Tue, 22 May 2012
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South Floridian expat and writer Jann Seal is reaping the benefits of the slow life in Wales.Name: Jann Seal
Nationality: American
City of residence: Penperlleni, Gwent
Date of birth: 13 February 1947
Civil status: Married
Occupation: Writer
Reason for moving to the UK: My husband is from Wales and we wanted a change of lifestyle.
Lived in the UK for: 3 months
What was your first impression of the UK?
Loved it.
What do you think of the food?
Super, organic, fresh, natural, plentiful and inexpensive.
What do you think of the shopping in the UK?
Less stressful than in the US.
What do you appreciate about living in the UK?
The friendliness of the people. The ease of our lifestyle. The beauty surrounding our home.
What do you find most frustrating about living in the UK?
It took too long for Sky to install our internet. Two months. There is no reason we should get telephone service within a week, but have to wait for the internet. This is absurd, considering that the modem (router) is mailed and we have to install it ourselves!
What puzzles you about the UK and what do you miss since you’ve moved here?
Nothing puzzles me about this country. The only things I miss are my child and grandsons.
How does the quality of life in the UK compare to the quality of life in other countries that you’ve lived in?
The UK is more interested in me as a resident than the US. The US doesn’t care anymore. We’re just numbers to affect their political and commercial goals.
If you could change anything about the UK, what would it be?
I would warn them about taking steps to be more like the US. For example, gobbling up companies, letting other countries buy the UK, selling off long-time institutions like the Royal Mail to a German conglomerate (Who won the war?). Take pride in what you have created and do everything you can to maintain that pride of self-control.
What advice would you give to a newcomer?
Remember that life is slower here. Don’t fuss about it not being like the US. That’s why you’re here. You don’t want life like it was in the US and if you do, go back!
Would you like to add anything else?
I appreciate the quality of the television programming. I don’t have to watch ads for politicians, drug companies or ambulance-chasing attorneys. I also like the fact that Europe is so close, that airlines fly to Europe for little cost, that cars are small and the roads smaller!
Jann Seal’s first passport was put to good use when she drove around the world in a green, Long Wheel-Base Land Rover. Now she has relocated from South Florida to South Wales and she’s writing about dreams that do become reality on her blog Living Dibley.
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