First trip back to the UK - what a dump!
Jan 3rd 2012, 1:00 am
#61
Banned
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,088
Re: First trip back to the UK - what a dump!
They also forgot to put their hoodies up!
I checked out the Star yesterday to find out what I had been missing.
Headline story was a young black male murdered in a drive by shooting on New Years Day just down the road in Scarborough.
All this gang land activity and misbehaving youth is turning Toronto into Vancouver.......
I checked out the Star yesterday to find out what I had been missing.
Headline story was a young black male murdered in a drive by shooting on New Years Day just down the road in Scarborough.
All this gang land activity and misbehaving youth is turning Toronto into Vancouver.......
Jan 3rd 2012, 2:10 am
#62
Born again atheist
Joined: Jul 2005
Location: Europe (to be specified).
Posts: 30,259
Re: First trip back to the UK - what a dump!
Well parts of Ontario are different. Barrie is not one of them.
Jan 3rd 2012, 4:11 am
#63
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Joined: Sep 2010
Location: Maryland (via Belfast, Manchester, Toronto and London)
Posts: 4,802
Re: First trip back to the UK - what a dump!
It was much more difficult, granted not impossible. Grants made it extremely difficult for all but the most gifted to get in.....no the case here. I was sharing my experiences. Yes. I suspect the uk does bear at least some, blame given the crime ridden, poverty stricken hole I grew up in.....would have been tough to up and leave at 15
Canada is much more equal and fair from my point of view a far as post secondary education went.....
Canada is much more equal and fair from my point of view a far as post secondary education went.....
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education...r-nations.html
Last edited by MarylandNed; Jan 3rd 2012 at 4:15 am.
Jan 3rd 2012, 4:46 am
#64
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 771
Re: First trip back to the UK - what a dump!
In the 1980s only about 9% of school leavers attended university and the places were extremely rationed. And, if you were unfortunate to have to attend one those educational dustbins called secondary moderns your chances of being channeled into HE were very slim indeed. Of course the easy thing at that time was to blame the children instead of taking responsibility for their class ridden prejudice.
I didn't get a grant though - my dad earned too much. But my parents were far too skinflint to give me any money for the so called "living allowance" that the LEA said they should give me - while they did pay my hall fees in the first year, I was by myself for the most part - I got a job in the student union as a barmaid and supported myself. And after the first year, when I moved out of halls, I really was by myself as my parents didn't give me a penny. I was doing a 35 hour a week course and having to work virtually full time while living in one of the crappiest areas of Leeds (I couldn't afford to rent anywhere in the student areas around Leeds Uni). Things got a bit easier once I hooked up with Mr Chookie and he moved in with me as we could then share the rent and it meant that both of us could work part-time (he was in a similar situation - his parents gave him nothing and like me he didn't qualify for a grant)
As for how I feel about the UK.... I am in a very neutral position - I don't think it is as bad as some make out, but there is nothing that would induce me to ever go back even for a visit. Most of that is because I have no remaining family "over there", so no real incentive to go to visit. The few friends I have who have remained in touch I contact via "t'internet" and if they want to meet up in person they are more than welcome to come to stay for a while. I like where I live now, I have a pretty good life (better than we had in the UK tbh!), I changed career and went back to school here to train in a job that I love and am absolutely passionate about. life is good for us here. The UK gave me a lot, but my parents gave me jack-shit tbh... and I struggled for everything that the UK gave me.
And seeing that my parents are now dead and I have no family ties to the UK why would I ever consider going back even for a visit?
But it isn't the Chavs or the UK or anything else that puts me off visiting, it is the simple fact that I have now made my life over here, and there is nothing back there for me now... why waste money on going back?
Jan 3rd 2012, 6:31 am
#65
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2011
Location: Somewhere between Vancouver & St Johns
Posts: 19,850
Re: First trip back to the UK - what a dump!
why waste money on going back?
To pick up cheap cheese, decent bacon, proper Cadbury chocolate bars, Walkers crisps etc etc etc that all the expats seem to miss
To pick up cheap cheese, decent bacon, proper Cadbury chocolate bars, Walkers crisps etc etc etc that all the expats seem to miss
Jan 3rd 2012, 9:58 am
#66
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Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2008
Location: Barrie
Posts: 349
Re: First trip back to the UK - what a dump!
I don't think anyone is doing that. What I am simply saying, is remember what your original country or countries did for you. You don't say how you are able to make your move to Canada, for example, skilled worker route. I can only assume you must have got some skills and experience from somewhere in order to make the move, unless you are going via the spousal route. Perhaps you could let us know.
I have paid 40% tax and 10% NI for over a decade. I have taken part in valuable research, worked with the homeless etc. I OWE BRITAIN NOTHING.
FYI R I C H I have put your posts on my ignore list so won't be able to read them...you are just the kind of person that makes the internet tiresome at times <snip>
Last edited by TheBear; Jan 3rd 2012 at 10:19 am. Reason: Personal insult removed - pls re-read site rule no. 1
Jan 3rd 2012, 10:12 am
#67
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Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2008
Location: Barrie
Posts: 349
Re: First trip back to the UK - what a dump!
What is it with Tim Horton's, are babies here weaned onto it or something?To be honest I do want to integrate, and I think I am going to take a leaf out of YYZ lover's book and make a conscious effort to overcome my own cultural prejudices. I'm sure there are lots of Canadians I can be friends with and have a laugh with, I'm already finding a side to my work colleagues that I really like, which I wasn't noticing when I first arrived.
When I left the UK I was happy, and had pretty much always been happy, but I felt there was no future for me there (I got made redundant just before I left...I work in medical research, and most companies are pulling out of the UK because of lack of talent, also, in spite of a good income I couldn't afford a home). There were lots of things that I felt made life less than pleasant at times. My visit back re-enforced these feelings, and like another poster here said, once my parents are gone or have moved over here, I will have no reason to go back, I'd rather use my valuable holiday visiting new countries or going camping here.
I know Canada is not without it's faults, but on balance I find it easier to maintain a positive outlook here than in the UK.
Jan 3rd 2012, 11:16 am
#69
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Joined: Sep 2010
Location: Maryland (via Belfast, Manchester, Toronto and London)
Posts: 4,802
Re: First trip back to the UK - what a dump!
When I left the UK I was happy, and had pretty much always been happy, but I felt there was no future for me there (I got made redundant just before I left...I work in medical research, and most companies are pulling out of the UK because of lack of talent, also, in spite of a good income I couldn't afford a home).
Jan 3rd 2012, 12:09 pm
#70
Éireann go Brách
Joined: Mar 2006
Location: White Man in Hammersmith Palais
Posts: 2,932
Re: First trip back to the UK - what a dump!
Just landed back from the UK 3 hours ago.
It was great catching up with family and friends and nice to watch thinking man's TV like Eastenders. I thought Pat Butcher was indestructible
It was good to go to decent supermarkets and do some proper shopping.
I did however miss the bar in my lobby somewhat.
On New Years Eve Eve (day before New Year). I found myself in an expensive bar in Mayfair. The Mojito's were being made by simply throwing all the ingredients in a glass, adding a spoon and a half of brown sugar and stirring it with a spoon. Unfortunately in an attempt to beat the happy hour promo deadline I ended up with four of the things.
I also got held up in London because someone had committed suicide on the train tracks apparently it is happening quite often at the mo.
I also squeezed in some trips to Birmingham and Bristol for some top nights out.
Mixed feelings about returning to Toronto but I enjoy my job and should make good cash this year. That combined with my amazing commute of a 10 minute walk each day will keep me ticking over.
I think the OP is still on their honey moon period. If some one told me I had to live in Barrie or head back to the UK I would've been landing at Heathrow before they got to the "or".
It was great catching up with family and friends and nice to watch thinking man's TV like Eastenders. I thought Pat Butcher was indestructible
It was good to go to decent supermarkets and do some proper shopping.
I did however miss the bar in my lobby somewhat.
On New Years Eve Eve (day before New Year). I found myself in an expensive bar in Mayfair. The Mojito's were being made by simply throwing all the ingredients in a glass, adding a spoon and a half of brown sugar and stirring it with a spoon. Unfortunately in an attempt to beat the happy hour promo deadline I ended up with four of the things.
I also got held up in London because someone had committed suicide on the train tracks apparently it is happening quite often at the mo.
I also squeezed in some trips to Birmingham and Bristol for some top nights out.
Mixed feelings about returning to Toronto but I enjoy my job and should make good cash this year. That combined with my amazing commute of a 10 minute walk each day will keep me ticking over.
I think the OP is still on their honey moon period. If some one told me I had to live in Barrie or head back to the UK I would've been landing at Heathrow before they got to the "or".
Spot on James. Did you get back to the Junction? Northcote Rd and St Johns Hill are like the Kings Rd.
Jan 3rd 2012, 12:11 pm
#71
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Joined: Nov 2009
Location: Somewhere in Hamilton, ON
Posts: 4,307
Jan 3rd 2012, 12:24 pm
#72
The Brit is back
Joined: Apr 2010
Location: NS, Canada 2007-2013. Now....England!
Posts: 2,211
Re: First trip back to the UK - what a dump!
Just landed back from the UK 3 hours ago.
It was great catching up with family and friends and nice to watch thinking man's TV like Eastenders. I thought Pat Butcher was indestructible
It was good to go to decent supermarkets and do some proper shopping.
I did however miss the bar in my lobby somewhat.
On New Years Eve Eve (day before New Year). I found myself in an expensive bar in Mayfair. The Mojito's were being made by simply throwing all the ingredients in a glass, adding a spoon and a half of brown sugar and stirring it with a spoon. Unfortunately in an attempt to beat the happy hour promo deadline I ended up with four of the things.
I also got held up in London because someone had committed suicide on the train tracks apparently it is happening quite often at the mo.
I also squeezed in some trips to Birmingham and Bristol for some top nights out.
Mixed feelings about returning to Toronto but I enjoy my job and should make good cash this year. That combined with my amazing commute of a 10 minute walk each day will keep me ticking over.
I think the OP is still on their honey moon period. If some one told me I had to live in Barrie or head back to the UK I would've been landing at Heathrow before they got to the "or".
It was great catching up with family and friends and nice to watch thinking man's TV like Eastenders. I thought Pat Butcher was indestructible
It was good to go to decent supermarkets and do some proper shopping.
I did however miss the bar in my lobby somewhat.
On New Years Eve Eve (day before New Year). I found myself in an expensive bar in Mayfair. The Mojito's were being made by simply throwing all the ingredients in a glass, adding a spoon and a half of brown sugar and stirring it with a spoon. Unfortunately in an attempt to beat the happy hour promo deadline I ended up with four of the things.
I also got held up in London because someone had committed suicide on the train tracks apparently it is happening quite often at the mo.
I also squeezed in some trips to Birmingham and Bristol for some top nights out.
Mixed feelings about returning to Toronto but I enjoy my job and should make good cash this year. That combined with my amazing commute of a 10 minute walk each day will keep me ticking over.
I think the OP is still on their honey moon period. If some one told me I had to live in Barrie or head back to the UK I would've been landing at Heathrow before they got to the "or".
I feel the same. Nights out in England are so much fun and always a great atmosphere!
Jan 3rd 2012, 1:28 pm
#73
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,159
Re: First trip back to the UK - what a dump!
Actually my parents had to pay for me to go to a private school as the local state school was terrible. Because I came from a good background, I had to pay for much of my university education, my Ph.D. was funded by a pharmacetical company.
I have paid 40% tax and 10% NI for over a decade. I have taken part in valuable research, worked with the homeless etc. I OWE BRITAIN NOTHING.
FYI R I C H I have put your posts on my ignore list so won't be able to read them...you are just the kind of person that makes the internet tiresome at times <snip>
I have paid 40% tax and 10% NI for over a decade. I have taken part in valuable research, worked with the homeless etc. I OWE BRITAIN NOTHING.
FYI R I C H I have put your posts on my ignore list so won't be able to read them...you are just the kind of person that makes the internet tiresome at times <snip>
I get it. You want to be able to say what you like, but, you dont want to hear anything you dont like.
Jan 3rd 2012, 1:47 pm
#74
Dive Bar Drunk
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Toronto
Posts: 8,649
Re: First trip back to the UK - what a dump!
I had a few pints at "The Hole in the Wall" by Waterloo and then over to Mayfair. Other than that I stupidly ventured onto Oxford Street which was pretty much a recreation of "the riots" during Boxing Day week!
Jan 3rd 2012, 2:04 pm
#75
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2007
Location: Toronto - I belong there.
Posts: 2,251
Re: First trip back to the UK - what a dump!
