It’s been almost a month now since I arrived here in the U.K. I spent most of my first week learning about Portsmouth: it’s history, economy, my neighborhood, churches. I watched the news and checked if there were Filipinos here. I was craving Filipino food, but then I realized that the food that I used to take for granted in California now suddenly became very essential in my daily diet. In the weeks that followed, the euphoria wears off and I was a bit nostalgic about my life in the US.
On my first day I went to an Asian market to buy Okra, ampalaya (bittermelon) and eggplant. I planned to steam it and dip it in ginamos (salted fish). However, much to my dismay I wasn’t aware that it is difficult to find those vegetables here except for the eggplant, and even that is still not the kind of eggplant that I want but at least they have itlog maalat (salted egg) and chili oil which I am happy to have literally every meal!
Thanks to my friend Jean Tuquib who took me to an Asian market that sells Okra and other oriental food. They also sell plastic wares like our small bucket (pail) with handle or kabo/ tabo. Now, to my Filipino followers, you know what tabo means – Tabo is life, right? Seriously, Filipinos cannot survive without this small bucket, it is an integral part of the household. Why? Let’s just say that we prefer water than tissue paper 🙂 ask any Filipino, and they’ll tell you more about tabo.
I was also delighted to see all the familiar food like pinakurat vinegar, bagoong, Ligo sardines, misua and many more. I almost wanted to buy everything on the shelf! I didn’t even realize I only had 20 pounds in my pocket. Jean has been here in Portsmouth for almost ten years now and she’s married to a British man. She was very active at United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) where my dad was a resident minister back in the 90’s. Thanks to Facebook, I was able to connect with her through her cousin Ate Lalaine, who saw my story that I am now in the U.K. Well, how is that for a coincidence? I never expected that I would know someone here in Portsmouth, let alone from my hometown! What a small world indeed.
My neighborhood is quite different than in West L.A. in California. I no longer hear the constant sirens of ambulances and firetrucks on La Cinega Blvd Instead I hear seagulls cawing every morning. I see them when I peek out the window to say goodbye to Michael when he leaves for work. It reminds me of the TV show Doc Martin (shot in Cornwall), and the sound of the seagulls near his surgery.
Days passed by and the euphoria wears off. I feel a little bit homesick now. I realized how far I am now from the people I love. I miss Dada and Mikey, and my friends in L.A. It worries me that I won’t see them for a long time. I get depressed whenever I think about it. I feel so helpless. I video call them sometimes but even that doesn’t help much. I really get scared with the thought that, other than my husband, I am all alone here.
I was not like this when I first moved to California – I was very excited back then to move to America perhaps it’s because I had almost no life in the Philippines anyway. Also, I think it’s because Los Angeles is really like an extension of Manila. In fact, the Filipino population in California is now at 1.5 million based on the 2010 US census, surpassing the Chinese at 1.4 million. What this means is that in L.A. you can easily find the kind of food that you eat in the Philippines.
Food cravings, curiosity and loneliness, these are usually the most common things that you feel when you are new to a place. I am still adjusting to the weather here. It’s not just cold – it’s freezing and I do miss the sunshine in L.A. Nonetheless, I am beginning to love Portsmouth. I already met new people, and hopefully it won’t be long before I can find good stories to share with all of you. I also look forward to seeing some of my classmates in college who are here in the U.K., and I’ve got friends in L.A. who promised to come visit me -including Dada and his Mom.
Effe moves to the UK 
You courage is an inspiration. Take your time and be gentle with yourself, one day at a time. All is well!
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Thank you David.
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