Everything changed.
Our lives are drastically different now.
I haven't driven a car in months, other than a few taxi rides, I am on buses and trains several times daily. I walk so many miles that I hardly ever have trouble falling asleep at night, my body is so tired I just melt right into my mattress. Not only do I buy groceries on a daily basis, I carry every single item .7 miles home, and rarely remember to bring my shopping caddy. My girls and I board the (city) bus at 8am, walk .5 miles to Sonja's school, and another .5 miles to Stella and Mimi's school. By 9am, they are all sitting in class in their proper uniforms, in which I board another bus back home, if I am lucky I make it back there at 9:30. That is 1.5 hours people! This is VERY new to us coming from a suburban part of Portland Oregon, wherein we drove (in our very own vehicle!) .5 miles to school, and the whole ordeal took me 10 minutes flat. It's not just the public transport, the catholic schools, or extensive walking that is different, it's the language too. Of course it is English so I understand it just fine, but it is the way it is delivered that I find so fascinating. There is so much tonal fluctuation in each sentence. And also the choice of words are so fun hearing in new contexts, you know the ones: brilliant-where I would say awesome. Rubbish instead of garbage and horrid for terrible. But my favorite is when people (usually older men) call me 'love' or 'darling'! Apparently the girls have been quite a hit at school with their American accents. The children gather around asking them to say something IN 'American.'
People often ask me if I am homesick. So far everything is still too new to miss home. I don't miss America much, I just miss the people IN America. And finally after all of my begging and pleading, my mom and sister are coming out for a visit in just a few days! Can't wait to show them this new and different but equally exciting life we are living now.
11 comments:
what an adventure. Moving to a new place is such an interesting transition. Beautiful image Kjrsten. Can't wait to hear more.
do they call diapers "nappies" over there? (thats what they were called in Ireland...just curious). :) You're doing great at adjusting, friend...lets skype soon shall we? xo
awesome photo
It does change you living abroad....but you'll look back and it will be the best thing you've ever done.
Yeah for every new post, I am saving up for a spring trip. I hope you can handle company!
loved your post and photo! thanks for sharing. I must say "rubbish" is one of my favorite words in English. The sound of it's just fascinating, and the feel of it when you say it too. Rubbish :D
this image is soooo great. and this description. and you. i miss you, my almost friend.
Wow that sounds crazy...but at least you get your daily exercise while your at it!
I think this is one of my most favorite pictures I've seen!!!!!! love it kjrst and miss you friend!!!
Welcome to London! Just seen your chat with RocknRoll bride and as a fellow London Photographer thought I'd drop by and say hi.
Natasha
x
wow and wow. I miss you. I could use all that walking. :) Im sick to death of driving the kids all afternoon to their activities.
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