Integrating in a new land

We are installing our daughter in university in the north of England.
She might have chosen a French uni, or indeed one of many other countries.
But after 15 years growing up in France she is ready for a new cultural challenge and the ‘homeland’ beckons.

We set the immediate family a challenge: sponsor her something ‘quintessentially British’.
The submissions so far include:
Birds custard powder, Marmite, Heinz Baked Beans, Sherbet Dip, Cadbury’s....anything Cadbury’s.
And from Grampa - a copy of Pride and Prejudice.

So, with enough luggage to support an airborne invasion, and 3 plane tickets (only two of which are return flights - gulp) we are on our way.

It’s a fascinating parallel with our own move during the heatwave of 2003 (well documented elsewhere). She’ll face interesting cultural questions in the country of her birth that she barely knows.

To ease her mild anxiety we offered the following parentals:
1 wave goodbye to Mr Blue Sky.
2 buy a coat (there is no direct translation for Parka).
3 don’t say hello when you get on a train.
4 don’t kiss people on the cheek without written permission.
5 prepare to BBQ indoors.

(Note from Dad - we’re only teasing. It’s not all bad!  Just wait until you see the M and S Food-hall, and all that loveliness you can’t afford!! ? Should cure you of window shopping).

It already feels like a long time to the Christmas holidays. Sniff.
Three cheers for short-haul airlines!!

Check out this list of easily accessible properties to buy, where you can still safely smile at strangers§