Take two of our first week:
I wanted to take a moment to share my impressions after my first week here (as the first post was mostly about the journey to get here).
There are a few things that I find interesting about how my mind is working after being around British-English for a week. I find that instead of naturally switching to Spanish (like my brain does when I hear any other foreign language), I'm actually thinking with a British accent. It's funny, really, because I can hear the accent in my thoughts but when I speak it doesn't just come out that way. I also haven't learned all that much of the British lingo yet, though there are a few things that I'm catching on to already.
I've already started regularly saying these words:
lift = elevator
push chair / buggy / pram = stroller
pub = bar
Other words I'd like to start using but usually forget:
loo = toilet
brilliant
hob = stove/oven
...(any observation followed by)... now, isn't it?
Cheers!
Anyway, I have some work to do. :)
Another cultural note that Spencer and I discussed was how cheerful we've noticed the British people to be (at least in Windsor). Though I have not gotten to know anyone, yet, more personally, everyone I've talked to in the shops and around town have been very upbeat and helpful. And Spencer said his colleagues, perhaps because of their sing-songy intonations, seem not to be bothered by anything. Seems like a nice perspective to try to adopt.
As for me, I am thinking that it is going to take a lot of effort on my part to find a community of people to befriend (due to my lack of employment), though I believe having Emmett with me will break down some barriers. We already got library cards and plan to go to the story times and rhyme times each week. And through purchasing used items on Gumtree (the British equivalent to Craigslist) and at the "charity" (thrift) shops, I've learned of other venues to try to find play groups. That is where I'll start, as soon as the house search dies down.
On that note, we made an offer on the rental we were most excited about and, pending the credit and reference checks work out (which shouldn't be a problem as far as we know), we should be able to move in by next week. AND, we even are able to stay in our current vacation rental through next week. Whew! I think we can start settling in soon!!
Having my mom here through this beginning part has been very helpful. This past week she stayed with Emmett both while he was napping and while he was awake, nearly every day, so that Spencer and I could make appointments at the bank or to see flats. She has also been a trooper in helping to haul Emmett around the city as we've gone to see the sights (we're all very happy to now have a stroller) and hanging out with him in lobbies and hallways while we're in said meetings. Thank you, Mom. Thanks to her, Emmett now knows how to suck on hard candies. :)
Alright, that is all for now. I'll check in again sometime soon.
I wanted to take a moment to share my impressions after my first week here (as the first post was mostly about the journey to get here).
There are a few things that I find interesting about how my mind is working after being around British-English for a week. I find that instead of naturally switching to Spanish (like my brain does when I hear any other foreign language), I'm actually thinking with a British accent. It's funny, really, because I can hear the accent in my thoughts but when I speak it doesn't just come out that way. I also haven't learned all that much of the British lingo yet, though there are a few things that I'm catching on to already.
 |
| The swans think all the little people have food. |
lift = elevator
push chair / buggy / pram = stroller
pub = bar
Other words I'd like to start using but usually forget:
loo = toilet
brilliant
hob = stove/oven
...(any observation followed by)... now, isn't it?
Cheers!
Anyway, I have some work to do. :)
Another cultural note that Spencer and I discussed was how cheerful we've noticed the British people to be (at least in Windsor). Though I have not gotten to know anyone, yet, more personally, everyone I've talked to in the shops and around town have been very upbeat and helpful. And Spencer said his colleagues, perhaps because of their sing-songy intonations, seem not to be bothered by anything. Seems like a nice perspective to try to adopt.
As for me, I am thinking that it is going to take a lot of effort on my part to find a community of people to befriend (due to my lack of employment), though I believe having Emmett with me will break down some barriers. We already got library cards and plan to go to the story times and rhyme times each week. And through purchasing used items on Gumtree (the British equivalent to Craigslist) and at the "charity" (thrift) shops, I've learned of other venues to try to find play groups. That is where I'll start, as soon as the house search dies down.
 |
| After bath time last night. :) |
Having my mom here through this beginning part has been very helpful. This past week she stayed with Emmett both while he was napping and while he was awake, nearly every day, so that Spencer and I could make appointments at the bank or to see flats. She has also been a trooper in helping to haul Emmett around the city as we've gone to see the sights (we're all very happy to now have a stroller) and hanging out with him in lobbies and hallways while we're in said meetings. Thank you, Mom. Thanks to her, Emmett now knows how to suck on hard candies. :)
Alright, that is all for now. I'll check in again sometime soon.
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