There are many reasons why Patty enjoys living in Fetcham, England. The cost of living might be high, but things like the food, the good cheer of the people, and the safe environment make up for it. Living and working in England is one way of satisfying Patty's curiosity about life outside the USA.	Patty Harrison

September 28 2006

-Where were you born?
Chester, Pennsylvania, USA

-In which country and city are you living now?
Fetcham, Surrey, England

-Are you living alone or with your family?
With family, (husband, son and daughter)

-How long have you been living in England?
6 years

-What is your age?
52

-When did you come up with the idea of living in England?
I married my British husband after a work assignment in London. We returned to the USA for 6 years and then my employment changed through a company take-over. I decided to "take the package" and we decided to raise our children in England rather than the USA.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
No, marriage is an easy ticket in.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
Not at all.

-How do you make your living in England? Do you have any type of income generated?
I work as a teaching assistant at a local school (where my children go). It was easy to get work here but child care is not easily available so choices can be limited, hence the school job. I don’t mind not working 9-5 anymore anyway; I feel I’m semi-retired anyway!

-Do you speak the local language and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
Yes, I speak both American and British English. If I lived in a non-English speaking country I would learn the language. I’d never expect other cultures should speak English, never.

I believe it’s very important to respect local customs and to blend in. If it’s the norm not to talk about politics in a certain situation then I wouldn’t. I don’t like to stick out in a crowd.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
I miss my family and make it back yearly. My favourite recreational activities are to go to a pub with friends, go to the cinema, theatre, take trips to France, travel anywhere in the UK or abroad as it’s so much fun to be in "discovery" mode most of the time! It’s a permanent holiday for me!

-Do you have other plans for the future?
Always. Perhaps, once you live in another country other than your own, you are really ready to experience more of the world, but, to be honest, I was always interested in how people lived, thought, worked (outside of the USA). I’ve always been curious.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
We’re lucky in very expensive Surrey. My husband bought our detached house 30 years ago so we have a very low mortgage. It’s VERY expensive here for housing.

-What is the cost of living in England?
Well, gasoline costs 7.50USD a gallon. Need I say more?

-What do you think about the British?
I love the local people and have fantastic British friends and co-workers. We all have a good laugh daily at the school. I really like the fact that the Brits, in general, easily laugh at themselves and don’t take themselves so seriously. Most of the friends I have met are a bit cynical about politics; being blindly patriotic (like I know people in the States can be) doesn’t exist here. One has to love a country that only flies the flag at football matches and where policemen don’t wear guns. I once asked a local constable what he thought about wearing guns and he said he didn’t want to because then the criminals would. How lovely is that?

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in England?
Positive, food (yes food!), lager, bitter, stout, lager tops, shandies, oops, let me think of other things… trifle, great TV (love the BBC), well written newspapers, the British sense of humour (Little Britain), English summers, windows with no screens, architecture, village life, slower pace, safeness, London, proximity to Europe, fetes, and more.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in England?
Don’t be naïve and think you can just come over here and live easily. Do your homework. Make me proud of you (if you are an American) and blend in and enjoy the differences. I joined an American women’s group at one time, and was disappointed to learn how many of the families never integrated. Their loss.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about England?
easyCinema.com - good DVD rental site!
BBC