Any Canadians in Manchester?! Anyone? I'm out of sorts.

[JFDI]

Hi. I've been teaching in Saudi Arabia for the past 11 years. Just moved to Manchester on an ancestry visa in August and am settling in well with a Saudi friend, but find myself (today, anyway) utterly lonely.

I have joined the Manchester Community Choir and will join a writer's group. I did start supply teaching at a school in Skelmersdale. But today.I just feel lonely, out of sorts, homesick, displaced (though I have been travelling and working abroad for 11 years), struggling with finances (budget is tight and this first day of teaching British children was . incredibly offputting . the rudest and most obnoxious . and I say this recognizing that they are going to test me as I am a 2-month supply teacher, so, whatever.). I don't get into the heavy drinking aspect of this culture. I find, compared to Arabs and people of the Middle East, Brits a combo of friendly and brusque, I guess. I miss the warmth and passion of Asians.

Culture shock is starting to sink in, obviously, and today I stupidly just want to cry. I'm here to release a new album (something quite special recorded over the last three years in India, Saudi Arabia, and Canada), and even that is proving challenging. I thought the infrastructure for the music industry in the UK would be better than Canada (certainly touring will be, once I finish up the artwork, press the thing, and figure out how to get some real gigs as opposed to open mics). I'm pleased with the shortness of distances here, but a bit surprised at how competitive it is here to get paying gigs. Most of the venues are pay-to-play, sickening. Not this way in Canada or much of the U.S.

Sorry. I'm just so bummed today, just in need of some connection with someone who might perhaps understand what I'm feeling. I'm pleased to be 'employed', but this supply teaching gig was so difficult on Friday with no less than 10 or more kids yapping and baiting me for conversation AT ONCE (and, frankly, I have a stellar reputation as a teacher, so this isn't something I feared, but am taken a bit aback about).I'm not sure what I'll do. Quit this particular school and live on lentils till something else closer to home or in Manchester comes along.

And no freakin' coffee shops in Manchester OPEN in the evenings!

Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Comforting words and advice welcome.

Thx.

LL.

[Deus]

I work in education as well and live about 40min, 1 hour away from Manchester.

I feel your pain when it comes to coffee shops or late night bookstores (or late night anything like my lovely wife reminded me.)

I'm sure we could do stuff occasionally. Drop a line!

[Deus]

PS: It's Montreal v Toronto on NASN next saturday. That could get you excited.

And don't worry, you're not the only one that doesn't understannd the crazy drinking people do here.

[Allyssa]

Hey JFDI,
I totally understand the culture shock aspect. After living among warm, passionate Arabs in North Africa, I felt so weird going to London and then Belfast (and I was just there on a holiday). Not to say anything against those Brits, but once you are used to living in one culture, there is a definite sense of up-rooting when you need to adjust to a whole new one. Especially one that is SO different from your own and the one you were just in.
Take heart! You're not the first (or the last) to have to do this and you're not alone! If you ever need a listening ear, send me a private message -- I'll be glad to listen!

Allyssa

[JFDI]

Hi there.

I'm back, slightly more upbeat than yesterday. Put the call out there for help, and it helps that people answer it. Thank you. Friends also, from the Middle East and from Canada, sent some emails in and I guess the thing to do is buy a phone card and reconnect with others, have a quick b-tch session, and get over it. And a record label owner I met years ago in Canada has emailed to say he is behind my music, even if he can't do more than pass it on. Every little shred of support and connection helps, including all of your notes here. Thank you again.

I certainly would be up for a coffee one day, once I get my feet under me. Much to do in the coming two weeks.

I am a jr/sr Drama/English teacher, and have accepted a supply placement at a jr/high school/college. The kids were, mostly, horrendous. Tomorrow, I'll have to pull rabbits out of hats.or slap them with a test. Arghh!

LL.

[Marketeer]

Hi JDFI,

Born near Manchester, I taught for a lil while in Doncaster, Yorkshire, before heading to Canada in '82.

After 15 years of high-school teaching here I now just do "supply" teaching or "occasional" as it's better known here. I'm an hour north of Toronto. Unlike your experiences of "supply", I have a great time - laughs, fun, coach soccer, next to no "attitudes". I feel sorry for you enduring a "class from hell".

I will be coming to England in 11 days to see Mom, or "Mum". She's almost 80 and not doing too well.

I hope to stay for an extended period to spend time and share memories with her. Not sure how my health care and dental care will apply. I haven't taken out insurance. Should I?

Sorry also to hear about your adjustment to the "boozy" culture. I know I'm always frustrated (exasperated?) by it all. Always glad to get aboard the return flight.except I have never been able to come to terms with the Southern Ontario winters.November thru Mar.so long!

The damp, cold Manchester (actually Fleetwood) winter awaits!

Marketeer.

[Allyssa]

Hi JDFI,

except I have never been able to come to terms with the Southern Ontario winters.November thru Mar.so long!

If southern Ontario winters are bad, then what would you think living in Winterpeg!

Smiling,
Allyssa

[Marketeer]

Hi Allyssa,

Winterpeg? No Thanks!

The west coast (Vic, Van) or better yet, the Okanagan Valley (Kel) is more appealing for winters.

Actually if I could pick a place to live in N.A. (not that I've done a tonne of traveling) it would be Arizona. (My brief trip there (Sedona) was a real eye-opener. Beautiful!

Of course here I am going to Fleetwood for the winter.

Hmmm, let me think, Fleetwood or Sedona?



Marketeer.