We've been here a year now. And it seems like a good time to reflect on our experiences to date.
It's been a fun year. The USA is definitely a land of opportunity and there's been lots or fun things to do. I feel like we've a great selection of activities for Ethan within a short drive on a day to day basis. And good family days out with the zoo and children's museum all within a half hour drive.
We've made friends, good friends. Friends who when we come home will be painful to leave, especially for Ethan who is becoming inseparable to his friend Lucy. They're often mistaken for twins when we're out and they can bicker like siblings and boss each other round too.
Matt has enjoyed his job. Yes it's been busy and stressful but it's been a different experience to the London office.
We have a lot more time as a family. As we're living in a rental this doesn't consume time at the weekend. As we have left our family and friends behind we don't have the opportunities to do as much wih other people. Therefore we spend weekends together as a family which we are really enjoying. Ethan loves his time with Daddy at the weekends as he doesn't see him Monday through Friday. Currently they're doing swimming lessons together on a Sunday and Ethan likes helping him walk Bruno at the weekends.?
Culturally it is much more different than we expected. Speaking the same language does not make the transition as easy as we expected. The differences are subtle in places and significant in others. I am still uncomfortable with the divide that wealth creates here. It feels that if you have money the quality of life is better than the UK, but if you don't it is worse. I especially don't like the divide this creates in the health system!
Overall we are having a great time. We do miss our family and friends lots and have had to learn to detach ourselves from these emotions. We are very fortunate that we've had so many visitors this year and that modern technology allows us to stay in touch easily.
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