From the mountains of Colorado to the moors of Yorkshire

Hello Everyone,

It's so nice to have found this site! You all seem like a warm and lovely bunch, and it's so nice to know you're all there.

We're moving from the mountains outside of Boulder, Colorado, to the Holmfirth area of Yorkshire sometime later this year. At least that's the plan, all dependent on my visa and selling our house. My husband of 14 years is from Rotherham, and we've lived in the Boulder area most of that time. My in-laws are getting older, and it makes us sad to raise our daughter (7) far away from any family. We hope that moving nearer to family and old friends will put us on the path to a better life. We've been able to visit for a couple of weeks most years. Lately, however, the expense has become a burden, and we're worried how much longer we can afford it. We think it's better to make the move now, on our own terms, than to wait until there's an emergency situation with my in-laws.

I'm certainly worried about the culture shock because I did a mini-move way back when we first met. I did a work abroad program in Manchester for six months before we got married. I found certain aspects difficult, and they are the same things I find difficult now when we visit. I know from experience that it's all more pronounced when you have to live and work there. And to think of never seeing parts of America again! I have to fill up my hopes and dreams with all the wonderful places we can see in England and Europe.

Anyway, it's comforting to read how so many people have had the same feelings and fears, and you all seem to be doing just fine. I look forward to creating the kind of happy life so many of you seem to have across the pond.

Welcome and best wishes on your big move!!
You'll find lots of friendly Yorkshire-folk here.   

Hello and welcome!! 

Welcome to the forum!  There's quite a few of us here in Yorkshire, as June Cleaver pointed out. 

Welcome to UKY 

Thank you, everyone! I see we'll be in good company. It will be nice to know you're there. 

Hi & welcome to UKY!

I'm not in West Yorks, but near Rotherham in South Yorks.  There're loads of people to help make the transition easier and don't be afraid to ask questions (no matter how mundane you may think them to be), they'll always get answered.

As a parent you may find Mumsnet or BabyCentre.co.uk to be helpful with the transition, although judging by the age of your daughter MumsNet will probably be more helpful.  You can use both to help find parents groups or local group info for you and your daughter.  Great source of info when trying to see what's available before getting thrown into the deep end, so to speak once you get here.   

Good luck with your upcoming move!

Thanks Teletabby! My in-laws live near Rotherham, too, in Wath-upon-Dearne. We have friends in the outskirts of Manchester, so we're thinking of the Holmfirth area because it's central to all our people and has good access to Manchester and Huddersfield for work...even Sheffield or Leeds if need be.

I know a guy who did the opposite move this year. Went from Barnsley in Yorkshire to just outside Denver, Colorado to get married.

Holmfirth is a lovely place.

TykeMan, I think the two areas have a certain beauty in common, so I'm sure your friend will enjoy being able to look outside and see the mountains any time he's feeling homesick. The landscape is obviously different, but the proximity to an escape from the crowds is really nice. It's one big reason we chose the Holmfirth area. We're used to lots of open space, and I was worried I'd feel smothered if we lived in a city. Good luck to him. Denver is a pretty awesome place if you take advantage of what it offers.

Hi MtnFamily. I see you're from Colorado, we lived in Fort Collins for 10 years before moving up near Seattle. 

I was wondering if you have done your move yet? I'm guessing not since you mentioned you're 'thinking of the Holmfirth area'... If I may be so nosy as to ask how the application process is going for your visa?

Also, I'm wondering what you mean when you said you found certain things difficult in England? I'm just trying to get a feel of what we may expect or have in store for us. 

Hi Beccarose. I can't say how our visa process is going because we haven't submitted the application yet. I've spent hours on the computer trying to find accurate information, and we spoke with a UK immigration solicitor. I still have a couple of specifics to find out, but then we'll submit the application later this month.

As far as things that are difficult, I think one just has to realize that we may speak the same language, but we are truly different cultures. If you're married to an English person, then you already have some idea what I mean. My husband and I misunderstand each other fairly frequently even after 15 years. Our intonation is different, so we may take offense unnecessarily or we may have difficulty explaining ourselves. Extrapolate that out to the general public, and you can see where trouble may lie. We have different ways of getting things done, different attitudes about what NEEDS to be done. Our manners are different. Social norms are different. We use language differently so that a word that is fine here might be offensive there, and vice versa. I don't think one culture is better than the other...clearly...I'm madly in love with an Englishman and adore his family and friends....I just think we're different, and when one is immersed in a different culture, there will be bumps along the way as you learn to fit in. That's all I meant...I've had my share of bumps and faux pas.  Personally, I also had a hard time with the weather. I plan to approach it with more fortitude this time. But I guess you don't have that problem if you're used to Seattle? BTW, LOVE Fort Collins...great town!

Hi MtnFamily, thanks for the reply. 

My husband is from Sweden, so I know very well how easy it is to misunderstand lots from one to the other.

Having spent some time in Sweden, I also understand what you mean by social norms. Something that is hilarious to me may make a Swede stand and stare in disbelief that I would laugh at that, and like wise the other way around. Having been to the UK I know there are huge social differences there too.

The weather- yes, the rain takes a while to get used to. It took me a good year and a half to adjust to the climate in WA state, the rain got me very down and out the first year. I think, like everything, it takes time. Patience and persistence help to.  Don't give up, yes, it is a shock, and yes the lack of sun can be quite hard to take but you will get to the point where you don't mind it so much.

Hello & welcome!

MtnFamily, I will trade places with you!  I loved Colorado when I was there for a brief time. I hope your move goes smoothly for you.