The Kennet and Avon Canal, which runs right through Newbury.

Just a quick update, since it’s been so long.

I arrived back in the UK on June 4th, after a hellishly boring and sleepless overnight flight. My visa-free time in the US, regrettably, having come to an end.

That said, I couldn’t have chosen a better day to come back. Driving home from the airport at around 10am, the weather was wonderful, and I realised I’d been taking the UK for granted in some respects: it’s really scenic here. Not an epiphany I was expecting.

The drive home from the airport is incredibly scenic and perhaps even beautiful. I arrived back in Newbury and once again, I was struck by just how nice it is here. For all its good points, one thing Indianapolis doesn’t have is scenery, and England has that in spades.

That said, that’s about the only positive thing I can think of to say about the UK, which isn’t all that surprising, given that I’m now stuck here until I can afford a flight back, while Heather is thousands of miles away.

Here’s the plan: find a job, save enough money for a flight back and a fiancé visa.

Oh yeah, we’re engaged too. Almost everyone I know has reacted very positively to the news, which is encouraging, and we’re both very grateful for all the positive messages about it.

So, obviously, I’m looking to get out of this place as fast as possible and get back to my fiancé (still seems a little odd to say), which may be harder than it sounds, thanks to a little thing called the recession. Job opportunities here are few and far between, and I haven’t managed to find a single lead yet in my two weeks being back. (If you happen to know of one, do let me know.)

If I can get out of this place before Christmas, I’ll be happy and surprised.

Photo courtesy of David & Cheryl M.