Jerseygirl

If you see Gary around the store ask him.

Suz16

Fine by me, I used to go there regularly when we lived in Florham Park so know it well!

EspressoMartini

Hi there! I'm a Londoner who moved to Essex county (leaving all my friends and family back in the UK - sob!) a couple of weeks ago. I'd love to have a bevvy with some fellow Brits

Has anyone else noticed how Americans' eyes light up in surprise and their tempo slows down when they ask a question and you respond? Even if it's simply, "what can I get you?", "I'll have an Espresso Martini, please" or "cash or credit?", "$40 regular, cash, please". It's starting to get quite hilarious!

denzil75

Went in on Friday and happy to report stock levels were back to normal

Kylidevil

Hi all!

Back from my few days in Madison, had the opportunity to watch the Memorial Day parade in the glorious sunshine, wandered around the town and checked out Gary's, Whole Foods and the Stop & Shop. The main purpose for my visit was looking at the schools though and I'm glad I did! They are just sooo different to here, I'm not sure they would do well in an OFSTED inspection :-/ However it has prepared me for what to expect and I can definitely see the pros in access to music and language.

Just a waiting game now for the visa and then working my notice period (3 months) before we head out :-)

Jerseygirl

If you are interested in private schools...my daughter went to The Peck School in Morristown...then Pingry in Martinsville for high school. Both excellent schools.

denzil75

How about we try for a date first half of June? Any particular night that people would prefer? I can usually do any night but I know hubby is away June 10th and 11th.

We'll be able to shock everyone will all our accents when we go out

denzil75

Interesting as the Madison schools are meant to be some of the best in our area, especially the High School. Have to say as my two are getting older (10 & 11) I'm starting to doubt the American Education system. I know there are troubles with the education back home but it still seems more balanced and less pressure on the kids. So much so that we are actually considering moving back next year so the kids can go to high school in the UK. It's going to be tough getting them into a school as most are over subscribed but we have found one that seems to be okay. How old are your children?

Kylidevil

There is no way we can afford private education. I am learning to accept compromise!

Kylidevil

I am sure that they are good for America. I haven't seen any others and so I couldn't compare. The issue is that I work in school improvement with a focus on vulnerable learners and so I know the good / bad things to look for here at home. Will just have to close my eyes!

My kids are 8 and 10, both September birthdays so they will go from being the oldest in their year here to the youngest there. Luckily they are both in mixed year group classes and so are familiar with working with pupils almost a year older.

IRJ

I just moved away from Madison NJ after 30 years living there and Chatham. Both the schools systems in Chatham and Madison are highly regarded and there are many excellent, if expensive, private schools as well. Madison provides a good education with a wide range of alternative and AP classes. The school has a very high rate of entrance to College as well. My son graduated through Newark academy and my daughter also went there but she insisted on doing High School at Madison.
No school is perfect, in the UK or USA, but the education provided in Madison and the range of classes and alternative subjects is very good indeed.
When you read about "inadequacies" of the US educational system you should understand that the USA is a huge country. The good schools are very good and the poor schools tend to be in areas one would rather not live and this tips the averages. For instance we just moved to the Charlotte area (technically South Carolina). I have been very pleasantly shocked at the standard of the schools in this area and they keep build completely new schools. Most outsiders would think that this area has "poor" schools, but the authorities around this area have made a huge effort and it certainly is paying off.
nusub:
Another well priced supermarket (if not quite as nice looking) is Shoprite (think good prices).
For wines/spirits go to: The Wine Library" in Milburn (Better prices and wider range than even Gary's)
Make sure you eat at the diner in Madison: The Nautilus.... Great experience. terrific food and great place to watch those parades.
Madison is a great place to live though those pesky property taxes keep climbing. And it's so close to the countryside for long walks and bike rides etc.

Kylidevil

Update: Visas have arrived, 3 months notice given at work. Looking forwards to meeting up with you all later in the year for more excellent advice. Thank you.

sam kid

I just joined this site , and live in Matawan, NJ for 17 years, like watching the spurs on NBC for free.

Ledge4536

Hi, recently moved to jersey city. Formerly from Birmingham UK so if there's any villa fans who like golf get in touch lol.

Ledge4536

Hi, just moved to jersey city from Birmingham UK. Seems like a nice place but always nice to meet new people. Anyone around the paulis hook area?