I'm back in England and here to stay. Living in Northern England is not as peachy as studying abroad or staying here on holiday (vacation), but I suppose that's just the reality of life hitting when someone moves out for the first time. I'll do my best to explain my experiences and observations from an outsider's point of view and I plan to give a weekly update.
I've discovered why the English are so reserved: they can hear their neighbours through the walls. Would you want to look your neighbours in the eye or say a friendly, 'hello,' if you knew their business? The idea of the terraced house is a good one--it saves space and suits a single person, a couple, or a small family very efficiently. And don't get me wrong; I love our house. It has old-English charm and the rooms are the perfect sizes for everything we need and have. The only qualm is the walls which connect the houses are not as insulated as they maybe should be to block out the sounds of other families. We live in the centre of a trio of terraced houses, so we hear coughing, t.v. noises, and doors closing from other people. On three occasions, I thought someone broke into our house because the sounds are so distinct. I walked down the stairs, sneaked around the corners, and slowly opened doors looking for the intruder, but luckily it was just the walls.
Another scary occurrence: the postman's deliveries. Yes, we're just living in terror here. Our front door has a little mail opening and whenever someone places mail or advertisements through it, the brass latch crashes and scares me half to death. Yet another sound that made me think someone had broken into our house.
The first week of living out of my parents' home--that is without the knowledge that I'll be returning in two to three months--has my head going bonkers at times. If I have a question, then I have to find out on my own, or use my Martha Stewart housekeeping guidebook. My mind has to physically change gears which can result in a run to the ibuprofen box at the end of the day. In Preston, I only hear accents which I have to train my ear to understand most times; people here do not sound like Hugh Grant. I am still learning my surroundings and how to find everyday items at local shops. But the most exhausting change is that in order to get anywhere, I've got to walk until I figure out the bus system. Luckily, we live at the bottom of a hill so when I leave in the morning to go out and get things on our "list" for the house, I use my renewed energy to get up the hill and then I can just stroll down the hill on my way back home with my eight 'save the planet' bags of purchases. I'm sure these changes won't hurt my head so much after a few weeks and I'll be able to find stores closer to the house that are helpful to our needs.
Last Saturday, I arrived with three shirts, two pairs of pants, and one coat because my four suitcases were filled with items for the house. I've acquired a few more pieces that match what is in-fashion in England. It will be fun to build a brand new wardrobe and until I have social events to attend, I'll be happy to wear the clothes that I have.
Please post any questions you have and I'll be happy to reply.
Fun fact: On the plane, I sat beside a lady who is on this show called UK Border Force.
