OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
Aug 21st 2010, 4:26 am
#5116
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
Hi Fish and Rodney, thanks so much for your best wishes, and you are both right, as my husband and I talked more and still looking round we have decided we will definately stay home and go to France ans Spain on Holidays
I never appreciated how genuinely friendly and helpful the people are still here, so it was worth the loss of my savings if it takes the wunderlust (spl) out of my system and I settle for good, how I envy contented people who are just happy with their lot. Just another little update on the car, I told you the whole palavour with the test centre, but we got our certificate saying it had passed, WELL:
got a phone call yesterday from the manager to tell me in fact it had'nt passed, hand break was'nt working, so I would have to bring the cert back, and go through the test again
I was in a state of disbelief I just went along with everything, brought the cert back, the guy was lovely and so apologetic, and he is going to try and get both the iva and mot done on the same day at no extra charge
never heard of anyone having this trouble
, but you know I said to my husband if this had happened in Canada I would have been so stressed out, here I just laughed about it. Also for anyone thinking of bring their car home, make sure you have lived out of the country for 12 months (or you will have to pay duty and tax) also make sure you bring proof you've live out of the country ie utility bill bank details, I had shredded mine and only kept the last few months so it was a nightmare, when I emiled my bank in Canada to see if they would email me a letter to state the date I opened my account, they were VERY nice telling me of course, just a little charge of $15 I told them their charges were stupid and to forget it, to get the machanical hand book for our car (which no longer comes with the casr when you buy it $195) the man at our MOT centre told me no way was he going to let us pay that, and he sorted out the answers we needed for the IVA test, no charge, my bank is sending me out copies of statements as we need new uk driving licences no charge
the Chevrolet dealership gave us a letter for customs valuing our car, no charge, I just could not believe it, I am so delighted at the genuiness that I took for granted, so you all have this to look forward to, I have to say I found the Canadian government offices better organised than ours, but everything can't be perfect Yes Fish we lived in England in the 80's , and loved it and met some beautiful people, we loved the english countryside and most of all pubs!!!! the villages, and humour, we were there through some of the worst of the troubles and never found anything only friendliness, as a matter of fact we had an old war veteran as one of our regular customers Albert, had his own tankard kept at the pub, we used to talk all the time, and he told me stories of the war, I loved him, and I still think about him, I know he must of passed now, but their experiences what they lived through sometimes I think our youngones should be sent to a boot camp to live as they had too, and they were such gentlemen compared to today I have only respect for that whole generation, sorry again for the long posts, I love talking to you all Denise
I never appreciated how genuinely friendly and helpful the people are still here, so it was worth the loss of my savings if it takes the wunderlust (spl) out of my system and I settle for good, how I envy contented people who are just happy with their lot. Just another little update on the car, I told you the whole palavour with the test centre, but we got our certificate saying it had passed, WELL: got a phone call yesterday from the manager to tell me in fact it had'nt passed, hand break was'nt working, so I would have to bring the cert back, and go through the test again I was in a state of disbelief I just went along with everything, brought the cert back, the guy was lovely and so apologetic, and he is going to try and get both the iva and mot done on the same day at no extra charge never heard of anyone having this trouble, but you know I said to my husband if this had happened in Canada I would have been so stressed out, here I just laughed about it. Also for anyone thinking of bring their car home, make sure you have lived out of the country for 12 months (or you will have to pay duty and tax) also make sure you bring proof you've live out of the country ie utility bill bank details, I had shredded mine and only kept the last few months so it was a nightmare, when I emiled my bank in Canada to see if they would email me a letter to state the date I opened my account, they were VERY nice telling me of course, just a little charge of $15 I told them their charges were stupid and to forget it, to get the machanical hand book for our car (which no longer comes with the casr when you buy it $195) the man at our MOT centre told me no way was he going to let us pay that, and he sorted out the answers we needed for the IVA test, no charge, my bank is sending me out copies of statements as we need new uk driving licences no charge the Chevrolet dealership gave us a letter for customs valuing our car, no charge, I just could not believe it, I am so delighted at the genuiness that I took for granted, so you all have this to look forward to, I have to say I found the Canadian government offices better organised than ours, but everything can't be perfect Yes Fish we lived in England in the 80's , and loved it and met some beautiful people, we loved the english countryside and most of all pubs!!!! the villages, and humour, we were there through some of the worst of the troubles and never found anything only friendliness, as a matter of fact we had an old war veteran as one of our regular customers Albert, had his own tankard kept at the pub, we used to talk all the time, and he told me stories of the war, I loved him, and I still think about him, I know he must of passed now, but their experiences what they lived through sometimes I think our youngones should be sent to a boot camp to live as they had too, and they were such gentlemen compared to today I have only respect for that whole generation, sorry again for the long posts, I love talking to you all DeniseGreat post Denise, it seems the people in Ireland are taking care you you, even the car dealer didnt charge you.
The People, the pubs the humor and Villages are things I miss alot.
You mentioned the Customer Albert, so did you have pub?.
Aug 21st 2010, 7:47 am
#5117
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Location: Back home now in my home town in England U.K. after 36 years in U.S. now retired and loving it,
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
Hi Fish and Rodney, thanks so much for your best wishes, and you are both right, as my husband and I talked more and still looking round we have decided we will definately stay home and go to France ans Spain on Holidays I never appreciated how genuinely friendly and helpful the people are still here, so it was worth the loss of my savings if it takes the wunderlust (spl) out of my system and I settle for good, how I envy contented people who are just happy with their lot. Just another little update on the car, I told you the whole palavour with the test centre, but we got our certificate saying it had passed, WELL: got a phone call yesterday from the manager to tell me in fact it had'nt passed, hand break was'nt working, so I would have to bring the cert back, and go through the test again I was in a state of disbelief I just went along with everything, brought the cert back, the guy was lovely and so apologetic, and he is going to try and get both the iva and mot done on the same day at no extra charge never heard of anyone having this trouble, but you know I said to my husband if this had happened in Canada I would have been so stressed out, here I just laughed about it. Also for anyone thinking of bring their car home, make sure you have lived out of the country for 12 months (or you will have to pay duty and tax) also make sure you bring proof you've live out of the country ie utility bill bank details, I had shredded mine and only kept the last few months so it was a nightmare, when I emiled my bank in Canada to see if they would email me a letter to state the date I opened my account, they were VERY nice telling me of course, just a little charge of $15 I told them their charges were stupid and to forget it, to get the machanical hand book for our car (which no longer comes with the casr when you buy it $195) the man at our MOT centre told me no way was he going to let us pay that, and he sorted out the answers we needed for the IVA test, no charge, my bank is sending me out copies of statements as we need new uk driving licences no charge the Chevrolet dealership gave us a letter for customs valuing our car, no charge, I just could not believe it, I am so delighted at the genuiness that I took for granted, so you all have this to look forward to, I have to say I found the Canadian government offices better organised than ours, but everything can't be perfect Yes Fish we lived in England in the 80's , and loved it and met some beautiful people, we loved the english countryside and most of all pubs!!!! the villages, and humour, we were there through some of the worst of the troubles and never found anything only friendliness, as a matter of fact we had an old war veteran as one of our regular customers Albert, had his own tankard kept at the pub, we used to talk all the time, and he told me stories of the war, I loved him, and I still think about him, I know he must of passed now, but their experiences what they lived through sometimes I think our youngones should be sent to a boot camp to live as they had too, and they were such gentlemen compared to today I have only respect for that whole generation, sorry again for the long posts, I love talking to you all Denise
I never appreciated how genuinely friendly and helpful the people are still here, so it was worth the loss of my savings if it takes the wunderlust (spl) out of my system and I settle for good, how I envy contented people who are just happy with their lot. Just another little update on the car, I told you the whole palavour with the test centre, but we got our certificate saying it had passed, WELL: got a phone call yesterday from the manager to tell me in fact it had'nt passed, hand break was'nt working, so I would have to bring the cert back, and go through the test again I was in a state of disbelief I just went along with everything, brought the cert back, the guy was lovely and so apologetic, and he is going to try and get both the iva and mot done on the same day at no extra charge never heard of anyone having this trouble, but you know I said to my husband if this had happened in Canada I would have been so stressed out, here I just laughed about it. Also for anyone thinking of bring their car home, make sure you have lived out of the country for 12 months (or you will have to pay duty and tax) also make sure you bring proof you've live out of the country ie utility bill bank details, I had shredded mine and only kept the last few months so it was a nightmare, when I emiled my bank in Canada to see if they would email me a letter to state the date I opened my account, they were VERY nice telling me of course, just a little charge of $15 I told them their charges were stupid and to forget it, to get the machanical hand book for our car (which no longer comes with the casr when you buy it $195) the man at our MOT centre told me no way was he going to let us pay that, and he sorted out the answers we needed for the IVA test, no charge, my bank is sending me out copies of statements as we need new uk driving licences no charge the Chevrolet dealership gave us a letter for customs valuing our car, no charge, I just could not believe it, I am so delighted at the genuiness that I took for granted, so you all have this to look forward to, I have to say I found the Canadian government offices better organised than ours, but everything can't be perfect Yes Fish we lived in England in the 80's , and loved it and met some beautiful people, we loved the english countryside and most of all pubs!!!! the villages, and humour, we were there through some of the worst of the troubles and never found anything only friendliness, as a matter of fact we had an old war veteran as one of our regular customers Albert, had his own tankard kept at the pub, we used to talk all the time, and he told me stories of the war, I loved him, and I still think about him, I know he must of passed now, but their experiences what they lived through sometimes I think our youngones should be sent to a boot camp to live as they had too, and they were such gentlemen compared to today I have only respect for that whole generation, sorry again for the long posts, I love talking to you all DeniseSo pleased that you have decided to settle in Ireland, Spain is right on your doorstep and so is France, and whenever we need a nice holiday Spain is a short distance away for us to get a couple of weeks of fun & sun, Im sure I will be taking a nice couple of weeks in Spain every now and again, I have always enjoyed that country, but would not like to live there though,
You said two things in this post that I have always agreed with,
#1 is about Albert and his tankard and war stories, I to have nothing but respect for that generation before us,
And #2 I also have always envied people that are quite contented & happy with there lot in life,
Nice to know that your car finally made it through everything,
Rodney.
Last edited by jasper123; Aug 21st 2010 at 8:54 am. Reason: mispeled word
Aug 21st 2010, 8:06 am
#5118
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
The reason that I cant tackle the garage until Monday is that is my next day off from work, I work over the weekend,
But thanks for the nagging, I sure do need that,
On Monday the temps are going to be the same as every day this time of year like about 110 ---- and it will be soooo hot and I will be sweating the whole day like a wee pig onk onk
but I will definitely start first thing in the morning and devote the entire day to sorting and chucking all the piles of boxes in the garage, And then when its all over with I will have a nice cold beer and maybe a shot or two of my bacardi gold rum
Rodney.
Aug 21st 2010, 8:11 am
#5119
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
Rodney,
Aug 21st 2010, 8:31 am
#5120
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
I read your post and you got me curious about it. You could have gone back on QM2 Cunard with the unlimited baggage allowance? Lets see if those boxes cost you more than $1500 for the 11 boxes (10+1), plus the one way air fare, but the boat fare would have only been $899. The only thing is they say all your luggage has to fit in your stateroom, unlike before when it went down in the hold, but then again I think the stateroom/cabin are a lot bigger than when I came over in 1955 so maybe it could be done. I also wondered if the liners carry cars like they use to. Maybe a savings there. I think this could be a good tip for anyone going back to the UK permanently. Consider going back by ship to save money. The best fare is $899 and could be a lot lower. Ad to this as someone mentioned the border officials are lot more accommodating at Southampton than Heathrow. Maybe this could be a way for the future, go by ship like in the old days. I know being in a plane for 7 hours gets to me sometimes together with the bad service and charges for baggage. It use to be the other way around.
Cheers
Cheers
I too hate flying, not only does it scare me, but the whole long trip home, and for me it takes 11 hours non stop from Vegas to Gatwick, the last time I was home for a 3 week holiday was five years ago ---- airlines were much more accommodating then, good service and everything,
Not sure what to expect these days with all the extra charges & cut backs,
I am flying with Virgin so I hope they have not changed too much, I will just be takeing one free suitcase plus one extra suitcase and a carry on, the extra suitcase will cost me $45 which is not bad I suppose,
Take care,
Rodney.
PS November 30th is so quickly approaching
Aug 21st 2010, 8:45 am
#5121
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
Rodney, I last flew on Virgin 2 years ago and I thought they were great. When we go back on our short break next month, we have to go to Manchester, so we're going on American Airlines. I'm not looking forward to it at all - it will be cramped, packed solid and an overnight flight also - ugh.
Good for you with the garage plans! You know that now you've told us, you HAVE to do it. If not there will be a whole army of people shouting at you
Good for you with the garage plans! You know that now you've told us, you HAVE to do it. If not there will be a whole army of people shouting at you
Aug 21st 2010, 9:15 am
#5122
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
Rodney, I last flew on Virgin 2 years ago and I thought they were great. When we go back on our short break next month, we have to go to Manchester, so we're going on American Airlines. I'm not looking forward to it at all - it will be cramped, packed solid and an overnight flight also - ugh.
Good for you with the garage plans! You know that now you've told us, you HAVE to do it. If not there will be a whole army of people shouting at you
Good for you with the garage plans! You know that now you've told us, you HAVE to do it. If not there will be a whole army of people shouting at you
I think that Virgin is one of the airlines that have not cut back on there service too much,
Enjoy your short break home next month,
Yes I know now that I have told everyone that Monday is my big garage sorting day that now I have to actually go through with it,
(thats why I told everyone) I never break a promise, so it will be done --- thanks to you and everyone else
Rodney.
Well got to get ready for work now, my shift is 4pm till 12 midnight 5 days a week, oh boy I am shore looking forward to my well earned retirement in England, me and Mum a couple of old age pensioners,
Aug 21st 2010, 9:57 am
#5123
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
Its been a few years since we flew Atlantic Virgin LAS to GAT I think, anyway I can't get DW back with them because the seats were so cramped. You no when you drop something on the floor everyone on the row has to stand up and go in the isle so you can pick it up. Another thing was when we came back and the plane was loading we found a family had taken our seats. The attendant booted them out and my DW feels the family deliberately smeared soft chocolate all over the seat so in turn we got it all over our clothes.
I think British Midland got bought by KLM so they don't serve Las Vegas anymore, so that leaves us with British Airways and I bet they only go into Heathrow which is our last choice. Other than that a good airline.
I think British Midland got bought by KLM so they don't serve Las Vegas anymore, so that leaves us with British Airways and I bet they only go into Heathrow which is our last choice. Other than that a good airline.
Aug 21st 2010, 8:31 pm
#5124
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
Well things have certainly been busy since we arrived back in the UK in May. After temping since June I finally started my full-time job on Friday - money isn't great but it's a start. I've also managed to get myself a little car - second hand - but an absolute bargain at £400 with 12 month's MOT, 4 mnths tax.
Now on to the question of driving licence ... I have my Georgia licence (I surrendered my UK licence when I had my US one) It's going to be a pain getting to work tihs week without a car - one train, two buses in each direction so thought what I'd do is drive on my US licence - from what I see I can use that for up to a year?) - this way I won't have to wait for my UK licence to come back. Can anyone see any problems with that?
I still have to get insurance sorted as well ...anyone have any recommendations?
Now on to the question of driving licence ... I have my Georgia licence (I surrendered my UK licence when I had my US one) It's going to be a pain getting to work tihs week without a car - one train, two buses in each direction so thought what I'd do is drive on my US licence - from what I see I can use that for up to a year?) - this way I won't have to wait for my UK licence to come back. Can anyone see any problems with that?
I still have to get insurance sorted as well ...anyone have any recommendations?
Aug 21st 2010, 9:39 pm
#5125
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
Well things have certainly been busy since we arrived back in the UK in May. After temping since June I finally started my full-time job on Friday - money isn't great but it's a start. I've also managed to get myself a little car - second hand - but an absolute bargain at £400 with 12 month's MOT, 4 mnths tax.
direction so thought what I'd do is drive on my US licence - from what I see I can use that for up to a year?) - this way I won't have to wait for my UK licence to come back. Can anyone see any problems with that?
I still have to get insurance sorted as well ...anyone have any recommendations?
direction so thought what I'd do is drive on my US licence - from what I see I can use that for up to a year?) - this way I won't have to wait for my UK licence to come back. Can anyone see any problems with that?
I still have to get insurance sorted as well ...anyone have any recommendations?
Aug 22nd 2010, 3:19 am
#5126
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Posts: 3,312
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
Well things have certainly been busy since we arrived back in the UK in May. After temping since June I finally started my full-time job on Friday - money isn't great but it's a start. I've also managed to get myself a little car - second hand - but an absolute bargain at £400 with 12 month's MOT, 4 mnths tax.
Now on to the question of driving licence ... I have my Georgia licence (I surrendered my UK licence when I had my US one) It's going to be a pain getting to work tihs week without a car - one train, two buses in each direction so thought what I'd do is drive on my US licence - from what I see I can use that for up to a year?) - this way I won't have to wait for my UK licence to come back. Can anyone see any problems with that?
I still have to get insurance sorted as well ...anyone have any recommendations?
Now on to the question of driving licence ... I have my Georgia licence (I surrendered my UK licence when I had my US one) It's going to be a pain getting to work tihs week without a car - one train, two buses in each direction so thought what I'd do is drive on my US licence - from what I see I can use that for up to a year?) - this way I won't have to wait for my UK licence to come back. Can anyone see any problems with that?
I still have to get insurance sorted as well ...anyone have any recommendations?
Aug 22nd 2010, 3:34 am
#5127
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
Hallo Lara, If you complete your insurance on line you usualy save around 10% of the premium. coparethe market is quite good, as well as the companies that Don suggested. I myself have always had pretty good deals with Aviva,(formaly Norwich Union), and if your car is only worth a few hundred pounds,by all means get a third party quote. Sometimes the difference in TP and comprehensive is not as big as you might have thought.
Do as Don says and get as many quotes as you can, as it will save you money in the long run. Best of luck.
Ray.
Do as Don says and get as many quotes as you can, as it will save you money in the long run. Best of luck.
Ray.
Aug 22nd 2010, 5:02 am
#5128
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
anyone heard from the lady who moved to Malta lately? Unless I missed a post of hers!
Aug 22nd 2010, 5:04 am
#5129
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Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK.
Its been a few years since we flew Atlantic Virgin LAS to GAT I think, anyway I can't get DW back with them because the seats were so cramped. You no when you drop something on the floor everyone on the row has to stand up and go in the isle so you can pick it up. Another thing was when we came back and the plane was loading we found a family had taken our seats. The attendant booted them out and my DW feels the family deliberately smeared soft chocolate all over the seat so in turn we got it all over our clothes.
I think British Midland got bought by KLM so they don't serve Las Vegas anymore, so that leaves us with British Airways and I bet they only go into Heathrow which is our last choice. Other than that a good airline.
I think British Midland got bought by KLM so they don't serve Las Vegas anymore, so that leaves us with British Airways and I bet they only go into Heathrow which is our last choice. Other than that a good airline.
In my 34 years of flying my Best flight was with British Midland Intl, Chicago to Birmingham (coach), Id traveled from Portland to Chicago and had to get wheelchair assistance to the BMI gate for my father, a guy picked us up as we arrived and took us directly to the BMI gate, the longest airport walk ever, we would usually stop and have a bite along the way, They started boarding as soon as we arrived at the gate and we'd had the nothing to eat, In essence we were caught off guard, We got on board and the stewardess took care of all our needs, Maltesers, Walnut whips, Chocolate digestives, Walkers crisps and other numerous British snacks, anything we wanted was no trouble for this lady and that lasted the whole trip, plus her attitude was Excellent, as I say Best Ever...
Soon after that they were bought out by KLM...
