English guy, American soul.

Hi! I'm Damian, a 42 year old English guy living in Rutland UK. I was born and raised here, but always felt a really strong connection with America and American people.

Growing up in the 80's, I loved the 'feel good' American movies and dreams of endless summers, boardwalks, piers, beaches and great music. If you've seen the film 'Stealing Home', you'll know exactly what I mean!

I would love to be a part of your friendly community here, if you'll have me.

Well hi to you too Damian.

You dont of course have to be American to hang out in here. Me..well I am currently Irish according to my passport.

I just hang out here as i have travelled quite a bit in the US and enjoyed it. I found american people generally very amenable and friendly.

I do like a big of nostaliga,Americana and probably all the stuff you talk of.

welcome!

Curious have you ever been to the states?

Hey guys! Thanks for your replies. I went to New York, Philadelphia, Boston and New Jersey in 1996, but haven't been back since. I may have distant relatives over there, so will be looking into it and hopefully going back soon.

Come check out the midwest sometime! Chicago can be fun! or maybe I'm just biased lol.We're the hardcore Americans with the redneck twist out this way.

Hi Damian,

UK born n raised here, North Indian by descent and I have a LOT of connections with the USA via my family, extended family, their friends and acquaintances, my own friends out there, worked for 3 USA IT software companies in their London offices and now, via my business with various American suppliers and companies etc. I've lost count of my USA trips and visits, but I've mainly only been to some of the bigger cities etc.

I'd suggest to you to visit there more often. the USA isn't like what you see on TV and movies!

If you can visit your relatives then at least you'll also have a starting point in what they say about living there etc and their views. They might say everything is great, they might say it's not. Talk with as many different people as you can, visit different places, don't be afraid to go exploring etc. I find the Americans to be very friendly indeed, more so when people you speak to realise you're not from the USA!

Read posts on this forum and on ones which are about going to the USA as these will give you 'real life' experiences. If/when you can, then by all means visit piers, boardwalks and beaches!

Cheers, DTM! West London & Slough UK!

Hi, Damien, although I've been in the UK since 2008, I'm originally from Maryland USA. My family (years ago when I was a kid) used to vacation in Ocean City, Maryland, at the beach. It's a really nice area with a long boardwalk, shops, and amusement rides. I've been to New York, Pennsylvania and other states, too. Just hearing you talk about the USA makes me homesick.   I've been on BBC radio Berkshire quite a few times and they always mention my accent because Maryland is part north and part south, so our accent is quite a mixture.   It's nice that someone like yourself has an interest in the USA.  Nice to meet you!