Hiking Trip and Making Plans

It's difficult for me to describe how amazing I felt after going on the hiking trip with the UK Wild Adventures group in Buckinghamshire.

I felt a sense of purpose and ease being with a group of people; some I knew, some I didn't, touring through a very beautiful, scenic place. I feel at most peace with my decision for moving here when doing activities like this. I even took a moment of craziness to heart, rolling down the mountain and laughing the whole way along.






Still in a situation that is tough for me - where to keep my cat. My bf has been keeping her for me but it's not the best situation and is a continuous point of stress for me. I feel constantly conflicted about it. I would have no idea this was going to be such an issue.

I have been focusing on getting my taxes done and realizing more and more how annoying it is to live here and do things that seem ridiculous as an expat. Like bank transfers. Such an easy solution - get the numbers of a person's bank account and transfer money over. This is a standard practice here and completely not the same over in the states. We still take out money or write a check to supply money to a person. Also, taxes are easily reconciled for everyone I live with but myself. It's utterly frustrating. Taxes and my cat = sore point.

I am again super excited about my sister coming and then Drew (the BF). At the end of April I will be exploring Spain. Barcelona to be exact with my favorite team, Tori and Lucy. Cannot wait!

A Change in Scope and the BIG MOVE!

Old versus New - A Change in Scope
The original intention of this blog was for my anticipated move to Istanbul to teach English. That didn't exactly happen as I planned. I ended up getting a job in pharma advertising and I am still with that company 3+ years later. I didn't want to create a brand new blog as I believe even my posts from a few years ago show how my life has evolved.

Before the BIG MOVE

My move to Europe had been discussed for quite a long time but logistically wasn't given the go-ahead until a few months ago. As soon as I got the go-ahead I sprinted into action researching all of the things I will need to do before moving across the Atlantic. My first thought was what I would do with my kitten, Isabelle. My parents have a cat as well that doesn't exactly see eye-to-eye with Isabelle so I knew that would only be a temporary solution at-best. Isabelle is confined to the guest bedroom but thankfully my family is good about visiting her often. She is so very friendly and fun to be around and I want her with me always!

I got right to work applying for a UK bank (I chose Barclays) online - but I had to get my documents certified so I didn't get the application in till I got to London. It takes about 7-10 working days for the bank to post a decision about your acct. I should have mine in the next couple of days!

The VISA process was fairly simple - my employer had to provide documentation supporting my move to the UK and I had to complete an online application, a biometric evaluation (taking fingerprints at a local government office - appt required), and submitting all of the documents with my passport and a picture to the border agency. The picture had to be with no smiling - I look ridiculous. Almost borderline depressed to be honest - I am much more of a smiling-type.

I received my visa extremely quickly - it took like a week via priority mail. It costs a bit more but definitely worth it!

I also was set-up with temporary housing through my company which is definitely extremely helpful - it's definitely a bit tough trying to find a flat. I did a bit of looking before heading over through Gumtree and SpareRoom. I would advise learning more about the areas before you come over but to be honest, I found that I learned the most by just being here and walking around. And walking around. And Walking, walking, walking...you got it.

Saying Goodbye almost deserves it's own post. I felt as if I had a manifest destiny - yet this time moving East. That doesn't mean I wasn't in a state of stress and sadness for the last month in the states. Everytime I would see someone from my gym instructor to friends I would think, "is this the last time I will see them?" There was a sense that I was either dying or going off to war versus becoming an expat in a country a mere 6+ hours by plane away. I wanted to be moved already so that I could focus on my new residence and visiting back home versus leaving everyone behind.

After several farewell parties and packing (and repacking quite a number of times) I was ready to go. My aunt and uncle thankfully were also visiting the UK and took over a suitcase for me. In total I moved three suitcases, mini carry-on bag and computer bag (which looks purse-like) to the UK. Everything else was moved into storage (thank you, parents for letting me use yours)!

Below is my departing flowers/Corona's from the colleagues from the states. I definitely miss them!!