Oh Bugger! Just realised that very shortly we will be in UK (31st March) not looking forward to it but only for short time, 1 month. We are so out of touch with the place (7 years) but maybe it will reinforce why we don't live there

Oh! dear you will find it cold But with Matalan, Primark, and Peacocks you will find clothes cheaper and better quality than here.
Some of the local pubs are desperate for business 2 steak meals and 2 drinks
£10.99 - near enough Goa prices now.
Enjoy yourselves and let us know how you get on.

Great spring weather, brilliant sunshine to start the day, turning cloudy by afternoon, but as said a crisp start, although not official spring has started I but as always UK weather who is brave enough to predict tomorrow

I do remember the springtime but maybe a little too late for that! Daffodils, crocuses and things. Debbie is looking forward to the shopping (me not) and the family thing (also me not) of course we will let you all know how we get on. You seem to have become an integral part of my life. Tuvalu x

Lovely day again here, 15c +, bright sunshine and very pleasant and comfortable. Even here in Surrey no sign of Daffodils yet, crocuses out and snowdrops still in full glory (very late). In fact the whole Spring season appears to be late. Ribes Fructicosa, an early Spring flowerer just coming into bud and most things just starting to show signs of life. Lawns still look very wintery. Probably the latest Spring for over a decade, but not surprising as until recently the temperature had hardly risen above freezing since before Christmas.

Last time we lived in Surrey we were in Kenley LB Croydon, Not been there for long time but have fond memories. Especially cos someone gave us s***t loads of money for a house that we did not want any more! Hot as hell here but no daffs, crocs or snows. Tuvalu x

was there a week ago. You will find many changes if u havent been back seven years. Every year brings subtle changes. Most visible are the number of hijab, and niqab garbs everywhere, and if you have been in Goa long, this alone is quite a jolt. Everyone is still very helpful, neighbours etc, traffic is better organised and drivers better than anywhere else (esp Goa). Easy and cheap shopping for groceries, even when compared to Goa, and quality is certain which is a huge mental relief. I went into Hastings, to see if Goa could be replicated with eyes closed. Couldnt, of course, but there again, the roads are clean, no one harasses you and it is very picturesque. There is a constant awareness of the slow economy, but also a kind of "together we stand" feel, and a certainty that the UK has a 'system" of government which is accessible and accountable. A quiet confidence if you will.

I'm sorry but I really disagree on this point - the UK government is not accessible or accountable, the corruption is just more sophisticated & much higher up the food chain - only the little people pay taxes etc etc. Look at the MP's expenses scandal, there should have been a revolution that made the 'poll tax riots' look like a minor scuffle, but no, what was there? there was apathy because that's what we're good at in the UK.

Politics = jobs for the boys & they are all as bad as each other, all pi**ing in the same pot!

H.

He in the North East we have our daffodils just staring to bud. Will be open in a couple of days. As you say, the crocuses blanketing my lawns(!) and the snowdrops are fantastic. England is beautiful in the springtime.

Normally Tina, our daffs etc would be finished by now, but this winter the soppy south has experienced severe winter conditions, a lot of the time worse than the north. This is not hearsay as I have spent the winter between North Surrey, Oxfordshire, Derby and North Yorkshire so have seen the comparisons............

Yes jonny,I know. I was lucky to be in Goa for three weeks in January. We got out when most of the airports were closed and also missed a lot of the worst weather!

I used to live in Hastings, (St Leonards) and it is completely different to Goa! Seagulls screaching, the smell of fish & chips, children's playparks - which although rusty and stinking of urine are at least still THERE - we have to go into Panjim now for the kids to go to the park - none in Candolim or anywhere else on the Goa 'beach belt' - what do kids do for fun here? And where do they go to partake in that fun?

England and India are fundamentally different - and me - I love both, in different ways, for different reasons.

I now get nostalgic for Hastings of all places! Damn you

Julia x

OK we are here. Landed last week and got the shock from Hell. Everybody looks anaemic! Encountered the original jobsworth customs officer, 'what is the purpose of your visit?' I'm British aren't I. It is unpleasantly cold but the daff's look nice. Met up with my Brother today (first time in 14 years) nothing changes, like I saw him yesterday, great to see him. Tomorrow off to Lancs, in Yorks now then down to Brum and all points west. Hope things are good with you all (haven't got time to read all the posts now, will catch up with it all soon). Love to all. Tuvalu

Been here 3 weeks now and can't wait to get out! Still looking for a cheap meal and beer, pretty well impossible I think but probably been away too long. Had to cancel our short Norway trip cos of the volcano and couldn't risk missing London to Oz flight. Managed our round UK tour of family and friends in less than 16 days and are in Croydon now staying with a very good friend. Going to meet our Granddaughter on Sat. for the first time so looking forward to that and catching up with Daughter. Deb going out with a friend tonight so I've arranged an overdraft and heading to the pub with a few old friends. Hi to all. Tuvalux

Have a lovely time, wonderful to meet your granddaughter for the first time.