Don't believe the hype, volume 2

Myth: Don't expect to meet your neighbors for a good long while after moving in to your new house in London. Definitely don't expect to get invited over for drinks or tea or dinner, for at least a YEAR after moving in. (So goes the common advice and experience of many expatriates we've talked to. Maybe we just live on a weird street, but ... )

True story: Not even a month after moving in to our new home, Natalia and I were heading out shopping when we literally ran into an older couple standing on our porch.

"You're our new neighbors!" they exclaimed.

"Really?" I said. (Sorry. The whole time I was thinking, why would my NEIGHBORS be talking to me? People have warned me about English neighbors!)

"Yes, we live a few doors down, and we'd like to have you over for drinks, along with the other new people who've moved in next door. Kind of a 'welcome to the neighborhood' party."

Me: *blink* *blink* "Really?!"

I'm sure I made an excellent first impression on these kind, generous people.

"We'll drop off an invitation in a few days. We think it might be Tuesday. Or maybe Thursday. Now, where did you just move from?"

"The United States."

"Yes, yes -- but which area?" (Duh, my accent totally gives me away.)

Sure enough, a couple of days later, a proper hand-written invitation was slipped into our mail slot.

A few days after that, Natalia picked out a lovely, festive, potted cyclamen at the local grocery, and we took it over to our neighbors' house. They are grandparents of five, so Natalia had a ball playing in their toy box, and I had some stimulating conversation and wine with the hosts and our other new neighbors. (Monte was on a trip so couldn't join us, but we were thrilled to be invited out.)

And now our friendly neighbors are planning to join us for Natalia's birthday party next week. Brilliant!

P.S.: After attending a SECOND party at the same neighbors' house on the 10th of January and meeting an American woman who lives across the street, we've been invited to HER house for a playdate! Imagine that.

Counting our blessings!