Hi Grahame, welcome aboard.
It always takes time to adjust to different cultures, foods and environments.
Friends for outings and communications always helps.
There will soon be a Barrio Fiesta in your area. Hopefully the weather will improve
There's sure to be plenty of people from your area. I do know there are quite a few Filipino's living in Bournemouth.
Actually my wife is just now trying to arrange some leave for that weekend. If she's OK we plan to make along weekend at Lancing.
If it all works out we hope to link up with some friends too.
If you plan to go we can meet up