OVER 50's+ MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Jan 9th 2011, 4:18 am
#766
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,606
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Yes, this is correct.
And for the record, even though I've been driving (in the US) for years, I'm going to book lessons from a local instructor who specialises in teaching Americans how to drive in the UK.
FWIW, the practical test has recently become even more involved. Besides the normal driving time/exercises with the instructor, you are also now required to drive for about 20-minutes of "independent driving", i.e., the instructor says something like, "Okay, Denise, you will now drive to Shepperton" and you have to know how to follow the signs to the destination he gives you - the course will take your through roundabouts, turns, twists, etc.
I might mention that there is an excellent - and I do mean excellent - CD-ROM that covers the theory and practical UK driving test. What I particularly like about the practical test portion is that they put a camera in the car and you actually "ride along" with the instructor/pupil and see what types of questions are asked, etc.
Whether you are in the US or the UK, if you are going to be taking the UK driving test once you're here, I highly recommend this. Available for purchase here: http://amzn.to/et4B19 (from UK)
Here's the description from Amazon:
And for the record, even though I've been driving (in the US) for years, I'm going to book lessons from a local instructor who specialises in teaching Americans how to drive in the UK.
FWIW, the practical test has recently become even more involved. Besides the normal driving time/exercises with the instructor, you are also now required to drive for about 20-minutes of "independent driving", i.e., the instructor says something like, "Okay, Denise, you will now drive to Shepperton" and you have to know how to follow the signs to the destination he gives you - the course will take your through roundabouts, turns, twists, etc.
I might mention that there is an excellent - and I do mean excellent - CD-ROM that covers the theory and practical UK driving test. What I particularly like about the practical test portion is that they put a camera in the car and you actually "ride along" with the instructor/pupil and see what types of questions are asked, etc.
Whether you are in the US or the UK, if you are going to be taking the UK driving test once you're here, I highly recommend this. Available for purchase here: http://amzn.to/et4B19 (from UK)
Here's the description from Amazon:
- Practise every OFFICIAL Theory Test question that you could be asked in your Theory Test, valid until September 2011 (suitable for learner car drivers, motorcyclists and ADI’s in Great Britain and Northern Ireland)
- Sit unlimited random mock tests that accurately simulate the OFFICIAL DSA Theory Test
- Practise interactive case study questions covering all 14 DSA topics
- Learn on the Go - Practise OFFICIAL DSA Theory Test questions on the move using your mobile phone, iPod or other MP3 compatible device
- Practise HUNDREDS of interactive hazard perception test simulation video clips
- Includes the OFFICIAL DSA Hazard Perception sample clips and Introduction video
- Over 50 completely up to date video tutorials showing you how to reach Practical Test pass standard
- Unsure of how the new Independent Driving part of the Practical Test will work? Watch a full mock driving test from inside the car, and find out exactly what the examiner is looking for <---This was brilliant
- Access all the OFFICIAL DSA Show Me, Tell Me test questions and expert answers, plus additional step-by-step video tutorials
- Includes the latest digital edition of The Highway Code
I always do well when driving in the UK, but when I return I think I might go for a refresher course after my close call on a roundabout last year, I know it was my fault, they have started to paint lines all over roundabouts and it confused me.
I learned to drive in Sheffield, one of Englands busiest citys, we had a five lane roundabout in the centre of town,
five lanes deep and 7-8 entires and exits, m instructor would take me there often, he expected my examiner to take me there and he did.
The easiset way I find to keep on the right side of the street is to remember you need to be in the centre of the road.
Jan 9th 2011, 4:25 am
#767
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2009
Location: Perth, Australia
Posts: 64
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Yes, indeed. If you go to this link, which is the link to qg2010's channel, you will see that he/she uploads the episodes religiously within an hour after they appear on UK TV.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRvuU1bj5m8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRvuU1bj5m8
Does anyone have the YouTube link to watch Eastenders?
Would be great to have ExpatShield back again. Even the adverts are more entertaining than Aussie TV.
Jan 9th 2011, 4:31 am
#768
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,606
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Hello Trotty,barb,DDL, cheers, fish, rosie, Ed, denise, Don, Jackie, and everyone else I havent mentioned, sooooo many,
Well I got really tired of walking to the library every day so I have finally bought my laptop, ---- HP 17.6 inch screen, lovely, £430, I bought it before the VAT went up, but it took 8 days for BT to send my modem/ router so I could set it up, well now Im up & running, this is better, typing to you all from my nice cosy home, Mums fast asleep in her recliner bless her heart, she always falls asleep a lot watching TV, but we are getting along great,
we had sausages mash & peas with lovely crusty bread,
It feels really good posting to all my friends again, I have missed you all a lot,
Jackie so you are the next to leave the nest Huh? 25th of January, is that still on? when it gets warmer in Spring or Summer then we must meet and hbave a nice beer in a Pub,
So far I have registered with my Doctor, seen him twice each time got a large bag of free prescription drugs for my eeczema had my free double flu and swine flu shot, also seeing a free councilor at the Docs office to help me quit smoking, CHAMPIX is what Im taking, got to take the pills for 3 months, there really helping too, this is my 20th day of the treatment and I havent smoked since December 31st, --- new year rresolutionHuh
I opened a bank account at Lloyds, Im getting a small UK pension based on the 10 years that I worked in UK,
10 days ago I applied for my free senior Bus pass, and I got it in the mail today
now I can do a bit of buss traveling around town, and I can even take a free bus to Brighten 50 miles away,
Not interested in getting a UK licence, I dont feel at all comfortable on these crazy roads even when my 91 year old Mum is driving me about,
Well thats enough for now, ggettingready to get me and Mum a nice cup of cchocolatehorlicks and a couple of choc digestive bbiscuitstoo --- love em!!!!
Take car ya all, I will post again soon,
Rodney.
Well I got really tired of walking to the library every day so I have finally bought my laptop, ---- HP 17.6 inch screen, lovely, £430, I bought it before the VAT went up, but it took 8 days for BT to send my modem/ router so I could set it up, well now Im up & running, this is better, typing to you all from my nice cosy home, Mums fast asleep in her recliner bless her heart, she always falls asleep a lot watching TV, but we are getting along great,
we had sausages mash & peas with lovely crusty bread,
It feels really good posting to all my friends again, I have missed you all a lot,
Jackie so you are the next to leave the nest Huh? 25th of January, is that still on? when it gets warmer in Spring or Summer then we must meet and hbave a nice beer in a Pub,
So far I have registered with my Doctor, seen him twice each time got a large bag of free prescription drugs for my eeczema had my free double flu and swine flu shot, also seeing a free councilor at the Docs office to help me quit smoking, CHAMPIX is what Im taking, got to take the pills for 3 months, there really helping too, this is my 20th day of the treatment and I havent smoked since December 31st, --- new year rresolutionHuh
I opened a bank account at Lloyds, Im getting a small UK pension based on the 10 years that I worked in UK,
10 days ago I applied for my free senior Bus pass, and I got it in the mail today
now I can do a bit of buss traveling around town, and I can even take a free bus to Brighten 50 miles away,Not interested in getting a UK licence, I dont feel at all comfortable on these crazy roads even when my 91 year old Mum is driving me about,
Well thats enough for now, ggettingready to get me and Mum a nice cup of cchocolatehorlicks and a couple of choc digestive bbiscuitstoo --- love em!!!!
Take car ya all, I will post again soon,
Rodney.
Your Computer sounds great, good for you, till the Next time. Fish n Chips...
Jan 9th 2011, 5:05 am
#769
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,610
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Rodney...Lovely to hear from you and the thought of you home with your mum is just the best. How is your sister doing. What has been the biggest surprise to you since arriving home. Congratulations on the no smoking I think you are doing great. Keep it up. Have missed you alot. How are things going with family.
Have missed you alot. How are things going with family.
Jan 9th 2011, 7:38 am
#770
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,197
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
For those of you who are over 50 and thinking of moving back a few thoughts after my whole day of cleaning before someone comes to view it
tomorrow.
1) As we get older keeping a house in tip top conditon becomes a chore
and has consequences. When we sold our house 10 years ago I was in
good shape and doing all the jobs on my own was a doddle. My
husband was away working. Now 10 years on every bone in my body
aches my knee that I injured a few years ago is really playing up. Lots
of pain. My fingers which I have developed arthitis in two of them are
hurting like hell and stiff. I feel weary and exhausted.
2) Delaying selling your house also brings with it problems. We already had
to replace the dryer a year ago and now the washing machine is on
the blink. The hoover is in really bad shape. Boilers need constant
upkeep and I had to paint and glue things together today. Over
Christmas someone spilt a drink on the carpet which I have to
clean up before I go to bed.
3) My dear husband is sick and not able to do alot although he tries.
Three years ago he was fine. So think carefully about waiting to sell
your home.
tomorrow.
1) As we get older keeping a house in tip top conditon becomes a chore
and has consequences. When we sold our house 10 years ago I was in
good shape and doing all the jobs on my own was a doddle. My
husband was away working. Now 10 years on every bone in my body
aches my knee that I injured a few years ago is really playing up. Lots
of pain. My fingers which I have developed arthitis in two of them are
hurting like hell and stiff. I feel weary and exhausted.
2) Delaying selling your house also brings with it problems. We already had
to replace the dryer a year ago and now the washing machine is on
the blink. The hoover is in really bad shape. Boilers need constant
upkeep and I had to paint and glue things together today. Over
Christmas someone spilt a drink on the carpet which I have to
clean up before I go to bed.
3) My dear husband is sick and not able to do alot although he tries.
Three years ago he was fine. So think carefully about waiting to sell
your home.
As most here know, my DH and I sold our family house in July after 22 years of living there and raising our children there since they were 8 yrs, 3 yrs, and 4 months old. It had four bedrooms and big finished attic, built 1913; like sallysimmons we prefer --or used to, LOL!-- old houses with character, which in our case also meant door handles that kept falling off, draughts, things needing fixing all the time, yet it was a lovely solid house in better shape than many much newer ones.
But the upkeep--oh, large garden with many perennials, developed over the years--i will miss the flowers in spring but not the work! At only (?!) 54 I have numerous aches and pains, a --mild, thank goodness--case of rheumatoid arthritis, and just not the stamina I used to have (New Year's Resolution: improve fitness levels!!!!) and my DH is 59, tho fit; and the whole house maintenance thing became more and more difficult--even though, I blush to admit, I had a fortnightly cleaning lady!
And as you say TT, there is always, always something that needs fixing, replacing, painting, repairing, etc; and ours was wooden clapboard--we refused to put aluminum, oops, Brit spelling aluminium--or vinyl siding--plus slate roof. This meant repainting whole house every five years or so, and regularly replacing slates....We also put brand new boiler, new hot water heater (wonderful on-demand type like in Europe, economical and efficient) and yet after 22 years there were still many things that we never got round to (eg re-sanding floors which had peeling, badly-applied dark varnish when we bought and still the same 22 years later when we sold
).In short, when we downsized to a 1986 renovated two-bedroom townhouse, both my husband and I were amazed to find we did not miss the old house at all!
It was emotional actually deciding to put it on the market, and we did go through a grieving process then, but once we sold and moved, we were fine with it, to our own amazement.
And we are SO SO glad we did the clean-out of the basement, attic, cupboards etc full of 22 years' worth of stuff in our 50s rather than in our 70s as many do. It is exhausting, and hard work.
We took a loss on the house, because of the dire market, but even so are very glad to be free of the burden.
Tina
Jan 9th 2011, 9:11 am
#771
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2010
Location: Brixham, Devon
Posts: 311
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Hope that everyone is starting off the New Year well. Just been trying to catch up on all the new posts.....wow things move quickly on here.
We now have an accepted offer on the house in Brixham and will have it surveyed tomorrow. The house buying procedures here being so very different meaning we could still be "gazumped' by another bidder up until the time the contracts are exchanged. We are told that is not likely in today's market though.
Now they have "gazundering" too which basically means we could say we have decided we don't think it's worth xxxx$ and will now give you xxxx$. Love the terminology here. The whole process has been very interesting and gone amazingly smoothly so far.
Yesterday we went car shopping and the prices for used cars seem very good here mostly for the fact that people don't seem to keep cars for very long so there is a very good used car market. We looked at a Honda Jazz (Fit) 2007(Automatic of course) with 20,000 miles for 5,950. We are told there is about a 1000 pound markup on dealers used cars and we could probably get it for about 5250 if we haggle enough. I don't know if I am ready for driving on these narrow Devon roads.
We have been traveling around South Devon by bus and train exploring different parts. Several people have said if you still love it after arriving here for the coldest December since Victorian times that is a good sign. We are finding food prices incredibly reasonable....always so many special offers to be had and a vast choice of supermarkets. Yesterday we were in Lidyl and their prices and fresh produce were excellent. Also we were pricing appliances yesterday and they are vastly cheaper than Canada (not sure about other countries).
A beautiful day here in Sunny South Devon...will be going out for a long walk later.
We now have an accepted offer on the house in Brixham and will have it surveyed tomorrow. The house buying procedures here being so very different meaning we could still be "gazumped' by another bidder up until the time the contracts are exchanged. We are told that is not likely in today's market though.
Now they have "gazundering" too which basically means we could say we have decided we don't think it's worth xxxx$ and will now give you xxxx$. Love the terminology here. The whole process has been very interesting and gone amazingly smoothly so far.
Yesterday we went car shopping and the prices for used cars seem very good here mostly for the fact that people don't seem to keep cars for very long so there is a very good used car market. We looked at a Honda Jazz (Fit) 2007(Automatic of course) with 20,000 miles for 5,950. We are told there is about a 1000 pound markup on dealers used cars and we could probably get it for about 5250 if we haggle enough. I don't know if I am ready for driving on these narrow Devon roads.
We have been traveling around South Devon by bus and train exploring different parts. Several people have said if you still love it after arriving here for the coldest December since Victorian times that is a good sign. We are finding food prices incredibly reasonable....always so many special offers to be had and a vast choice of supermarkets. Yesterday we were in Lidyl and their prices and fresh produce were excellent. Also we were pricing appliances yesterday and they are vastly cheaper than Canada (not sure about other countries).
A beautiful day here in Sunny South Devon...will be going out for a long walk later.
Jan 9th 2011, 9:27 am
#772
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,606
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Hope that everyone is starting off the New Year well. Just been trying to catch up on all the new posts.....wow things move quickly on here.
We now have an accepted offer on the house in Brixham and will have it surveyed tomorrow. The house buying procedures here being so very different meaning we could still be "gazumped' by another bidder up until the time the contracts are exchanged. We are told that is not likely in today's market though.
Now they have "gazundering" too which basically means we could say we have decided we don't think it's worth xxxx$ and will now give you xxxx$. Love the terminology here. The whole process has been very interesting and gone amazingly smoothly so far.
Yesterday we went car shopping and the prices for used cars seem very good here mostly for the fact that people don't seem to keep cars for very long so there is a very good used car market. We looked at a Honda Jazz (Fit) 2007(Automatic of course) with 20,000 miles for 5,950. We are told there is about a 1000 pound markup on dealers used cars and we could probably get it for about 5250 if we haggle enough. I don't know if I am ready for driving on these narrow Devon roads.
We have been traveling around South Devon by bus and train exploring different parts. Several people have said if you still love it after arriving here for the coldest December since Victorian times that is a good sign. We are finding food prices incredibly reasonable....always so many special offers to be had and a vast choice of supermarkets. Yesterday we were in Lidyl and their prices and fresh produce were excellent. Also we were pricing appliances yesterday and they are vastly cheaper than Canada (not sure about other countries).
A beautiful day here in Sunny South Devon...will be going out for a long walk later.
We now have an accepted offer on the house in Brixham and will have it surveyed tomorrow. The house buying procedures here being so very different meaning we could still be "gazumped' by another bidder up until the time the contracts are exchanged. We are told that is not likely in today's market though.
Now they have "gazundering" too which basically means we could say we have decided we don't think it's worth xxxx$ and will now give you xxxx$. Love the terminology here. The whole process has been very interesting and gone amazingly smoothly so far.
Yesterday we went car shopping and the prices for used cars seem very good here mostly for the fact that people don't seem to keep cars for very long so there is a very good used car market. We looked at a Honda Jazz (Fit) 2007(Automatic of course) with 20,000 miles for 5,950. We are told there is about a 1000 pound markup on dealers used cars and we could probably get it for about 5250 if we haggle enough. I don't know if I am ready for driving on these narrow Devon roads.
We have been traveling around South Devon by bus and train exploring different parts. Several people have said if you still love it after arriving here for the coldest December since Victorian times that is a good sign. We are finding food prices incredibly reasonable....always so many special offers to be had and a vast choice of supermarkets. Yesterday we were in Lidyl and their prices and fresh produce were excellent. Also we were pricing appliances yesterday and they are vastly cheaper than Canada (not sure about other countries).
A beautiful day here in Sunny South Devon...will be going out for a long walk later.
The Jazz / Fit is a great car and that seems liek a great price, Devons roads are very tight, scarey in some places, good luck with that.
Jan 9th 2011, 11:31 am
#773
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,198
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Good morning everyone,
We're off to do a bit of shopping, lunch, and then we have tickets to the Panto tonight. Really looking forward to it! Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. I've told Tony that I'm already bringing Grumpy with me.
We're off to do a bit of shopping, lunch, and then we have tickets to the Panto tonight. Really looking forward to it! Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. I've told Tony that I'm already bringing Grumpy with me.
Jan 9th 2011, 1:29 pm
#774
Finally Home!
Joined: Mar 2010
Location: Used to be New York, now North Yorkshire
Posts: 3,610
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
High Tide, congrats on the house! I'll keep my fingers crossed for a good survey. Can't wait to see pictures!
DDL have fun! Just remember to shout 'SHE'S BEHIND YOU!' when everyone else does.
This sounds just like our house. Even after we've done some spiffing up, we will be leaving it with lots of things that need fixing or improving, but at least it's in better shape than when we bought it.
I don't have to wait until my 50s to be too old for this stuff - for the last year I have been in pretty unrelenting pain with no explanation to date despite tons of tests. So while we are clearing out the house, we have to do it in fits and starts and only on my few relatively good days.
When we come to sell, I think I'll have to pay someone to get the house clean each time. Unless they find a cure for these pains, I won't be able to do it myself. Hopefully we'll have the money because with the best will in the world my husband isn't good at house cleaning. His idea of clean and mine are worlds apart
DDL have fun! Just remember to shout 'SHE'S BEHIND YOU!' when everyone else does.
As most here know, my DH and I sold our family house in July after 22 years of living there and raising our children there since they were 8 yrs, 3 yrs, and 4 months old. It had four bedrooms and big finished attic, built 1913; like sallysimmons we prefer --or used to, LOL!-- old houses with character, which in our case also meant door handles that kept falling off, draughts, things needing fixing all the time, yet it was a lovely solid house in better shape than many much newer ones.
I don't have to wait until my 50s to be too old for this stuff - for the last year I have been in pretty unrelenting pain with no explanation to date despite tons of tests. So while we are clearing out the house, we have to do it in fits and starts and only on my few relatively good days.
When we come to sell, I think I'll have to pay someone to get the house clean each time. Unless they find a cure for these pains, I won't be able to do it myself. Hopefully we'll have the money because with the best will in the world my husband isn't good at house cleaning. His idea of clean and mine are worlds apart
Jan 9th 2011, 3:48 pm
#776
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2010
Location: US
Posts: 4,224
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Yesterday we went car shopping and the prices for used cars seem very good here mostly for the fact that people don't seem to keep cars for very long so there is a very good used car market. We looked at a Honda Jazz (Fit) 2007(Automatic of course) with 20,000 miles for 5,950. We are told there is about a 1000 pound markup on dealers used cars and we could probably get it for about 5250 if we haggle enough. I don't know if I am ready for driving on these narrow Devon roads.
r.
r.
Last edited by cheers; Jan 9th 2011 at 3:59 pm.
Jan 9th 2011, 4:11 pm
#777
The Kwisatz Haderach
Joined: Aug 2008
Location: North Wales
Posts: 8,080
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
I'm all up to date with Corrie now, It's got really good again.
Jan 9th 2011, 4:23 pm
#778
Ping-ponger
Joined: Jul 2002
Location: Dreich Alba
Posts: 12,010
Re: OVER 50's & 60's MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
I agree used cars are cheap there. I wonder if they are all rental cars because they rent a lot of cars at Heathrow. I priced a 2008 on Cars.com with low miles (29K) and it worked at £6448. The car is in California. The rub there, in the UK, is the price to fill it up and I think that will be about £51 for 39 litres if your tank was empty. $78 in US money. $28.20 if I was fill it up here. Wow thats a lot! But the NHS is free. The science is getting the insurance at a good price because the quote can be all over the place. DDL could point you in the right direction for that.