8 things the Manx must overcome when leaving the Island…
There comes a time in Manx person’s life where they must spread their wings and fly away to start pastures new off island, be it for University or to just try and start a new life elsewhere. It seems like a simple process at first, but there will soon be some unexpected challenges and changes that will rock your world…
Not many people know who or where we are
Yes we have all had this conversation at some point, many of us will be seen trying to recreate the British Isles with the salt and pepper shakers to show that we are smack bang in the middle of the Irish Sea. Someone will exclaim “I know where you’re from; you’ve got that big music festival haven’t you?” As your blood boils, carefully explain that the Isle of Wight and Man are two separate things.
Nobody gets the Manx Accent
Fella, yessir, hey boy and Traa dy Liooar are all wonderful phrases that litter all our conversations, plus about 50 swear words. However your accent will puzzle and outrage many people, the questions will fly in about why do you sound: Scouse, Manc, Irish, Scottish, Welsh etc? As you proudly proclaim, “ah fella this is a Manx accent” follow up questions will then be asked about what part in Manchester you are from.
A new patriot is born
Prior to leaving the Island, you will have ranted about all the commonplace Manx gripes and issues, but after leaving the Island for two weeks all of a sudden a wave of Manx patriotism comes into play. You now embrace your heritage and embody the spirit of Illiam Dhone himself. This will result in you being wrapped in Manx Tartan, boring all your new friends with your Manx tales, TT statistics flying around and the 3 Legs of Man being plastered all over your room or any tea mugs.
Standing firm for Manx Pride
As a knock-on effect, you will be ridiculed for our kooky beliefs! The Fairy Bridge, Steam Trains, and the Moddey Dhoo will see the Island compared to Middle Earth and the Manx to some sort of lost Amazonian tribe, eventually they will get tired of these jokes…hopefully.
Nando’s, Burger King & Sainsburys
All these new brands and chains will leave you in a spin at first; the bank account is drained, as you sample these new flavours and trends. You feel like Crocodile Dundee visiting New York for the first time, but soon this initial thrill will wear off.
Bright lights big city
A UK night out is always good, the clubs are huge and the drinks are cheap but please for the love of Manannan do not hark on about this on every return to the Island. As we are all stood in the Outback queue, we don’t need to hear your constant whining about how you would be inside by now if you were back in Sheffield. If you don’t like it…
Not everything is walking distance
We are all guilty of this! A quick walk across the prom and you’re at any destination, but this logic does not apply in the UK. I speak from experience following my hour and a half walk from Old Trafford to the Trafford Centre.
The Island may change
Finally the most crucial thing, the Island may in fact change when you are away…seriously! I’m not saying that Ballabeg becomes the new capital and we have opened a new theme park, but something as simple as a shop changing over in Strand Street will see your blood turn cold and leave you on your knees, screaming like Charlton Heston in the Planet of the Apes.
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