They find comfort in the "cookie cutter" houses with tiny lawns and safety in the gated atmosphere. They might even take a little pleasure in the structure Military Housing gives them with the 2-page list of rules (everything from yard maintenance to dishwasher regulations).
It's sad to see people get an assignment like what we're living now--they have a new country, culture, FOOD and a new language (I am NOT kidding, you U.S folks may think you speak English, but I guarantee you, you don't)-- that choose to live in mini-America, with their American fast food and American neighbors.
The kids go to schools on base, daycare on base, youth clubs on base. Women go to craft clubs, Officer and Enlisted Wives clubs and movies--on base. Some stay on base for their entire tour, having never seen the local sights, much less traveled to see anything else.
What do they miss?
Well, since my kids are attending British schools, we have participated in things we never knew existed. Guy Fawkes Bonfire nights (effigy burning at it's finest), Christingles and Boxing Day are a few. We attend school and village Fetes, Hen Parties and coffee mornings; get smoothly from point A to B with the fabulous round-a-bouts and I have discovered dishes that I can't imagine living without.
My kids say things like, "That was well good!"
"I've got all of the bits for that game".
"Ring me and I'll come round yours" and
"G'night Mum"
Living in the British community is an amazing experience,
But most importantly,
We know what a Tardis looks like.
(you realize without me telling you that this is NOT my picture, right?)
Today, one of the radio personalities was going on about how dull the GB national anthem is. When asked what it should be changed to, he replied, "Well the Dr. Who theme of course".
I chuckled, but then thought, "He's right."
After all, you will not ever meet a Brit that doesn't know what you're talking about if you mention "Dalek".
This isn't like the Trekkies, or the Star Wars..um.. -ies?
No, perfectly average people slip out of social events to catch the next episode (not to insinuate that Star Wars fanatics are extreme..Hi Hubby!).
One can buy Dr. Who merchandise anywhere and watch it on three different channels. It's silly and sometimes scary (like a Killer Tomatoes movie might be scary), but always entertaining.
It is the longest running sci fi tv series EVER.
I bet the people in Mini-America don't know that. Knowledge is power, folks and this is information that could come in very useful someday.
We went to Scotland the first month we were here. I was VERY pregnant and went on an Outdoor Recreation trip (read the words again and then understand this translates to: You will see sights while hiking up hills no one realized Britain has) with two of my boys.
As we blasted through Edinburgh someone shouted, "Ooh, a tardis! I have to get a photo!"
NOT having the slightest idea what they were so excited about, I half-heartedly lifted my camera and snapped a nice blurry shot.
I could kick myself now.
But I won't. Because at least I left my house to long enough to see one.
What are you missing where you're living? What would a sight-hungry tourist want to do in your neck of the woods that you've never done?
