Better late than never

Hi,

My name is Mark. I moved to the UK in January of this year from Texas and have finally decided it might be a good idea to be a member of a community for expats. I met my wife (from N.Ireland) in Dallas and we were married April 03 of this year. We are now living in Swindon where I work as a web designer. I am also a photographer and enjoy hiking and rock climbing although I haven't had much opportunity to do any of the latter since moving here.

I've never been too keen on online communities but hope that interacting a little more might help alleviate some of the home-sickness and isolation.

M

Hi Mark and welcome! 

I know how you feel about online communities as I used to feel the same way.  UKY is great though (granted I am a bit biased).  One thing they do have is the meetings section where people in different areas meet up and even become friends in real life as well as online. 

Sometimes it just helps to hear a friendly voice.

I so hope you enjoy the site and I look forward to learning more about you.

Hi Mark and welcome from another Dallasite (last stop before here) in the event you need to hear a 'home' voice..lol. There are plenty of us here, too. And yes, online communities such as this one are a godsend- even if you never meet any of the people in person. I hope you will, as there are quite a few in your area (Swindon/Reading) and a few I have met personally.  I'm in northeast Hampshire (off the M3) so not too far myself.

Hope you get to feeling right at 'home' here real soon

Congrats to you and your Irish lady!!!

Hi!

I am from Houston, TX and just became a member today.  I do miss some of the foods and shopping from the US, but I am definitely adjusting.  I have been in this country since Feb-2004 and we live in Leeds now.  I just scheduled my theory driving test and will need to get studying.  My husband is a Brit and we were married in June of this year.  I wish you the best with everything.

I am also a photographer and enjoy hiking and rock climbing although I haven't had much opportunity to do any of the latter since moving here.

Did someone say HIKING?  Welcome Mark...if you are into hiking....get yourself a copy of TRAIL magazine!  It is my Hiking Bible!  Plus they have just started a climbing section in the back of the mag.  They do a scramble section as well.

Outside of Swindon there is great hiking...Cotswolds!!  Absolutely FAB!  And even though it looks like all rolling hills, it can be quite tough in some parts!

Gimmie a shout if you need any advice on "where to buy gear", etc.

Again...welcome!! 

Outside of Swindon there is great hiking...Cotswolds!!

Gimmie a shout if you need any advice on "where to buy gear", etc.

I was actually up in the Cotswolds on Sunday. Great day for it too. As for gear, I worked for an outdoor retailer for several years before moving here, so I am (as they say) "all kitted out." ...although you can never have too many toys.