Originally Posted by Fleaflyfloflum

Here is a question. Is it worth getting one of those big BBQs to take back? Are they cheaper here and does UK have the big ones like we have in Aus?

Originally Posted by dunroving

OK, for those of you who have already come home (and for the benefit of those of you who have yet to return), what do you wish you had brought back with you? You know, we all try to figure out what we might or might not use in the UK, or what we can/can't afford to ship back. For me:

In reality:
I had a fantastic gas-powered weed-whacker (strimmer) tool with detachable accessories - lawn edger, and hedge trimmer. I never thought I'd use it in the tiny gardens you get here in the UK and sold it to a friend for $40 (it cost me well over $200). I must have kicked myself dozens of times since I got back for not shipping it back in my 20ft container. Even just the weed-whacker would have made it worth it - after I cut the grass with my puny electric mower (I wish I'd brought my gas-powered mower back, too), I end up with a nice edge of grass that is 8 inches tall that I try trimming with a pair of manual shears (back-breaking work).

Also, I had two ultra-long garden hoses on sturdy wheeled hose reels. Someone told me on here that the UK fittings here are different from the US so I left them - but of course, I could easily have just cut the hose-ends off and used the plastic lock-tight ends you get here. Instead, I paid a fortune for a puny hose and hose reel that feels like it will fall apart any day.

In my dreams:
I wish I'd brought my truck back. Basic Mazda B-4000 (same as a Ford Ranger), old model so wouldn't have had to retro-fit to European/UK standards. The price of petrol here just wouldn't have made sense shipping it back (plus I drive an hour to work and back each day and couldn't have the pollution on my conscience - I only drove about 20 miles a week in the States). But I do miss being able to throw my bike (shopping, compost, house repair materials, garden plants) in my truck bed.

Originally Posted by emmahafryn

I'd like to know if it's worth shipping the Barbie too.

Originally Posted by katesbackagain

I wish I could bring my car, a Chevy Cobalt. It's the most pleasant and reliable car I've ever had.

I have also decided that WHEN I win the National Lottery (hey, I can dream, right? ) I'm going to buy a huge plot of land in the middle of nowhere and have a builder stick the house I'm renting in the US on it. I look at the size of it and wish I could take it back brick by brick, as it's massive in comparison to most UK houses. Snagged it right in the middle of a real estate buying slump, so the rent is a friggin steal!

Originally Posted by dunroving

Take a look here and then tell us what you think:

http://www.dobbies.co.uk/acatalog/We...Barbecues.html

Originally Posted by dunroving

Take a look here and then tell us what you think:

http://www.dobbies.co.uk/acatalog/We...Barbecues.html

Originally Posted by Jerseygirl

Brick by brick...don't you mean stick by stick?

Originally Posted by TaraC

Definitely taking it back! The prices!!!!!

Originally Posted by Tootsie Frickensprinkles

I cannot imagine ever requiring a bbq like that in the UK

Do you find you stay in the habit when you get back?

Originally Posted by dunroving

I don't (but then I didn't in the US, either), but when the rain stops, all I can smell in my Scottish neighborhood is BBQ.