To all the expats out there - why do you use expats forums, and why this one in particular?

I first discovered BE several years ago (so long ago I can't even remember how/why I first started using it!).

Probably, it started via searching for information on visa stuff. Back then, BE seemed much smaller (far fewer different forums, fewer members). There were some colorful characters (Patrick, Pagan Sex God among the most notable), most of whom have come and gone (Pulaski being another).

Over the years, BE has been a great source of support and advice. These days I try to put back by sharing what I learned through trial and error. I'm hoping to get back to the States (had a couple of close calls recently), and coming on here is a way of reinforcing my intention to return. There have been long periods when I stayed off because TBH I have a love-hate relationship with the internet (you can waste so much time on sites like this when you should be doing something more productive!), but lately I've been back on a fair bit.

There seems to be a lot more trolling and spamming on here than I remember from "the early days", but I think that's how it is in general on the internet.

That's good dunroving.

I felt utterly lost when I first arrived and used BE for constant reassurance and to keep in touch with British humour.

4 years on, my reasons haven't changed

So where is the bleeding British Humour these days, then, pray tell!

And why does the flicking spell-checker penalise British spelling?

I'm so brainy I don't need a flicking spell checker

There's still some laffs to be had.

Where have you been then, missed you

Went back to the old country for a bit. All good

Nice to have you back. We were in london for 8 days and had a fabulous time. Thanks for all the tips....

Lovely

Glad you liked it - there's no place like it.

Couldnt live there permanently but it was a fabulous start to our holidays....

gone on hols hasn't it.. that time of year; even humour needs a rest. Besides, ever since the Gordy's Humour Tax, its more costly to use so I guess peeps are using it more sparingly.. sign of the times and the 'conomy.

I desperately need to know that others miss English beer, birds, sausages, bacon, crisps, biscuits, tea, stuffing, sweets, chocolate, curry sauces, parents, siblings and ex-wives as much as I do.

and bread.

Baby I'm a want you

Make it with you

Everything I own


...Bread, I do not miss.

Why can't I paint you?