the same color. It tasted fab!) I also substituted plain yogurt for sour cream - tastes great and it's better for you. 

You can get tinned refried beans in the supermarket (Waitrose always had them) and we found tortilla chips in Costco (otherwise we had to get Doritos at the local shop - NOT the same  )

I still was able to make King Ranch Chicken and enchiladas. It just took a little bit of adapting. You'll figure it out! 

Whenever I tell someone I'm from Austin, I generally add, "It's the city in Texas where all the dope-smoking hippies with bands live," and that orients people quickly. 

Even the dope smoking hippie imagery doesn't ring any bells with most UK people! I've run into not a single person who even knows that about Austin!

Oh, I don't do it to try to remind them where Austin is or anything, I do it to differentiate myself from the stereotypical right-wing Republican, truck-driving, gun-toting, Jesus-loving Texan that some people here in the UK expect when you say you're from Texas. 

Yeah the mexican food thing is going to be tough.  I love me some homemade corn tortillas, even flour   Oh and my salsa verde..and fajitas from the local michoachana...not the ones from the restuarants. 

But I will make due, figure it out somehow. I am sure I will love London, I am pretty handy in the kitchen so I should be ok.  As far as the weather..I am not a big fan of the heat either.  But I love some sunshine, and tanning by the pool.  Alan said there are very few, if any outdoor pools, cause its typically not warm enough. 

Side question, im going in two weeks to visit..how should I dress?  Warm, jacket?  What? lol

Oh, I don't do it to try to remind them where Austin is or anything, I do it to differentiate myself from the stereotypical right-wing Republican, truck-driving, gun-toting, Jesus-loving Texan that some people here in the UK expect when you say you're from Texas. 

Ahh okay, yes to that! Although then they don't believe a word, and that's when I have to drive over them in my truck, waving my bible.