I was sitting on a plane that had just taken off from JFK, New York, back to my home in the UK and already that familiar feeling was starting  within me. I could never have imagined this 30 odd years ago, when I first knew that I would be making the United Kingdom my permanent home. That this would still be happening to me after every visit to my family in America, a strange ambivalence in leaving my parents, brothers and countless cousins behind, and the home of my childhood and teenage memories. If anything, this feeling seemed to be getting stronger with the passing years. Perhaps it was the realisation that I really am not ever moving back, a thought that had lived somewhere in the recesses of my mind for so many years previously. I love my life in the UK, but on these return trips back to England it’s like that whole feeling of being American had been crammed into two weeks and was now being lost to me again. However, I have been here on this plane journey many times before. I knew that after several days, I would soon settle back into my life in the UK, the adopted home that I have come to love. It helps to have a wonderful husband who is British and a beautiful teenage daughter who is an American/British dual national. I also have a job I enjoy, (I’m a sign language interpreter) and I have very many, absolutely lovely British friends. So even as that ambivalent feeling on the flight began, I knew eventually all would be fine again, the post USA blues a distant memory. Until the following year and the next trip back home to the USA.

My British husband and I married in 2015. I had already been living here as a permanent resident for over 30 years. (I have been married before, well, more than once but that’s another story that wouldn’t possibly fit into this article!). Our trip to New York last June was the second time Richard had visited the USA with me. He was concerned after this last visit when I went into my usual maudlin few days of post USA depression. I knew it was temporary. My daughter knew too, so neither she nor I worried much about it. But it bothered Richard so he suggested I look for and join an expat group. I was incredulous at the suggestion! An expat group? I had lived in this country for 35 years! How would someone like me benefit from joining an expat group? Wasn’t that for people who were new to the country? Also, I had plenty of British friends and felt completely integrated into the British life style. Surely these clubs were for people who just wanted to confine themselves to American culture and American people? “Besides”, I told him, “those groups are only in London. We live in Warwickshire. There won’t be anything like that for me here anyway”.

A few weeks later, I was getting past my post USA blues and my husband Richard came home with a glossy magazine that he had picked up in London, which just happened to be this one, American in Britain. “Have a look”, he said, “There are some American Women’s groups listed in here.“ I left the magazine on the table for a few days before eventually picking it up out of curiosity. When I got to the women’s clubs section, to my surprise I found that indeed the clubs listed weren’t all in London. To appease my darling husband I googled American Expat groups in Warwickshire. And there it was, The North American Connection.“A group for expats living in Birmingham, West Midlands, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and all points in between.“

So I gave it a try. I remember attending that first coffee morning last September and feeling I was finally home. I was suddenly amongst people who were just like me, they had grown up some place else, had left most of their family behind and either for long or short-term, they were here. It hit me that although I thought I had been fully integrated into the British lifestyle and culture, this was the first time in 35 years I was amongst a group of people where I one hundred percent fit. Although I love my British friends it dawned on me that there would always be things that made me feel slightly apart, something I wasn’t consciously aware of before. Was this feeling of being slightly different one of the reasons for my annual post USA blues? Very insignificant things started to come into my consciousness, like a mention from a dear British pal that they were popping over to visit their mother or brother at the weekend, something that cannot be part of my life experience in the UK without a lot of forward planning and expense. I learned that my fellow expats also shared the feeling that you didn’t completely belong in America either. An expat’s life experiences changes your perspective of the world and you can find yourself thinking and feeling very differently from old friends and family members in the USA.

After that first coffee morning with my new expat friends, I felt lighter, happy. These other people ‘got’ me. Within weeks I found myself volunteering to become the NAC’s marketing chairperson and joining the Board. I was hooked. Then just recently, I attended my first FAWCO conference in London and I was doubly hooked. Now I was meeting women like myself from all over the UK and the rest of the world too. I have happily just become the FAWCO rep for my club.

So there you have it, my husband was actually right. Joining an expat group after 35 years in the UK has added to my life in a way I could not have predicted. Experiences like for the first time in many years, my husband, daughter and I spent Thanksgiving with a group of Americans, about 80 in total! We still had our small British family Thanksgiving celebration at home which included my lovely stepsons and their partners, but sharing the holiday again the following week with a large group of Americans was very special for me. I’m looking forward to the 4th of July celebration my club is planning. Again, it’s been many years since I’ve shared this day with lots of other Americans. Another thing I was mistaken about - members of expat groups aren’t people who just want to mix with other Americans. A lot of the members were just like me. ‘Lifers’, American ladies settled here permanently, some with British husbands. All had British friends and friendship groups. They also enjoy mixing the cultures and traditions of both countries. I have only been a member of my expat group since last Autumn so I haven’t been back to the USA again just yet. But I have a feeling that it may be slightly easier the next time I am sitting on that plane having just waved my family in America goodbye for another year. This time, I will be coming back home again to a little bit of America in Warwickshire and home to my new, other large American family who just happen to be living near to me right here in England.

For further information on The North American Connection visit www.naconnect.com.

For information on various Expat Clubs please visit the Expatriate Clubs page of our website.

Article by Karen Storey. Picture: Karen Storey and her friends, Jennifer, Abby and Becky

Springtime in England is scenic and picturesque as the days become longer and the start of beautiful flowers opening in bloom. With spring and summer approaching, I look forward to a few simple indulgences such as a nice cup of early morning coffee with a scrumptious muffin, a book or magazine and definitely a bit of American comfort food.

Being an American transplanted into the British world, I am quickly learning that food and life here can be quite an adventure. I do admit that living abroad is fantastic and even so, there are times when I find myself longing for familiar situations and of course memorable foods that were a part of normal everyday American life.

I am sure that we all have our “what we miss most” lists of the things, activities, places, and people from America. I miss my family, driving on wide roads, glasses full of ice, all day Sunday shopping, mixed water taps and of course American comfort food. I am sure that all of us Americans remember our most-loved comforting foods, those particular delicacies that trigger thoughts and signify spring break times or summer vacation events.

American mixes and cooking shortcuts have always been my back up when cooking but these are not at times as easy to locate here. I am finding with a bit of ingenuity that simple substitutes are easily reproduced in order to refresh memories and satisfy the palette.

It was a total shock when I discovered that my English kitchen fan-assisted oven setting of 200 degree Celsius was quite different and definitely not the same 200 degrees Fahrenheit, as I was familiar to in America. Because of these differences, I began writing myself cooking notes for future reference and techniques when preparing my American recipes.

Having a few of my immediate notes at hand in the kitchen makes baking much simpler for me. My collected details take some of the guesswork out of calculating those recipes from Fahrenheit settings to my British Celsius fan-assisted oven settings. My notes include what works, as well as information to myself regarding the oven temperatures that did not really bake as productively as I expected.

I found that baking sponge cakes, muffins, and most bread recipes requiring an oven setting of 325 degrees Fahrenheit will bake nicely in a fan-assisted oven set at 160 Celsius; shorten the cooking time by approximately 10 minutes.

American recipe for a denser cake or muffin batter (i.e. blueberry muffins, fruitcake, breads or cakes with nuts, cakes heavier than a sponge type) which required a setting of 375 degrees Fahrenheit can be baked in a fan-assisted oven at 190 degrees Celsius, also less cooking time than the initial recipe suggest. I find that the less cooking time “rule of thumb” for me is generally 10 minutes less than most instructions indicate for most of my American recipes as they were initially intended to be cooked in a Fahrenheit oven.

A simple basic table offering a quick solution: 90°C (200°F), 150–160°C (300–325°F), 180– 190°C (350–375°F), 200–230°C (400–450°F).

I have collected a list of shortcuts that work nicely for substituting some familiar American products. My list was created by trial, perseverance and determination in most instances.

British biscuits work fine for most cookie crumb crusts. One of my favourite American simple deserts specifically requires a Graham cracker crumb crust, which I have easily been able to replicate by substituting the British biscuit (cookie) Digestives. They have a similar texture when crumbled, are comparable in flavour to the graham cracker taste, and work well forming a delicious crust.

As a reminder of home, occasionally I would like the Sunday roast to include a bit of American style stuffing. My usual state side shortcut for stove top stuffing mixture is obviously not available in the shops here so I found that it was quite easy to copy.

The copy, cheating version that I find works best;

• 2 c breadcrumbs (dried toast works)
• 2 T poultry seasoning
• 2 crumbled chicken cubes (bullion cubes)
• 2-4 T butter.

Mix dry ingredients in a bowl, add 1 c boiling water to this mixture, cover and set aside for approximately 5 minutes. Uncover and fluff with a fork and it is ready. If you prefer the mixture can also be baked or prepared by microwave. Extras can also be added to ingredients such as chopped celery, onion and parsley, all sautéed in a bit of butter. These will add a bit more flavour to the stuffing mixture, depending on your own personal taste.

Thankfully, we now have online shopping offering anything from around the world that we desire. The exception to that simple buying solution is the time when you can not wait for the parcel to be delivered and then substitutes are useful. A few of my favourite American recipes call for cornmeal, which I found is not available in any of my local shops so I found an alternative.

Cornmeal substitutes: Polenta serves this purpose, and you may want to experiment with this a bit on your own. Bramata is the most common form of polenta and it seemed to be very versatile. This type of polenta is traditionally a rustic stone-milled corn flour making it moderately coarse and similar to American corn meal. Polenta can be used for a crusty breading, baking cornbread or used as a replacement for grits, since Polenta can be cooked to a creamy consistency. This is definitely the best of both worlds here so I will continue finding ways to combine a touch of Britain into my American food favourites.

Oh, but how lucky I am to be in the United Kingdom with all of its history and traditions. This is definitely the best of both worlds here so I will continue finding ways to combine a touch of Britain into my American food favourites.

I think that “trial and effort” are wonderfully ambitious endeavours. Remember that there are some situations in cooking when you do not have such the luxury for experimental time, so be prepared with your own back up plan. I sincerely hope that you have found a few of my private cooking tips helpful and useful for your own use. My challenge to you is to find your favourite American recipe and make it amazingly British American....

Article by Julie Nobles Woodcock

It’s official: walking is good for you- it boosts your memory, lung capacity and sense of wellbeing. It prevents cancer, cuts the risk of heart attacks by half and strokes by a third. Walking an hour a day adds up to 1000 miles in 12 months.

But those frosty winter mornings, shorter daytimes and early darkness make us all feel a little more sleepy. Resist the urge to hibernate! Instead, pull on your furry boots, pack up the waterproofs, energy bars and hip flasks and walk yourself warm. Whether you’re up for a short stroll in your lunch hour, an energetic trek at the weekend or just long for some fresh air hygge, Britain’s got an endless choice of great wintertime walks and wanders, from forest tracks to urban ambles, hilly byways to waterside towpaths.

Try the enchanting illuminated stroll through Isle of Wight’s Electric Woods, a sound and light spectacle set amidst glowing glades and trees. Witness early Spring as it’s sprung, with a fragrant walk around Sussex’s West Dean Gardens or Surrey’s Winkworth Arboretum, with its 1,000 different trees and shrubs and 10,000 snowdrops. Late spring brings the glorious British bluebell season and a chance to experience the special magic of bluebell woods. Think blue and violet perfumed floral carpets, sweeping through ancient woodlands adorned with birds, butterflies and winding paths. Try the bluebell woods of Ashridge Estate in Buckinghamshire or a guided bluebell walk on Norfolk’s famous Blickling Estate, once home to Anne Boleyn’s family.

Whatever the season, Britain offers some of the most exhilarating coastal walks imaginable. Sample, for instance, the stunning castle-to- castle walk along Northumberland’s coast, with an optional boat trip to seabird and seal sanctuaries of the nearby Farne Islands, or follow in the footsteps of Ross and Demelza Poldark, with a bracing stroll along Cornwall’s scenic Southwest Coast Path.

If social walking is your thing, consider joining that very British institution known as the Ramblers Association, or new kid on the block, Walk Unlimited. Both feature annual winter wanders, walking weekends and free guided walks as well as advice, training and maps galore. Walk London has seven beautiful walking routes covering 390 miles across all 33 London boroughs. Check out Walk4Life to find a UK walking group, or make use of their incredible “Walkfinder”. Here you can source over 100,000 (yes, really) walks, or create your own to suit individual wander-wishes and needs. Walk4Life also encourages GPs to ‘prescribe’ a local walk to patients using its ingenious Dr Maps prescribing pad and invite you to join one of hundreds of groups like the Wishful Walkers, BodyBlitz Walk Fit, Dog Trotters, Walking Wobblers and Clothes Optional Walking.

Further information: www.ramblers.org.uk www.walk.co.uk www.walk4life.info

Image: Californians Walk London: Eric, Rikki, Toni, Pete, 2016

Article by Judith Schrut, email Judith at judith0777@gmail.com

Westleton Drake have commissioned this thirty minute film to provide you with an alternative way to digest and understand the background to the rules and proposals. In addition, they look in depth at some of the key opportunities for planning and the impact to the US community.

We hope you find it useful, and please feel free to visit www.westletondrake.com for further information.

We’re excited to welcome actor, singer and musician Trevor Dion Nicholas to American Eye. Trevor hails from West Virginia via Broadway. He recently moved to London and is currently wowing the crowds in his West End stage debut as Genie in Aladdin the Musical. Judith Schrut spoke to Trevor in his dressing room ahead of the show’s opening.

Tell us a little about growing up in West Virginia.

I could describe that in three words: mountains, snow and family. I’m the youngest of five in a really close family, ten years younger than my next sibling. I’ve been lucky with my place in the family as I had the attention of a single child with the nurturing of a large family.

Who’s been your biggest inspiration in your life and career?

My parents, Bobby and Doris, have always been inspirational and supportive in my life and career. Dad’s a singer and I grew up watching him perform. Mom’s a social worker with a big love of theatre and music; she’s been a huge inspiration as far as my work ethic goes. I watched her fight and struggle and push to earn her doctorate in social work while taking care of our family. She taught me that if you want it, you should push for it.

What sparked your interest in theatre?

My parents were both big theatre fans. When I was young, we’d often just get in the car, the 3 of us, and drive to places like NewYork or Toronto to see shows. All the way there and back we’d listen and sing along to recordings of great musicals. That was my first exposure to theatre. I’m very happy that both Mom and Dad are coming over for the London press night of Aladdin.

We understand you’ve brought your family with you to London. How are they finding it?

Yes, my wife and two young children are here with me, and the kids are going to a nearby English school. They love their new school and their friends in London. They love the museums, they love the food...we all do! The accessibility to lots of different food and art and culture is great.

What most excites you about being in Great Britain?

This is my first time in the UK, ever! I’m most excited about doing Aladdin here, getting to build this new version for British audiences. I’m also excited about the ease of travel so I can expose my kids to as much of Europe and the UK as I can. And for an old theatre nerd like me, London is amazing, like being in the birthplace of all that. There’s this pumping, beating heart here that you just don’t get anywhere else.

Please share with our readers a little more about the show.

It’s all about magic, friendship, love, glitz and glamour! My favourite moment is when the lamp is rubbed and I first enter as the Genie. You can feel the excitement in the audience, and my adrenaline goes through the roof. It is the most exhilarating and awesome moment, the best time!

What would you advise Americans in Britain, especially families, not to miss while they’re here?

My family and I had a real blast at the Udderbelly Festival, a cool, outdoor, bohemian style festival happening on London’s South Bank all this summer. There was so much energy, I can’t wait to go back. The museums are unmissable, especially the Science Museum. And theatre of course. I believe the younger you can expose kids to live performance the better. My advice would be, whether you’re here for a short time or long time, enjoy as much of the culture and history as you can.

And your recommendations for ‘eating American’?

The best American chicken wings I’ve had was at the Hippodrome Casino. And I hear Maxwell’s do really good ribs.

Are there any American pleasures you particularly miss?

I’m pretty adaptable but I do miss my bakeries! Specifically, the Hummingbird Cake at New York’s Magnolia Bakery. And the incredible rice pudding at Rice to Riches.

We hear you consider yourself a Foodie, that you enjoy cooking and you’re an especially big fan of brunch. So, who would you invite to your fantasy brunch?

Yes, cooking is my solace. I love to cook, to feed people. I got that from my parents. The preparation, the presentation, the act of creating something right there with your hands that people enjoy. And I do love my brunch! I’d invite as many of my friends and family I could feed at one time. And the US President of course. How cool would that be? To have the Obamas over for brunch and impress them with my poached eggs! I’d definitely want my favourite chef, Alton Brown, to be in charge of food. We could hang out together! And I’d definitely want my indie rock band, Neighbourhood Goliath, to come and play some great music.

You can experience Trevor’s Genie in Aladdin, now showing at London’s Prince Edward Theatre www.aladdinthemusical.co.uk. And tune in to Trevor’s tweets at twitter.com/astonishingtrev.

Picture: And may all your wishes come true. Trevor Dion Nicholas in Disney’s Aladdin

Article by Judith Schrut.  Email Judith at judith0777@gmail.com