Even with its leanings toward soppy weather and an over-abundance of root vegetables, the UK makes me swoon. But a hugmungo downside to moving over here and leaving my family and friends back in the states meant Matt and I were a little isolated and lonely our first few months in Edinburgh. Years before as undergrads studying abroad, we had built-in friends through classes and flatmates. But as an oldie adult in Edinburgh, I spent a lot of time walking to Cath’s flat that she lived in eight years ago when we were students and looking forlornly at the door — willing her to appear. Not the best use of my time or .erm. logic. Also, looking forlorn and crazy is probably not a great way to go about attracting friends . whoops!
But then the magic of the internets happened! AsianCajuns.com must pop up under some Edinburgh/expat searches, and I have now met three other American ladies and their gents because of the blogisphere. Jackie, Rianne and Sara live in Edinburgh too, and write about their adventures as couples living abroad. Ashley, whom I’ve yet to meet in person because she lives in the sunny, “hot” southern tip of this isle, moved to the England to be with her British gent last year.
If you’ve ever dreamed of moving away from home but want to know what it’s really like: the good, the baffling, and the confusing/embarrassing (ex. vocabulary snafus: pants means underwear and napkins mean feminine hygiene products – yipe!), check out these expat blogs below:
• Dreams and Happy Things (Edinburgh)
• I Will See You In Far Off Places (Brighton)
• Kelly Lyfe (Edinburgh)
• We Moved to Scotland (Edinburgh)
So tell me, when are YOU guys coming to join us over here? I promise not to feed you too many potatoes. The rain however, is out of my control. Oh, and happy FRIDAY!!!
I wish I was one of those expats! I want to be drinking tea at a shop with you and your expat friends! At least I got to meet Sara while I was visiting. Maybe next time I’ll get to meet Jackie and Rianne. And maybe sometime we’ll meet Ashley too!
Wow! Thanks for the link love, Lar! Our move to Edinburgh would have been a lot harder without your helpful emails. And I am so happy to have hit it off with you in person (and that the Matts have as well 😉
And yes, Cath, we have to meet up over a cuppa the next time you are on this side of the pond. Those pictures of you at Club Monaco were amazing! And cute! And so much fun!
Preach, sister! I loved living in Bristol with my hubbie for 3 years – can’t wait to go back – but part of the reason we decided to return to the states for a while was because it was so difficult to make friends. I’m so glad the internet has helped you make those expat connections. I can’t wait to check out their blogs! Thanks for the link love.
Looks like y’all are having too much fun! Even the tea looks happy! Going to check out these blogs NOW! 🙂
Thanks for the love ladies! Still very much hoping to meet at least one (hopefully both) of you sooner rather than later!!
Yay! Thanks for the “link love” (literally just learned that phrase and will use it forever! I love alliteration!). And I will be checking these blogs out now 🙂 Looking forward to cashing in that raincheck! The Fountain or Lock 25?