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A few thoughts
Well. My mum died so we all went over for the funeral. Looking at the UK with my now canadian eyes here are a few impressions I got. (Bearing in mind Im pretty happy in Canada with my lot)
Wow, its was soooo green. Spring had sprung, the weather was FANTASTIC too. So much for kids to do, Warwick Castle was like a dream for my 4 year old. FANTASTIC. So many other options too. It was BRILLIANT to catch up with family, although obviously the circumstances could have been happier. Daily grocery prices seemed a fair bit cheaper than Canada. Driving was not too bad, the M1 was OK, getting around was OK, but not as easy as Canada. Borrowing a TomTom was a help though. Couldnt live with an M3 / M25 commute everyday though. Got used to narrow twisty roads, roundabouts and manual gearboxes again pretty fast. Lot of diesel powered german executive cars around, in fact a lot of new cars everywhere. Very few old beaters on the road that I saw. General impression was of a lot of disposable income...dont know if its rooted in debt though. Customer service is ABYSMAL. Girl actually answered personal mobile call while selling me rail tickets. Not impressed! House prices are RIDICULOUS in nearly all places. Travel costs are insane, $150 for 2 to travel by train from Gatwick to Bedford return...WTF! Obsession with schools / living in the right area for a decent school is alive and well, but pretty well justified too. Cameras EVERYWHERE. Looks like a police state to an outsider. Private security firms in city centers were a surprise too. Real Beer GOOD! (Fullers) Hoodies / petty crime...didnt see any. Lots of graffiti on and around the train though. Overcrowding. Actually the bits of London we went through seemed to be pretty well covered for parks and farmland areas around. Nice playgrounds seemed a common feature. Public Footpaths / Right of way. What a joy, paths everywhere! Dont get that sort of access to the countryside here in Ontario. My overall conclusion, if you have a house and a decent job to pay for travel and a few awaydays, I cant understand why you would throw it away to come to Canada for the sake of a larger house. England is a pretty nice place...IF YOU HAVE THE MONEY TO LIVE IN A NICE AREA. Based on visiting family in Woking Surrey and a North Beds Village, and a friend in Radcliffe near Nottingham. Was nice to get back home though and get a decent coffee and a shower and sleep in my own bed too. |
Re: A few thoughts
Originally Posted by iaink
(Post 4667108)
Well. My mum died so we all went over for the funeral. Looking at the UK with my now canadian eyes here are a few impressions I got. (Bearing in mind Im pretty happy in Canada with my lot)
Wow, its was soooo green. Spring had sprung, the weather was FANTASTIC too. So much for kids to do, Warwick Castle was like a dream for my 4 year old. FANTASTIC. So many other options too. It was BRILLIANT to catch up with family, although obviously the circumstances could have been happier. Daily grocery prices seemed a fair bit cheaper than Canada. Driving was not too bad, the M1 was OK, getting around was OK, but not as easy as Canada. Borrowing a TomTom was a help though. Couldnt live with an M3 / M25 commute everyday though. Got used to narrow twisty roads, roundabouts and manual gearboxes again pretty fast. Lot of diesel powered german executive cars around, in fact a lot of new cars everywhere. Very few old beaters on the road that I saw. General impression was of a lot of disposable income...dont know if its rooted in debt though. Customer service is ABYSMAL. Girl actually answered personal mobile call while selling me rail tickets. Not impressed! House prices are RIDICULOUS in nearly all places. Travel costs are insane, $150 for 2 to travel by train from Gatwick to Bedford return...WTF! Obsession with schools / living in the right area for a decent school is alive and well, but pretty well justified too. Cameras EVERYWHERE. Looks like a police state to an outsider. Private security firms in city centers were a surprise too. Real Beer GOOD! (Fullers) Hoodies / petty crime...didnt see any. Lots of graffiti on and around the train though. Overcrowding. Actually the bits of London we went through seemed to be pretty well covered for parks and farmland areas around. Nice playgrounds seemed a common feature. Public Footpaths / Right of way. What a joy, paths everywhere! Dont get that sort of access to the countryside here in Ontario. My overall conclusion, if you have a house and a decent job to pay for travel and a few awaydays, I cant understand why you would throw it away to come to Canada for the sake of a larger house. England is a pretty nice place...IF YOU HAVE THE MONEY TO LIVE IN A NICE AREA. Based on visiting family in Woking Surrey and a North Beds Village, and a friend in Radcliffe near Nottingham. The UK is not that bad - but MANCHESTER is. :eek: |
Re: A few thoughts
Originally Posted by iaink
(Post 4667108)
Well. My mum died so we all went over for the funeral. Looking at the UK with my now canadian eyes here are a few impressions I got. (Bearing in mind Im pretty happy in Canada with my lot)
Wow, its was soooo green. Spring had sprung, the weather was FANTASTIC too. So much for kids to do, Warwick Castle was like a dream for my 4 year old. FANTASTIC. So many other options too. It was BRILLIANT to catch up with family, although obviously the circumstances could have been happier. Daily grocery prices seemed a fair bit cheaper than Canada. Driving was not too bad, the M1 was OK, getting around was OK, but not as easy as Canada. Borrowing a TomTom was a help though. Couldnt live with an M3 / M25 commute everyday though. Got used to narrow twisty roads, roundabouts and manual gearboxes again pretty fast. Lot of diesel powered german executive cars around, in fact a lot of new cars everywhere. Very few old beaters on the road that I saw. General impression was of a lot of disposable income...dont know if its rooted in debt though. Customer service is ABYSMAL. Girl actually answered personal mobile call while selling me rail tickets. Not impressed! House prices are RIDICULOUS in nearly all places. Travel costs are insane, $150 for 2 to travel by train from Gatwick to Bedford return...WTF! Obsession with schools / living in the right area for a decent school is alive and well, but pretty well justified too. Cameras EVERYWHERE. Looks like a police state to an outsider. Private security firms in city centers were a surprise too. Real Beer GOOD! (Fullers) Hoodies / petty crime...didnt see any. Lots of graffiti on and around the train though. Overcrowding. Actually the bits of London we went through seemed to be pretty well covered for parks and farmland areas around. Nice playgrounds seemed a common feature. Public Footpaths / Right of way. What a joy, paths everywhere! Dont get that sort of access to the countryside here in Ontario. My overall conclusion, if you have a house and a decent job to pay for travel and a few awaydays, I cant understand why you would throw it away to come to Canada for the sake of a larger house. England is a pretty nice place...IF YOU HAVE THE MONEY TO LIVE IN A NICE AREA. Based on visiting family in Woking Surrey and a North Beds Village, and a friend in Radcliffe near Nottingham. Was nice to get back home too and get a decent coffee and a shower and sleep in my own bed too though. Well done excellent post |
Re: A few thoughts
Hi Iaink- sorry to hear about your mum
Originally Posted by iaink
(Post 4667108)
Well. My mum died so we all went over for the funeral. Looking at the UK with my now canadian eyes here are a few impressions I got. (Bearing in mind Im pretty happy in Canada with my lot)
Wow, its was soooo green. Spring had sprung, the weather was FANTASTIC too. It is very green and such fab weather recently, england is truely beautiful in the spring So much for kids to do, Warwick Castle was like a dream for my 4 year old. FANTASTIC. So many other options too. There are good options for kids It was BRILLIANT to catch up with family, although obviously the circumstances could have been happier. Daily grocery prices seemed a fair bit cheaper than Canada. I would say from reccie to calgary recently grocery prices are similar or slightly more in calgary Driving was not too bad, the M1 was OK, getting around was OK, but not as easy as Canada. Borrowing a TomTom was a help though. Couldnt live with an M3 / M25 commute everyday though. Got used to narrow twisty roads, roundabouts and manual gearboxes again pretty fast. Lot of diesel powered german executive cars around, in fact a lot of new cars everywhere. Very few old beaters on the road that I saw. General impression was of a lot of disposable income...dont know if its rooted in debt though. I think in affluent areas we are fairly well off in UK. traffic anywhere in SE is a nightmare IMHO, which is why we live ooop north. had to go via heathrow recently and it served to remind me just how crowded the SE is Customer service is ABYSMAL. Girl actually answered personal mobile call while selling me rail tickets. Not impressed! it is fairly bad House prices are RIDICULOUS in nearly all places. this is ture but they won't go up signigficantly for a while I reckon due to threatening interest rates and the lack of people coming onto market for first time (ie the current market is fueled by people already in the market) Travel costs are insane, $150 for 2 to travel by train from Gatwick to Bedford return...WTF! travel to and from airports seems to be the worst- but it can be pricey- its all about when you travel Obsession with schools / living in the right area for a decent school is alive and well, but pretty well justified too. I agree with this Cameras EVERYWHERE. Looks like a police state to an outsider. Private security firms in city centers were a surprise too. haven't noticed it soo much - obviously we have them up here- maybe you either get used to them or they are worse in the other areas Real Beer GOOD! (Fullers) Hoodies / petty crime...didnt see any. Lots of graffiti on and around the train though. Overcrowding. Actually the bits of London we went through seemed to be pretty well covered for parks and farmland areas around. Nice playgrounds seemed a common feature. Public Footpaths / Right of way. What a joy, paths everywhere! Dont get that sort of access to the countryside here in Ontario. My overall conclusion, if you have a house and a decent job to pay for travel and a few awaydays, I cant understand why you would throw it away to come to Canada for the sake of a larger house. England is a pretty nice place...IF YOU HAVE THE MONEY TO LIVE IN A NICE AREA. Based on visiting family in Woking Surrey and a North Beds Village, and a friend in Radcliffe near Nottingham. England is a nice place, if you live in a nice area. We do and we like it a lot and will miss it. But we are skiers and yearn to live near world class skiing, and my OH happens to be in a profession that is sought after in some places (although less so in UK) which makes moving quite attractive. Also we want an adventure! and why not? |
Re: A few thoughts
PS . also we are not 'throwing it away' or 'giving it all up to come and struggle'
Gryphea |
Re: A few thoughts
Hi Iain,
Firstly I am sorry to hear about the loss of your Mum :( I live in Camberley which is just down the road from Woking and I have to say your impression of this area is absolutely spot on. There does seem to be a lot of money around at the moment, loads of new 07 plate cars on the road, and everyone seems to have builders round doing some sort of home improvement at the moment. In fact the more I think of what a good place I currently live in the more I question why I want to move to Canada? You are quite correct, the main reason for me moving is to sell my house and be mortgage free in Canada. Why did you start this post ;) |
Re: A few thoughts
Originally Posted by gryphea
(Post 4667200)
PS . also we are not 'throwing it away' or 'giving it all up to come and struggle'
Gryphea |
Re: A few thoughts
Originally Posted by britishvixen21
(Post 4667259)
Your not here yet are you?? moving country isnt a walk in the park you will struggle even if you have a cushy job and wonderful mortgage free house to walk into. not being negative just realistic.
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Re: A few thoughts
As long as people are motivated for the right reasons its not "throwing it away", but my eyes were somewhat opened again to the access to the countryside, the numerous fantastic castles, kids farms, national trust properties, zoos etc etc that are two a penny in the UK and few and far between in Canada. The greeness was also extraordinary...and the lack of bloody mozzies. You cant buy that here (Ontario).
The point of the post was just to tell how I saw it after 7 years away, with a fresh perspective. Sometimes you just dont see whats right under your nose. Even Manchester has good stuff right on the doorstep. But it is an expensive place to live. One or two good jobs are a necessity I suspect to get the best of life there...far more so than in Canada. |
Re: A few thoughts
Originally Posted by britishvixen21
(Post 4667259)
Your not here yet are you?? moving country isnt a walk in the park you will struggle even if you have a cushy job and wonderful mortgage free house to walk into. not being negative just realistic.
Gryphea |
Re: A few thoughts
Very sorry to hear about your Mum Iain, that must be tough. Glad you and your family made it back though.
Great post, summed it all up very nicely :) When I was back last week I also noticed how many new cars were on the road and I always notice the greenness compared to here. Now I just have to show the post to my husband and get him thinking......... |
Re: A few thoughts
Originally Posted by iaink
(Post 4667291)
As long as people are motivated for the right reasons its not "throwing it away", but my eyes were somewhat opened again to the access to the countryside, the numerous fantastic castles, kids farms, national trust properties, zoos etc etc that are two a penny in the UK and few and far between in Canada. The greeness was also extraordinary...and the lack of bloody mozzies. You cant buy that here (Ontario).
The point of the post was just to tell how I saw it after 7 years away, with a fresh perspective. Sometimes you just dont see whats right under your nose. Even Manchester has good stuff right on the doorstep. But it is an expensive place to live. One or two good jobs are a necessity I suspect to get the best of life there...far more so than in Canada. Manchester does have good stuff on its doorstep (although its a bit rainy for me!). I think one or two good jobs are a necessity to get the best of life. We have two fairly good jobs (albeit one at 60%) and we still live in a fairly small house, take summer holidays in the Uk and blow it all for one week skiing. And my OH has horrendus commutes. Gryphea |
Re: A few thoughts
Sorry to hear about your Mum.
Agree, of course, with your post. Am so looking forward to enjoying the outdoors when we're next in England. |
Re: A few thoughts
Originally Posted by iaink
(Post 4667108)
Wow, its was soooo green. Spring had sprung, the weather was FANTASTIC too.
Originally Posted by iaink
(Post 4667108)
Daily grocery prices seemed a fair bit cheaper than Canada.
Originally Posted by iaink
(Post 4667108)
Lot of diesel powered german executive cars around, in fact a lot of new cars everywhere. Very few old beaters on the road that I saw. General impression was of a lot of disposable income...dont know if its rooted in debt though.
Originally Posted by iaink
(Post 4667108)
Customer service is ABYSMAL. Girl actually answered personal mobile call while selling me rail tickets. Not impressed!
Originally Posted by iaink
(Post 4667108)
House prices are RIDICULOUS in nearly all places.
Originally Posted by iaink
(Post 4667108)
Travel costs are insane, $150 for 2 to travel by train from Gatwick to Bedford return...WTF!
Originally Posted by iaink
(Post 4667108)
Cameras EVERYWHERE. Looks like a police state to an outsider.
Originally Posted by iaink
(Post 4667108)
My overall conclusion, if you have a house and a decent job to pay for travel and a few awaydays, I cant understand why you would throw it away to come to Canada for the sake of a larger house.
|
Re: A few thoughts
Originally Posted by Tableland
(Post 4667398)
But Canada wil catch up though, no?
Wanderlust...Ive not forgotten, I suspect there is nothing you can do once you decide to look elsewhere anyway, but Im not at all sure its a rational reason to sell up everything and move. Baby / Bathwater interface needs to be closely examined. On balance I am still happy to be in Canada (just as well as I couldnt afford to move back), but the UK is far from the decaying cesspool of humanity its sometimes portrayed as by the media...if you have the means to live in a reasonable area. |
Re: A few thoughts
Sorry to hear about your Mum mate.
Do you not think though that your visit could be compared to someone coming over here for a holiday (obviously you had not so nice circumstances)? Ie. Not everyday living and getting a real feel for it? I never had a problem with England, I had a great house and lived in a great area. Here in Canada I have a better life, a nicer house and live in a much nicer area. I gave it all up and came here and things are 100% better, nothing thrown away there as far as I can see. Remember though, the grass is not always greener..... errr ok maybe it might be in England :) |
Re: A few thoughts
Originally Posted by iaink
(Post 4667429)
No, it will be green for a month in May and then get burned to a toasty brown crisp by July.
Wanderlust...Ive not forgotten, I suspect there is nothing you can do once you decide to look elsewhere anyway, but Im not at all sure its a rational reason to sell up everything and move. Baby / Bathwater interface needs to be closely examined. On balance I am still happy to be in Canada (just as well as I couldnt afford to move back), but the UK is far from the decaying cesspool of humanity its sometimes portrayed as by the media...if you have the means to live in a reasonable area. Also - I add as an afterthought - it is spectacularly green right now, and there are bluebells out on my way to work, and pink flowering cherry trees along the streets - but - remember the six months of grey British sludge every winter when you've got all that wintry sun and snowfall to enjoy. |
Re: A few thoughts
So sorry to hear about your Mum, my deepest condolences.
Your right about the UK though, I really miss it. |
Re: A few thoughts
Originally Posted by iaink
(Post 4667429)
No, it will be green for a month in May and then get burned to a toasty brown crisp by July.
Wanderlust...Ive not forgotten, I suspect there is nothing you can do once you decide to look elsewhere anyway, but Im not at all sure its a rational reason to sell up everything and move. Baby / Bathwater interface needs to be closely examined. On balance I am still happy to be in Canada (just as well as I couldnt afford to move back), but the UK is far from the decaying cesspool of humanity its sometimes portrayed as by the media...if you have the means to live in a reasonable area. Well that HEather mallick woman said this about the nroth of england the north of England is a giant no-go area. Massive unemployment, low-grade and high-grade crime, terrible schools, a bleak, featureless, hopeless landscape for the young. That's Britain today Clearly she hasn't been to where we live (yorks), it is hardly a no go area. I think wanderlust is key and relocation allowances help justify it as well Gryphea |
Re: A few thoughts
Originally Posted by iaink
(Post 4667429)
if you have the means to live in a reasonable area.
I think it also depends on how old you are, if you're on the property laddes, what you do for a living, etc. You are right about not seeing things that are available or in front of you but living somewhere and visiting (even if you used to live there) are two very different things! |
Re: A few thoughts
Originally Posted by gryphea
(Post 4667508)
Well that HEather mallick woman said this about the nroth of england
the north of England is a giant no-go area. Massive unemployment, low-grade and high-grade crime, terrible schools, a bleak, featureless, hopeless landscape for the young. That's Britain today |
Re: A few thoughts
Originally Posted by dbd33
(Post 4667525)
I wondered about the "today" part. That's how I've always thought of the north.
|
Re: A few thoughts
Originally Posted by Bleech
(Post 4667448)
Sorry to hear about your Mum mate.
Do you not think though that your visit could be compared to someone coming over here for a holiday (obviously you had not so nice circumstances)? Ie. Not everyday living and getting a real feel for it? I never had a problem with England, I had a great house and lived in a great area. Here in Canada I have a better life, a nicer house and live in a much nicer area. I gave it all up and came here and things are 100% better, nothing thrown away there as far as I can see. Remember though, the grass is not always greener..... errr ok maybe it might be in England :) There are problems in the UK, but money helps solves most of them... Yes, the weather was exceptional, and it would have been a drag had it rained, but it was what it was. But access to the country and all the historic and other attractions were something I guess I had forgotten about. I do have more personal space here though, I just cant (legally) go traipsing through the local farmland. I think a lot of people think about emigrating simply because a nice area with good schools is simply unattainable for them. My brothers "new house" was bought for £850k, with another £100k or so going into gutting and renovating to go. Granted its going to be beautiful when its done, and worth way more than the investment, and it will be great for his kids, but thats serious money, and he and his wife works all the hours god sends to fund the lifestyle. Id rather spend it with my kids in our modest home to be honest, but thats their choice. |
Re: A few thoughts
Originally Posted by The TWs
(Post 4667511)
Thats a pretty big IF!
I think it also depends on how old you are, if you're on the property laddes, what you do for a living, etc. You are right about not seeing things that are available or in front of you but living somewhere and visiting (even if you used to live there) are two very different things! My brothers live there, my best friend lives there, they have a decent life (although my budy is considering Australia primarily due to the lack of job oportunities for consultant surgeons in the UK and the medical licensing restrictions in Canada) |
Re: A few thoughts
Sorry to hear about your mum :(
On the other stuff, some good points in the original post. Merry England has a lot to offer in the sunnier months if you like the outdoors and are National Trust oriented. I guess also that a) the grass is always greener, and b) everywhere's always nicer on holiday. I suppose those of us with the emigration bug are naturally pre-disposed to see the good in other places. :) I've some experience of living in both the UK and Canada, both have a lot to offer and you can make a good go of it in either; just depends where suits you best for your current needs. We're off to Canada again this Autumn to follow some unique opportunities, aiming for a permanent(ish) move, but I'll always think fondly of England (even if it's always the England of x years ago!). Glad you enjoyed your trip, the obvious aside. We were up in Yorkshire last weekend for a Christening, some beautiful walking trails. Cheers, Iain |
Re: A few thoughts
Condolences Iain.
Originally Posted by iaink
(Post 4667108)
My overall conclusion, if you have a house and a decent job to pay for travel and a few awaydays, I cant understand why you would throw it away to come to Canada for the sake of a larger house. England is a pretty nice place...IF YOU HAVE THE MONEY TO LIVE IN A NICE AREA.
|
Re: A few thoughts
Originally Posted by Biiiiink
(Post 4667611)
Agree completely. And Scotland's nice too ;) (Actually you are right....One brother lives in Fife) |
Re: A few thoughts
Originally Posted by iaink
(Post 4667429)
No, it will be green for a month in May and then get burned to a toasty brown crisp by July.
Wanderlust...Ive not forgotten, I suspect there is nothing you can do once you decide to look elsewhere anyway, but Im not at all sure its a rational reason to sell up everything and move. Baby / Bathwater interface needs to be closely examined. On balance I am still happy to be in Canada (just as well as I couldnt afford to move back), but the UK is far from the decaying cesspool of humanity its sometimes portrayed as by the media...if you have the means to live in a reasonable area. But if you don't have the cash and all you can afford is in a decaying cesspool in the UK, then some may decide to take their cash and buy the good life in Canada (on the cheap). |
Re: A few thoughts
Living in a nice area of the UK doesn't make it ideal.
We lived in beautiful conservation village in Worcestershire, had a picture-postcard thatched cottage and were surrounded by farmland. We both needed to work to pay the mortgage - I had 25 miles to drive to Warwick, Lyn 20 to Worcester. Neither of us could get our commutes to under an hour and a half. No public transport options either. We've 2 Border Collies that need plenty of exercise, yet despite almost endless countryside around us, it was all farmed with only 1 public right of way across it. Walking the dogs at 6.45 each morning meant trudging through mud for 6mths of the year, then hose-pipe and towel action at home (oooh err :blink:). Frankly it wasn't something I ever looked forward to. Canada's given us more space (32 acres, rather than 200ft), more opportunity (a business and rental house), far more agreeable climate (IMO), and access to recreation we'd never have been able to afford or have the time for in the UK, for no more money than the equity we bought with us. I do miss the history and diversity of character that Europe offers, but Canada provides alternatives, not necessarily better or worse, just different. Life's not a rehersal, and I think it's good just to experience and something outside of your comfort zone - for us Canada has provided memories and experiences we'd never have dreamed of gaining just 2 years ago. That in itself is enough to justify the decision to move for me. |
Re: A few thoughts
Iain - also very sorry to hear about your mum :( - not sure if I missed that, but I did notice you hadn't been on here for a while - hope you and family are getting on OK.
And boy, you did visit when the weather was fab, and was showing off the UK it all it's natural, green glory - thank you for bringing that with you ! But wow, is that unseasonal or what? I don't recall an Easter holiday like it and it makes the thought of all that constant rain in Oct / Nov / Dec a distant memory. Now, then, why am I going ? ;) Our circs - We have recently sold a (fab, our opinion, of course) house that we built - but we had the huge, not-so-fab mortgage to go with it, and we were hanging ourselves. Just being mortgage-free now, in a rental property, is such a relief. And we have seriously reconsidered our potential move, had another look around at what we could buy here by down-sizing a bit; should/could we stay? And yes, of course we could, but like several have mentioned, that wanderlust/adventure side kicks in too and that has been eating away at us for nearly a decade anyway - so we are going, regardless !! I don't hate the UK - never have - and I'm not running away from anything - it is a great, beautiful country with culture and history and green, green space. And I'm going to miss the green more than the history or culture ! Being mortgage-free, me giving up work, different scenery, different activities on our doorstep, and, well, basically, a change is what we are aiming for. I take on board all comments about struggles and fitting in, etc, and I don't for a minute doubt there will be an element of that for us too. We could come back if we wanted to - and we are leaving that door slightly ajar just in case - and I would have no problem in returning. I don't think we are risking too much with money, kids, relationships, etc - but you never know what life is going to throw at you .... I would have a problem, however, with the "What if's ... " :) Good post though - makes us perhaps appreciate more the 'good stuff' and not listen to much to the 'going to the dogs' comments :) |
Re: A few thoughts
Hi Iain,
Welcome back and sorry to hear about your family bereavement. I haven't been back in the UK for a few years now but the missus has suggested that I should consider a trip soon. But there's a lot of Canada I haven't seen yet like Churchill and Newfoundland. Based on my last visit there are things that you appreciate after having been away for a while. However when you live there you tend to take them for granted and don't appreciate them as much. At school I used to play around a Norman castle at lunch time. I think there's a certain "Disneyland" effect when you visit any country such as appreciating the attractions, scenery, novelty etc but the practicality of living there is another story. For instance on my last trip to the UK I started to develop claustrophobia with the tiny cars, rooms, crowded narrow roads and cars parked all over the place. |
Re: A few thoughts
Originally Posted by flashman
(Post 4667906)
Hi Iain,
Welcome back and sorry to hear about your family bereavement. I haven't been back in the UK for a few years now but the missus has suggested that I should consider a trip soon. But there's a lot of Canada I haven't seen yet like Churchill and Newfoundland. Based on my last visit there are things that you appreciate after having been away for a while. However when you live there you tend to take them for granted and don't appreciate them as much. At school I used to play around a Norman castle at lunch time. I think there's a certain "Disneyland" effect when you visit any country such as appreciating the attractions, scenery, novelty etc but the practicality of living there is another story. For instance on my last trip to the UK I started to develop claustrophobia with the tiny cars, rooms, crowded narrow roads and cars parked all over the place. The small cars were OK, the Peugot 207 we rented was quite nice, could live with one here to be honest. Felt safer in that on the narrow roads than in my Dads big camper van "Service with a snarl" got old very fast, but was by no means universal. There is a lot to commend the place, perhaps more so on a visit as you know you dont have to stay and live with the negatives like extreme mortgages, slow commutes and congestion. |
Re: A few thoughts
Originally Posted by iaink
(Post 4667949)
"Service with a snarl" got old very fast, but was by no means universal.
|
Re: A few thoughts
Originally Posted by Biiiiink
(Post 4667611)
Condolences Iain.
Agree completely. And Scotland's nice too ;) My sincerest sympathy to you Iain on the loss of your Mum. |
Re: A few thoughts
Iain,
You've fairly succintly summed up a lot of my feelings. (particularly the Fullers London Pride bit:D ). We moved here not so much out of dislike for UK but because Mrs AX is from here. There are compromises that we make living here - career being a big one for me - and at times these weigh heavy on me. Particularly at this time of year when the weather is so crappy in NL compared to, well just about anywhere! The big house, slower pace of life, fresh air, space and endless fiddle music are great. We both miss things about the UK though and my mind has certainly turned to moving back or indeed elsewhere in Canada of late. I can only restate my own personal point of view that nothing is for ever. I would certainly never dismiss the possibility of moving back home although it would be financially very bruising at least from a property perspective. Anyway, glad to see you back posting. AX |
Re: A few thoughts
Great post Iain. Really sorry to hear about your Mum, mate.
We also just got back from a holiday in the UK, and I agree with pretty much everything you wrote. Have been back a few times since moving out, but this is the first time I've really noticed just how lovely England is.... Maybe it was the amazing weather, or just being on holiday - but I've never seen the country looking so good. Seeing all the family, and spending time with nieces & nephews was just great - especially as the weather was soooo good. Spent a fortune mind you - took the in-laws out for dinner and stupidly offered to pick up the tab... within seconds of me offering, my father in-law goes and orders the fillet steak :eek: ... ouch! I love Canada and the lifestyle we have out here, and do not regret one thing about moving over. However, for those of you moving simply for a bigger house, I'd really think twice about it..... |
Re: A few thoughts
Originally Posted by iaink
(Post 4667108)
Well. My mum died so we all went over for the funeral.
Wow, its was soooo green. Spring had sprung, the weather was FANTASTIC too. So much for kids to do, Warwick Castle was like a dream for my 4 year old. FANTASTIC. So many other options too. Daily grocery prices seemed a fair bit cheaper than Canada. Driving was not too bad, the M1 was OK, getting around was OK, but not as easy as Canada. Borrowing a TomTom was a help though. Couldnt live with an M3 / M25 commute everyday though. Got used to narrow twisty roads, roundabouts and manual gearboxes again pretty fast. Lot of diesel powered german executive cars around, in fact a lot of new cars everywhere. Very few old beaters on the road that I saw. General impression was of a lot of disposable income...dont know if its rooted in debt though. Customer service is ABYSMAL. Girl actually answered personal mobile call while selling me rail tickets. Not impressed! House prices are RIDICULOUS in nearly all places. Seriously house prices in the area of UK we left dont seem to have increased much more than 1-2% in the last 12 months Travel costs are insane, $150 for 2 to travel by train from Gatwick to Bedford return...WTF! Obsession with schools / living in the right area for a decent school is alive and well, but pretty well justified too. Cameras EVERYWHERE. Looks like a police state to an outsider. Private security firms in city centers were a surprise too. Real Beer GOOD! (Fullers) Hoodies / petty crime...didnt see any. Lots of graffiti on and around the train though. You lucky guy ;) Public Footpaths / Right of way. What a joy, paths everywhere! Dont get that sort of access to the countryside here in Ontario. My overall conclusion, if you have a house and a decent job to pay for travel and a few awaydays, I cant understand why you would throw it away to come to Canada for the sake of a larger house. England is a pretty nice place...IF YOU HAVE THE MONEY TO LIVE IN A NICE AREA. Based on visiting family in Woking Surrey and a North Beds Village, and a friend in Radcliffe near Nottingham. We lived in a reasonably nice area of the NW, VERY nice house, good household income, weekends away etc. Apart from the house (relative to the area we are in) things havent changed since we came here. Was nice to get back home though and get a decent coffee and a shower and sleep in my own bed too. |
Re: A few thoughts
Originally Posted by Butch Cassidy
(Post 4668140)
Purleese:eek:
|
Re: A few thoughts
I don't follow, surely one thing we can all agree on is the lack of quality beer in Canada |
Re: A few thoughts
Originally Posted by Iain Mc
(Post 4668194)
Mainstream stuff, yes. However, there are some fabulous microbreweries in BC.
And in Ontario, though they don't exist to the same extent that they do in the US. What's missing I think is cask conditioned beer in pubs and major bottled brands selling on quality; the equivalent of, say, Sam Adams or Fat Tire. |
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