Most people love to travel; few have the chance to take it one step further and move overseas. For those who do, a little help can go a long way. The book is the result of three years' research and two years living in America. It recounts the experiences of one English family and their dog, bringing together all the thoughts and experiences of the move, settling in, getting to know the neighbours and understanding the culture. It takes a down-to-earth, honest look at America and Americans from a British perspective, describing the differences between the two cultures and possible reasons behind them. Combining practical information, anecdotes, history, geography, psychology and much more besides, in one entertaining read, A Slice of Apple Pie is essential reading for anyone interested in learning more about life in America.

Why should this book float on top of a sea already awash with publications on the subject of America and Americans?
There are plenty of good books out there about life in the USA, most written in a straightforward, serious kind of way. A Slice of Apple Pie is a personal and honest look at America by one family (mum, dad, two small children and dog) who spent almost two years living in the Midwest. In writing nearly every day, I have tried to capture the main elements of American life -- the fun stuff and the not-so-fun -- to provide insight (and indeed foresight) to anyone contemplating a similar move to the States. The book doesn’t pretend to cover everything you’ll come across, yet should provide a balanced view by drawing on other people’s experiences as well as my own, by using quotes, facts and figures, and by including anecdotes from Jim Phillips, a fellow Brit living near us in Ohio.

How do you get to America and back with your sense of humour intact?
Moving overseas is both exhilarating and downright nerve-racking. This invaluable book will significantly reduce the administrative burden you’ll face in moving to America (and possibly back again), to help you adjust and get on with enjoying life in ‘the great US of A’. It gives useful and interesting facts, as well as providing entertainment and some laughs along the way. It will also save you a great deal of trouble, time and money.

So who needs this book?

• anyone considering a move to the US or already living there (for example, military and government personnel, those on work contracts, students and teachers, business people, retirees, expatriates, temporary workers, etc.);
• businesses and organisations that work with Americans, send staff or are relocating to America;
• twinning associations or sister cities;
• travel operators and long-stay tourists;
• relocation agencies selling homes in the US and holiday homeowners.
• travellers/vacationers who want more than just a travel guide;
• anyone who is curious to know what life in America is really like.

The book takes you through preparing for the move, initial feelings on coming to America, how to integrate into your new situation and, most importantly, how to enjoy and make the most of your time there. Based largely on life in Ohio, a state known for its middle-American values and as a barometer of the nation (demographers class it as the most American state), the book gives an insight into how America and Americans tick, and the differences between British and American cultures. Finally, it offers some personal thoughts on adjusting back after living the life of Riley.

Contents

1   So, You’re Off to America? What Do You Want Out of the Experience? Preparing for the Move Valuing Possessions Can You Take It With You? Storage Removals What to Do With the House Passports, Visas and Other Matters Becoming a US Citizen Checklist of What’s Involved in Moving Overseas Being in Transit America, Here We Come First Stop, Washington Dulles Airport Arriving in Washington, DC Flying on to Ohio – The Birthplace of Aviation First Impressions Missing the Little Things
2   Flying Dogs and Cats Preliminaries Health Issues Arranging Shipment Summer and Winter Flying Restrictions Last Minute Arrangements At the Airport (Operation Jester Commences) Recap of Time Schedule Information Taken from PETS
3   Where Exactly Are We? America – Big Country Natural Topography and Vegetation Weather Time Zones Dividing up the Regions Ohio Local Wildlife
4   Preconceptions and Reality Common Preconceptions Some Personal Observations Results of the Surveys
5   Our New Country A Growing Population Different Attitudes Government and Politics Patriotism and the Military Icons of the United States Commentators on American Life
6   A Brief Travel Through American History Early Explorers The First English Settlers The Eighteenth Century The Nineteenth Century Native Americans Black Americans Immigration The Twentieth Century
7   A Not So Common Language The Written Word A Strange Manner of Speaking American English Versus British English Regional and Cultural Differences Humour Common and Not-So-Common Phrases
8   Education and the Family Terms Used in the American Education System Your Schooling Options Starting a New School in America School Holidays Curriculum Issues Higher Education Problems with the American College System The Yellow Bus Security at School Attitudes Towards Children Personal Findings
9   Systems and Services The Postal Service The Telephone System Internet and Television Electricity Supply and Appliances Money, Banking and Finance Weights and Measures
10   There’s No Place Like Home Housing Styles Private Housing Developments Big Is Beautiful External Appearances The Other End of the Market City Living and Towns Renting Buying Insurance Household Refuse
11   On the Roads A Little History Finding Your Way Obtaining a Driver’s Licence Young Drivers Buying a Vehicle Registration Plates, Tax and County Decals Emissions Check Insurance The AAA (Triple A) Motorcycles Cyclists and Pedestrians Trucking General Rules of the Road It’s the Law Seat Belts, Child Seats and Restraints Driving and Mobile Phones At the Petrol Station The Car Wash Hazards on the Roads
12   Holidaying and Tripping About Going by Air Going by Train Going by Bus Going by Car, Motorcycle or Bicycle Lodging Parks Scenic Roads and Trails America’s World Heritage Sites Travelling with Your Pet Insurance
13   Seasons, Festivals and Other Celebrations Spring Events Summer Events Autumn Events Winter Events Public Holidays
14   Sport and Entertainment Sport: It’s a Big Deal School, College and University Sports Baseball and Softball American Football Basketball Motor Sports Golf Rodeo Hunting Fishing Soccer Cheerleading Other Sports Sporting Opportunities for Youngsters Television Movies Radio American Styles of Music Libraries Books and Magazines Newspapers Home Crafts
15   Religion The Allure of the Church Difference Faiths Upholding the Christian Religion Politics and Religion
16   The Shopping Experience The All-American Mall Shopping Elsewhere Prices, Discounts and Savings Practical Considerations and Thrifty Tips Garage or Yard Sales, and Estate Sales Charity Stores America’s Love/Hate Relationship with Wal-mart
17   Food, Glorious Food, and Drink Eating Out Shopping for Food In the Kitchen Drink Regional Cuisine Some Peculiarly American Foods Peculiar Drinks
18   Health Matters The Fat Problem The Nation’s Diet Eating Disorders Smoking The American Health Care System Footing the Bill Coming to America: Taking Care of Your Health Some Particular Health Hazards The American Way of Birth: An Example of Where America Has Got it Wrong Dentistry A Preoccupation with Health A Doctor’s Viewpoint
19   The Economy, Work and Retirement The Economy Work The Working Day Taking Leave Why Do They Do It? Income and Expenditure Tax, Social Security and Other Drains on Income Stressing the ‘Minimum’ in Minimum Wages Formalities for Foreigners Charity Giving and Volunteering Retirement
20   It’s a Dog’s Life Licencing Health Care Exercise Grooming VIP Pets Shopping for Your Pet Boarding
21   American Issues and Problems Guns: An American Tradition Other Criminal Activity The Energy Crisis Waste, Pollution and Aesthetics The Natural Versus Man-made Environment Tensions in Society Animosity Towards America Immigration Wealth Inequality
22   Preparing for the Move Back and Final Thoughts Selling the House Giving Up a Rented Home Planning the Removals Operation Winding Up the House Financial Matters Redirecting the Mail Selling the Car Hiring a Rental If You Have Children Flying an Animal Home Initial Thoughts on Being Back Final Thoughts

Cover Illustrations

Our wonderful cover illustrations were created by renowned cartoonist Merrily Harpur. See more of her work at www.harpur.org.

Ordering

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