There wasn't a "yes, but" so my yes probably skewed the vote.

Another internet, international relationship, so I couldnt vote "no" because I dont regret my OH and our life together.

Because we had agreed in the beginning that after 5 years we would return to my home, I had to manage my dislike of some of the aspects of living in the USA. With the lack of comprehensive health insurance I always felt ill at ease and besides my oh's friends who were lovely I found it difficult to make friends of my own.

After the first year or so, it was more taking advantage of the travel and enjoying seeing as many states and countries as I could before returning to Oz, rather than settling to the lifestyle and enjoying living there.

Culturally, the USA is a completely different kettle of fish and the similar language just confuses things even more.

Mine's been there twice. Second time was a fu(king disaster and we've had so many discussions on the matter over the years that it nearly ended the marriage. Its really just come down to a matter of realising fairness, I suppose....that and we've changed with age.

I been here since '87 and for the most part, it seemed imposible to return. In retrospect tho, its pretty clear now that at almost anytime, it would have been feasible after all. Just didn't see it that way at the time/s.
I hate to hear "it just won't happen" as it nearly finished me off - so to both you and SultanOfSwing. There most certainly is a way - its just a case of accepting temporary conditions in exchange for the result of being home again.

It's my second time moving to the USA and I would do it time and time and time again. Love my American Dream

Are you still looking at the houseboat idea?

My father in law explained it quite well once, that the entire business model of any insurance company is that a proportion (and ideally, ALL) customers DON'T claim. That's utopia for insurance.

So the business that decides whether or not to pay your claims, goes into any consideration for payment under the premise that it's better for business to NOT pay.

And these are the people that ultimately decide your medical treatment... businesses that are run with the hope they never have to offer medical treatment to anyone.

Despite all that, I'm very happy in the US and would indeed do it again. In fact, I moved over here twice already, so I've already done it again

Yep.
In fact, had a good look at a few at a marina near Bradford-on-Avon a fortnight ago. Walked thru one and got a lot of useful insights from the sales bloke (paid him a 20 for his trouble - the info really started flowing then....).

It sounds exciting...good luck with it all

I had a mate live on a house boat at uni....because he'd been kicked off campus housing for being a scrote. It was cheaper for his folks to buy the boat than rent in decent housing in town.

The houseboat was shit

That's the spirit!

Wow. Learn something new everyday!

Yeah, I found that out, living near the border

I know you pay a fortune for insurance in KY because so many drive without (illegally) and the others have to pick up for uninsured motorist coverage, but didn't realize some areas didn't require it at all. Makes no sense!

That would take an awful lot of energy tho, wouldn't it?

Yes, "Spirit" think he has drunk too much?

Reg. Frank R.

We have same problem in Florida, especially the south. State Gov, says one in four no auto insurance. Geico, rep told me its ONE in THREE.

Our problem is not confind to illegal's, the regular citizens choose not to buy it. Every day I see cars with out of date Tags, as much as a year out of date. Does not help, that FL, doesn't have vehicle inspections. I see lots of bald tires, broken lights and black/blue smoke.
Reg. Frank R.