A family who fled the US for the UK countryside to escape Donald Trump say they wouldn’t change a thing – but are still getting to grips with our ‘bizarre’ phrases. Cate and Will Hunter moved to posh Royal Tunbridge Wells, in Kent, last May amid fears their 5-year-old daughter’s childhood would be ruined by the changes the president is implementing.
The pair, both aged 39, are loving the calmer pace since leaving their life in Denver, Colorado. Cate, a stay-at-home mum, said: “We wanted to move because of the political stuff that is happening in the States and gun violence. The thought of putting her in the school system in the States – we knew she’d be doing gun drills.
“I couldn’t imagine a five year old doing that. There was an immediate sense of relief [after moving]; knowing when you’re walking through a crowded area no one is going to take a gun out, that there is not going to be a random crazed man shooting up with a gun.”
Cate previously worked as a special education teacher in Oakland, California and witnessed a man shoot directly in front of the school, adding: “There were situations I was willing to put myself in but not my daughter.”
They couple also wanted to be closer to Will’s family, who has British citizenship but was born in California. He went for a promotion at his advertising job and was granted a transfer to the London office, moving his family 4,700 miles across the globe.
The family-of-three are now paying ÂŁ2,600 per month for a three-bed house in the quaint commuter town, whilst continuing to rent out their home in Colorado. They say their new property is much more “solid” than the “carboard” houses built in the US in a matter of months.
Their ‘happy-go-lucky’ daughter has also settled into reception and feels more relaxed in the UK. The trio have noted multiple differences since crossing the pond, finding some idioms and British-isms particularly puzzling.
Cate said: “My sister-in-law said the word ‘numpty’ and I thought that’s an interesting one. Someone said ‘that’s the badger’ and I thought ‘that’s the what now?’
“Everyone is always asking if I’m alright. My sister-in-law told me I need to offer tea when people come over. I didn’t know people would be offended if I didn’t do that.”
She has also noticed a massive cut to her shopping bill, saving around ÂŁ83 a week on supermarket groceries she feels are much better quality. The mum has also developed a love of farm shops and butcher meat – but does miss Whole Foods.
She added: “Things expire here a lot quicker than they do in the states. The hummus has to be eaten in four days. It lasts a month in the US. My daughter’s tummy is a lot happier.
“People who live in America love convivence. It’s not healthy. I don’t need 85 choices of cereal.”
The family are planning to stay in the UK for the foreseeable, hoping to raise their child here for as long as possible.
Cate said: “Everything is a lot less stressful and safer. It fits my personality more with what I’m interested in – a slow pace of life, cosy, and walks.”
The family are not the only people to have left the US in protest of Donald Trump recently, with TV presenter Ellen DeGeneres and wife Portia de Rossi relocating to the Cotswolds just before his re-election. Initially a temporary move, the comedian decided to stay full-time once America’s vote became clear, recently claiming “everything is just better here” during an event in Cheltenham.
Musician Courtney Love has also stated her intention to become a British citizen following Trump’s “frightening” return to the White House.
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