Martin Quinn’s Story
1. What is your name?
Martin Quinn
2. Write down a few facts about yourself.
I am store manager at Lewis Drug, married with 4 step children, 5 dogs and a cat. A Star Wars nerd, I collect Star Wars Lego sets. Enjoy reading Stephen King novels and listening to classical music in my spare time. Keen sports fan, I follow the Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, Chelsea FC and Washington Commanders.
3. What country are you from?
England.
4. Tell me some things about your country.
The UK consists of 4 countries (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) and is an Island country located off of mainland Europe. Sometimes referred to as Great Britain. The capital is London. England is linked to France by the Channel Tunnel which is a train line which runs under the English Channel. The UK is about the same size as the state of Oregon. Population is 68,278,000. The head of state is King Charles III. Tea is the most popular drink in the UK. The first postage stamp was created in the UK in 1840. The sport of golf was invented in Scotland. Taxi drivers in London undergo a test before they can be hired to estimate how well they know the streets of London. The most popular food in the UK is the Indian Curry.
5. Why did you move to the United States/Huron?
To be with my wife, Heather.
6. How long have you been in the United States? Since January 2011.
7. What are some differences between Huron and country you are from?
The language is the same but petro is gas, crisps are chips, eggs sold in UK grocery stores aren’t usually refrigerated like in the US. Checks were discontinued in the UK before I moved to the US. I’d never seen a drive thru ATM until I moved to the US.
8. What are some major culture shocks that you felt when you first moved to Huron?
Free prescriptions and healthcare in the UK. Driving on the “wrong side” of the road and 90% of vehicles in the UK are manual. Different currency. British people are generally more reserved.
9. What are somethings you miss about your country? Newspapers, walking everywhere, the countryside.
10. What are somethings you do not miss about your country?
Traffic jams, everyone in a hurry to get somewhere
11. What are some things that are unique about growing up in your country?
Rains all the time! Roundabouts instead of stop signs on the roads. Teas and scones.
12. Any fun words or phrases common in your country that would not be common here?
Mate, Govnor. Bog roll. Cheesed off. Chips. Chuffed to bits. That’s Godswallop.
13. What is something you love about Huron? Community feel.
14. Write down any other thoughts about moving to Huron and/or about your country.
The biggest thing I’ve ever done in my life, moving to Huron. I’ve never regretted it and I am proud that I live here.