Our Adventure

When we started our adventure back in July 2005, we certainly didn't know what we were in for. Sure we did the research, but having never been here, we really had no idea what England would be like, let alone what our life would entale. Its funny, but I thought that the only real problem would be learning to drive on the other side of the street, something that was in fact a problem for me! As it turned out, things were different, but also the same.

For instance, the politics were really the same. While England is part of Europe and the EU, it is much more aligned with America in its policy. This was something of a surprise. Another surprise was the state of the schooling system. I figured that since England is home to Oxford and Cambridge, that the educational system would be excellent. This is not the case. The reality is that the educational system is total rubbish. Sure there are good schools and smart children. But overall, the schools do not fare well as compared to those in the states.

But whatever our misconceptions were, it has certainly been a wonderful experience. We have had the opportunity to travel in Europe and England, have been able to make good friends who we will hopefully be able to keep in contact with over time, and have had the opportunity to grow vegetables all year (well, perhaps attempt to grow vegetables would be more accurate).

But in light of all the pluses and minuses, what we realize is that we miss America - our friends, our family, Bread and Chocolate! We miss what we know. Really, what we miss is our little corner of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Mia has certainly stated that she misses her family. As a result, we have decided to come home. As is the case with Andrea and I, this has become an ever changing affair as well.

When we first started to entertain the idea we thought that we would stay for another two years, then it became one year. We had all these reasons and rationalized our way to this decision. We said that this was it, that it would not change... it did! Then we said December was the perfect time. Then it was November. And now it is 28 July. This seems like a good date and I think we are sticking with it, for the time being anyway.

So, that's it then. In three months we will be back and starting all over, once again for the umpteenth time. Sure we're sad and hope that we don't come to feel that we have failed, but I think on a much deeper level we feel that we succeeded in something that perhaps was rather brave. And really what we got out the experience was and is far greater then had we not made the move at all. For me, there is a small part of me who will always say that this was a very, very expensive move (considering that we lost everything but six suitcases of stuff), but really, what I gained, and hopefully the whole family gained, was a once in a life-time opportunity to see and experience something a bit different.

And since you have sat and read all this without any break, here are couple of pictures for your effort!