I've been in the US for a good six weeks now and I have settled in really well. I'm so thankful that I have such supportive friends and family.
If I'm honest I've not felt this happy in a very long time. A lot of my friends have been skyping me, saying that I look really happy and... I am.
I haven't felt the effects of the year abroad blues yet and according to the graph we were shown during our induction, it is supposed to hit in the next week, so watch this space.
This time I'm going to start with the 'what I don't miss' list because I want to explain why I am a lot happier in Texas.
Things I don't miss about home
1. British weather
The most obvious thing that has affected my mood has been the weather. The weather here is amazing and it has only rained three times since I've been here. That's 3 days in 45 - a 1/15 chance of rain rather than the 100% in Birmingham...
Since I've been here, I've really noticed how the weather affects me and how important vitamin D is! I think when I get back to Britain, I'll take vitamin D supplements because Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D) has had a huge affect on me.
P.S. It's still 30 on most days.
2. Cooking for yourself
Last year, my housemates to find it hilarious that I would rotate three meals each week and maybe spice it up a little by getting a takeaway, every once in a while. It was based on very unimaginative food - pasta with cheese, tuna pasta bakes, fry ups, salads, fajitas, beans on toast - essentially anything that was quick and easy.
My second year was beyond busy. Apart from being in a number of ensembles with the university, I was either directing an opera, learning a role for an opera or heading down to London to work with the Royal Opera House. As a result, my diet did not get any sort of priority.
HOWEVER
This year I have a meal plan and therefore I am fed on campus everyday of the week. The food is pretty terrible, but hey! I'm not cooking, so who cares!
3. Allergies
'Oh my gawd, my allergies are just so bad at this time of year'.
'Oh my gawd, mine too!'
When I first heard this expression, all I could think was 'an allergy to what'? However, what I have discovered is that an allergy in America is what we would call 'hay-fever' back in the U.K.
And I haven't had any. I have been 'allergy' free since I've been in Texas - there doesn't seem to be any pollen to get an allergy from. If anything, I've been perfectly healthy since I've been here - no colds, no coughs, nothing.
4. Making British acquaintances
Trying to make conversation with a Briton you do not know, is about as painful as this. Trying to get to know people at university takes time and it can be a really long and frustrating process.
This is not the case if you go to a college in America.
In America you can be sitting by yourself in the cafeteria and people will ask to sit with you. They will hold a really long conversation with you - this doesn't only include the weather, they actually have other topics to talk about! There is such a variety - what course you're studying, some cliche questions about England, politics, Texas, anything really!
Everyone is incredibly friendly. It is really worthwhile making the effort to look good here because people will tell you if you look good! Random strangers will come up to you and say 'hey, nice dress' and that will be the end of it.
In Britain, it's hard to get comments like that from your friends sometimes!
5. The cost of living
The cost of living is a lot cheaper here than in the U.K. Most American's have looked at me in horror when I have said that 'gas' is cheap here.
A gallon is approximately $3.50 in Denton - that's 70c per litre. In other words, they are paying 40p for a litre, when we pay a mighty £1.30.
The other night I went to a bar and I bought a double vodka and cranberry juice. In Birmingham, this would probably cost me about £6, in London probably £9.
I paid a mighty $1.50 - £1.
6. Easier work load
So far the European Union (and our honourary Australian) and I have been doing our great continent a triumph by coming at the top of our class in our exams. This was a particular triumph for our Finnish member, Petri, who managed to get the top marks on his exam 'American History since 1865'.
Hehe. He. He.
7. Stress
This was me. This me everyday. Am I going to get the mark I want from university? Am I going to meet this deadline? Am I going to learn this score in term? I am prepared for my recital. The American's are incredibly hardworking, but they are definitely more relaxed than the Brits and I like that it has rubbed off on me, I feel a lot better.
8. Having a decent schedule
I thought getting up at 7am most days was going to kill me. Most days at Birmingham I wasn't getting up before 11pm and I wasn't getting to sleep until 3-4am on most nights. I now realise it was because I had shortened my days. I had thought by staying up late I would be more productive, but I now see that is completely wrong. I have a longer day here and I get a lot more done in a day than what I ever did at Birmingham.
This is going to change when I go back.
Things I miss about home
1. British dairy
The dairy products have been making me feel really sick when I have been here. It is American law that all dairy products are pasteurised - as a result the cheese is artificial and if you leave milk in your mug for a day or two, it turns into jelly.
*shudder*
2. British politics
There is a lot I want to say on this, but I think I will save this for another blog when I have more time. However 'dysfunctional' you think our government is, at least it isn't shutdown at the moment...
3. Curry houses
I haven't found a single curry house since I've been in Texas. I really could do with one in the near future, especially having lived in the curry capital of Britain - I am really starting to crave a curry fix.
4. Bugger off mate, he was trying it on. Alright mate, need the loo.
The English language is a wonderful thing, we have created so many new words over hundreds of years and this creativity has not stopped. However, since I've been in America, I've really noticed how many expressions are just British and are not recognised by other English speaking countries.
Oi, I'm not telling any porky pies, so don't throw a wobbly.
5. Not being asked on 100 dates within a week
The men are incredibly forward here, which is completely different to the reserve of most Brits. They're loving the accent here, but I am finding it overwhelming at the moment. I might need to buy a taser in the near future...
6. Close friends and family
Here is the soppy moment. I miss their company, but we stay in regular contact and I haven't felt homesick since I've been here. It would just be nice to have a hug every once in a while.
7. Having things you don't need
The life of an exchange student is minimal. Unless you decide to go on a mad spending trip when you arrive, you are limited to what you bought in your suitcase and the occasional trip to Walmart. Sometimes it's nice just have some extra clothes, something different to wear occasionally, some extra cutlery, stationery etc.
8. Not hearing the phrase...
OMIGOD. ARE YOU ENGLISH?
