| Eve will soon be marking her first decade as a Filipina expat in England, in Buckinghamshire, where she lives with her family. She tells us what she likes about living just outside London, gives us a glimpse of some of her family's daily and annual expenses there, and shares her thoughts on local customs and behaviors. |
 Eve Greenaway |
-Where were you born?
Manila, Philippines
-In which country and city are you living now?
Buckinghamshire, England
-Are you living alone or with your family?
I am living with my family, my British husband and my two lovely boys.
-How long have you been living in England?
This coming month is my 10th year.
-What is your age?
36...
-When did you come up with the idea of living in England?
I was a med student when I met my husband (who was my pen-pal then); until, I realized I wasn't cut up to be a doctor and my falling in love with him made my decision a wee bit easier to leave Manila.
-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
I had a tourist visa when I came here, took about a month to get it, but it wasn't that hard, except for the intimidating interview bit (goes without saying really), and then when I got here, I just kept renewing it. I had to wait for about 6 months (maybe more) until they allowed me to work. Then I had to wait for another year until I got my permanent residency.
-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
I didn't have medical insurance, but I remember within the week of my arrival, I had to register with my local GP. They have free medical care here courtesy of the NHS (thank goodness). I just don't know the ruling for tourists now.
-How do you make your living in England? Do you have any type of income generated?
I worked for a publishing house for 5 years as a data entry clerk by dropping into my local work agency. It wasn't that hard to get that job, definitely not very hard work but it wasn't a doodle either. It was a temporary job for 3 months but I suppose they liked the way I work, so they made me a permanent employee, until they had to go up north and I was made redundant. Now, I'm just as happy to look after the kids, while the husband slaves away to work as a cartoon animator.
-Do you speak the local language and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
Lucky for me we don't live in Wales or I'd have to learn Welsh (mind you only about 20% of the population speaks Welsh anyway)! I didn't have to learn a new language, nonetheless it would have been nice to learn a new one, even out of necessity.
In regards to local customs, I can say there is only a mild disparity between the traditions I grew up with and the traditions here, i.e., good manners, which are almost always expected like please and thank you's.
I was fascinated by their love of cuppa teas even at the strangest of times. Example, when I went to a friend's house to talk about a problem, after a few sighs and crying on my part, she offered me a cup of tea... as if it would solve everything on hand!
I was also called "love" (as in a term of endearment) by a complete stranger , which I found rather strange at the beginning. Now, even I use it. I think it's important to go with the flow, if you like, to keep peace and harmony. As they say, "When in Rome...
The Britons like giving to charities too, they're very generous; and they like forming a queue...
-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
I do miss my family (parents and siblings and friends) back home, terribly at times that I usually go home every two years. I was supposed to go home last year but money is a bit tight (a family of four needs a bit of money), fingers crossed we'll be able to go next year.
We live just outside London that we get to see all it has to offer. Museums and galleries come to mind, and of course the West End shows... my favourite treat! We also like walking around the woodlands (we are surrounded), the parks around here are good too, with a children's playground to boot. We also like driving around the countryside, especially when it gets too cold.
-Do you have other plans for the future?
As I've said, we plan to go home next year. We also plan to go to Sweden to make the long awaited visit to my best friend in Malmo, and then go north to Stolckholm to visit the brother-in-law. In the future my husband and I would like to retire in the Philippines.
-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
We own a semi-detached house (3 bedroom) and the price around this area is about 250K average. We were thinking of moving west to get near the sea, but the house prices there are tremendous, so we decided to stay put. Another advantage of staying here is that the schools are very good. Children come first!
-What is the cost of living in England?
Britain's cost of living is very high, it's world renowned.
A loaf of bread costs about 99p average, petrol 97p per litre, annual gas bill 600 pounds, water bill's about 250 pounds/yr, electric bill 450 pounds/yr...
Cinema ticket would cost around 7.50 pounds, McDonald's meal, 4.50 pounds; Travelcard for London tube/bus journey zone 1-6 is 5.1 pounds, a taxi ride costs about 5 pounds too. Even a return bus ride will set you back 2.70 pounds (in my town anyway)...extortion!
So there. There's no such thing as cheap in Britain really, although there are occassional BOGOF in the shops.
-What do you think about the English?
I live in a multi-cultural area so not much of a problem for me. So far, I get along with them fine. But because of the recent terrorism attack around Britain, there seems to be an invisible wall that makes everyone seem wary of each other. For example in my firstborn's school, Asian mothers tend to keep themselves to themselves, while all others mingle. I don't want to say segregation but maybe it is.
-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in England?
Positive aspect would be everything is convenient. If you can't think of anything to have for dinner, just go to the local M&S (even the shop next door), presto, just bang it in the microwave and eat away.
Britain is surrounded by lush countrysides, bucolic views, historic sites, castles, museums, galleries, etc., etc., you name it they have it. And although I'm not a big pub goer, I have to say I love the pubs. Our local pub serves the best roasts!
And of course thank God for NHS, but beware of MRSA.
Now, the lows. For someone who came from a terribly humid and hot country, I had a bit of a shock when I first got here. It took a lot of effort for me to acclimatize, and I'm still adjusting to be honest (and I still get the occasional SAD).
In my area, it gets really quiet during the day, especially at night, so it really gets depressing especially since I came from a very busy/noisy country.
And... everything is dear.
-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in England?
Be strong. At the same time, don't be afraid to ask for help because the locals are always happy to help.
-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about living in England?
BBC - (http://www.bbc.co.uk) a must for latest news and entertainment including BBC tv.
Metro- (http://www.metro.co.uk) I used to read this a lot when I travel the underground, now I can only read it online
Auee's blog- (http://www.kwentongwalangkwenta.com) a fellow expat in Britain blogging about her experiences here in Britain (wicked!)
And my blog - (http://myflipcorner.typepad.com) Yes, I have a blog too!
