ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomLondon: Time between Medical and Interview?
QUOTE (Jeraly @ Mar 8 2008, 12:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Kewlies - thanks!! I'll just scribble out the TBA and things then smile.gif Or should I leave it there? Oh how lame is this when we sit wondering how best to put something!! Grr - red tape is making me nervous!!


leave it as it is smile.gif
bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-03-08 07:43:00
United KingdomLondon: Time between Medical and Interview?
No, you can leave it blank and they will schedule the interview. Because I was in a rush for an interview I actually did schedule the medical. When I found the interview was 4 days after I just phoned Knightsbridge doctors and rescheduled the medical to two days before. It was no hassle at all, I have had good experiences with them so far.

You probably would want to ensure they were the same day so I would leave the medical date blank and as soon as you find out from DOS when the interview is scheduled make your medical appointment.
bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-03-08 05:55:00
United KingdomLondon: Time between Medical and Interview?
Well... I did some calculations today off a year's worth of London embassy VJ timelines (I included all those who had an interview date scheduled or passed) because I needed to know precisely the same thing.

I calculated the average time between returning Packet 3 to London and the interview itself. The average worked out at 49 days over the past year and 42 days for 2008 filers who had interviews scheduled. This figure sits well with what the majority are saying here (4-6 weeks). However, it is worth noting that packet 3 to interview has been as little as 14 days but this is unusual.

For Jeraly: Medical appointments seem easy to obtain. I have booked mine because I specifically wanted to be able to write firm dates on the IV-15. I do want to make a single trip to London, if possible, so if the interview does not coincide with the medical I am going to try and reschedule the medical. If they won't let me do that then I will stomach two trips. I am running up against a few deadlines (on receiving the NOA2 we finally made some firm plans for our wedding) and am not sure whether it will work out. If I was in your position though I would do what Darren suggested. It should be fairly simple to book your medical and interview for the same day.
bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-03-01 15:25:00
United KingdomWhere's My Packet 3!!!!
Here you go >>> http://www.visamedicals.info/us.asp

When I booked mine the lady also said if there is any past medical history that might be an issue, be sure to bring a letter from your GP to address any issues that might cause a problem.
bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-03-08 11:38:00
United KingdomWhere's My Packet 3!!!!
QUOTE (greeneyedgirlfl @ Mar 8 2008, 04:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Can you book the medical without having received packet 3?


You can book it as soon as you have your case number. But go to the knightsbridge doctors website and download the vaccination info and questionnaire you need.
bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-03-08 11:33:00
United KingdomWhere's My Packet 3!!!!
QUOTE (Chorley80 @ Mar 7 2008, 02:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (julezabelle @ Mar 7 2008, 01:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Chorley80 @ Mar 7 2008, 05:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Still nothing, emailed the embassy on Monday to request another packet 3 to be sent, still waiting to hear back, its really starting to get frustrating now as I have everything uptogether and am ready for an interview


I feel for you. Our P3 was lost in the mail back in Dec. After waiting 11 days for it to arrive, we just mailed in the completed P3 stuff anyway.



I have allready filled in the forms that need to be sent back, do you think I should just send them back anyway, what about the checklist that is included with packet 3? like I said I have everything uptogether so was hoping to send it all back at once

Also would there be any problems if I went ahead and booked the medical?


There is a Packet 3 scan on the VJ gallery here if you are really stuck. However, if you have all the forms filled out and ready to go, the checklist takes no time at all to fill out so I would wait until Monday and see if the packet arrives. You can send Packet 3 back Special Delivery next day 9.00am (cost about £10). If it doesn't arrive Monday am, print out the scanned forms and send with a covering letter outlining your circumstances and the delay in receiving Packet 3. I don't see why you should wait any longer if the packet was originally sent out 20th Feb. Mine was sent to my old address in Kent, got redirected and still arrived 5 days after posting.

Edited by babblesgirl, 08 March 2008 - 09:20 AM.

bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-03-08 09:18:00
United Kingdomposh pot noodles
It's pretty cool that they're doing that. Personally I think pot noodles are disgusting but they are a part of British heritage and any ideas to raise money, particularly from Harrod's clientèle, is ok in my book. It would be interesting if they did a taste test with the regular chicken and mushroom pot noodle.
bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-03-18 05:56:00
United KingdomQueries about interview
Man, i totally messed up posting that reply. So it's shorter now than it was because I deleted half of it by mistake but the gist of it is there. Sorry and best of luck!!

You will need a photocopy of your police certificate too but not the passport.

Edited by babblesgirl, 19 March 2008 - 11:34 AM.

bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-03-19 11:33:00
United KingdomQueries about interview
Very near to the embassy there are a couple of places you can get the photos done. You will need 2 US size ones. Gould pharmacy is very close to the embassy and there is another place on Oxford street opposite Selfridges which charges £5.50 for two.

Your belongings go through x-ray so the envelope is fine.

You will have time to get those photos done. They won't let you into the queue until at least 9.30am. Best of luck!!

Edited by babblesgirl, 19 March 2008 - 11:31 AM.

bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-03-19 11:29:00
United KingdomMy Packet 3
QUOTE (NickyMcMillan @ Mar 19 2008, 04:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jeraly @ Mar 19 2008, 12:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Actually it kinda is...

http://london.usemba.../add_crime.html

But the ky point is it says "nonimmigrant" visa section... so I am not sure if that applies to K-1...


K1 visa is of course is a nonimmigrant visa, so I would assume we are ok. I'm not going to bother ordering the new certificate. The worst that can happen is the visa approval being put on hold until the new police certificate is sent in.


It's funny, the K1 is a nonimmigrant visa BUT at the interview you will be classed as an immigrant visa applicant. It's very confusing but I think it's merely to separate us from the huge volume of nonimmigrant (tourist/work visa)applicants on the day.

As for the police certificate, fortunately the ACPO certificate only takes 10 days to come through, so those who can afford the 10 days can chance it.

I would think it's best to take a print out of any evidence that the old certificate has a cooling off period and take it with them to the interview.
bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-03-19 11:42:00
United Kingdomlondon interview - reporting back :)
Congratulations zoo! It's not all that bad is it? When is your birthday?
bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-03-18 18:14:00
United KingdomHand Luggage allowance
QUOTE (rkl57 @ Mar 21 2008, 07:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I do find this can be a luck of the draw kind of thing - usually you would be able to get through security no problem, but I have had to condense down to one a few times (when at the same airport I'd previously been able to get through)


I'm packed to capacity. Maybe they'll be nice to me since I'm emigrating? Hope so sad.gif
bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-03-21 14:32:00
United KingdomHand Luggage allowance
QUOTE (julezabelle @ Mar 21 2008, 07:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Good luck and happy travels tomorrow!! I am so happy for you!!!! luv.gif


Thank you!!! luv.gif Sorry I haven't chatted much to you of late. I'm sure i'll have more time to catch up with you when I'm on the other side. I'm so Excited!!! biggrin.gif
bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-03-21 14:22:00
United KingdomHand Luggage allowance
Great thanks!! I'm flying out of Manchester so this is good news for me. I've seen people carrying loads on but I didn't want to be the one who ended up unlucky on this. You know me and luck tongue.gif Although, I seem to have had plenty lately smile.gif
bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-03-21 14:10:00
United KingdomHand Luggage allowance
I'm wondering since this will be the first time I have travelled with my laptop. Am I allowed to carry a laptop case AND a small case suitable for hand luggage restrictions? The flight info says hand luggage plus one personal item which I assume might be a handbag or a laptop case? Anyone know what the actual rules are?
bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-03-21 13:07:00
United Kingdomlondon medical and vaccinations
QUOTE (Jeraly @ Mar 17 2008, 10:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
But that is why there is screening in the UK - I had a smear test last year (yuck sad.gif ) which came back fine... I can understand it is important but for it to cost so much is insane... that's £360 for a vaccine... that's more than the medical... by a long ways sad.gif I just don't have that sort of money so I don't know how I am going to manage it...


I think you need to have a friendly word with your doctor. I just did a price search and the retail price for Gardasil in the UK is £240 per full series or 360 US D if you have them in the states. There are clinics (well-women clinics and travel vaccinations clinics) who are charging between £360 and £450 per series and I assume that this includes overhead costs of running the clinic. If your doctor can get the vaccine series at cost then it might be worth trying.
I used to work for the Prescription Pricing Authority and you would be amazed at how much and how little (when you're just paying a prescription fee) you get charged for drugs against their actual cost.
Doctors surgeries don't normally buy drugs up front because they simply prescribe them. However they are aware of the cost as they are encouraged to prescribe cheaper generic brands to help reduce costs to the government and I believe they are issued with some pricing information. They do buy vaccinations up front though and generally get reimbursed for them by sending the prescription direct to the PPA rather than sending you to the chemist with the script. Unfortunately there will be no generic alternative for the HPV vaccine so you will have to pay the retail cost at least, but given that they buy other vaccinations up front there may be a way they can help you by obtaining Gardasil and having you reimburse them for the cost.
bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-03-17 06:53:00
United Kingdomlondon medical and vaccinations
QUOTE (zoobuffalo @ Mar 16 2008, 05:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
whew ok i can stop sweating...... i have found this page: http://www.visajourn...mp;page=compare for the first time (god knows what we were reading when we first started applying. anyway.)
yep, looks like we are applying for the IR1/CR1 after all. we are living together in the UK. he came over on a fiance visa and we got married over here so that we wouldn't have to be seperated at all. we've been living here since we got married. reading that page looks like we could have done either K3 or IR1/CR1 or both, so think it was good overall that we did the IR1/CR1... although it does mean that i think i do need those vaccinations before i can be granted the visa. will ask the nurse when i call up tomorrow. but the good thing is that i can start work as soon as i get to the states and i don't have to do this AOS which i gather is adjustment of status, as i will be a permanent resident already smile.gif woo! and hoo!


Glad you sussed it out. We wanted to do things that way but read there would be problems working on the fiance visa to the UK?? Anyway we did the K1 instead. But looks like you found a good way to do things as you can work and leave/reenter the country on the visa you plumped for.
bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-03-16 12:32:00
United Kingdomlondon medical and vaccinations
Are you living together in the UK?

I think K3 is for a spousal visa for a USC residing in the US applying for a spouse residing outside the US.

Direct Consular Filing (DCF) or CR1 is for the USC residing outside the US with his/her spouse and wishing for them both to return to the US.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong here.
bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-03-16 12:17:00
United Kingdomlondon medical and vaccinations
QUOTE (DonnaB @ Mar 16 2008, 01:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi

I had the first of my HPV vaccinations done at the Knightsbridge doctors as I am 26 and not 27 till March next year. It cost about £120 there, and I spoke to my GP and it would have cost about the same through them as you need a private perscription and then buy it from the pharmacy.

I now need the second and third shots and will have them done in the US. I call Planned Parenthood who I know administer the shots. I was told the remaning two shots will cost $220 a piece so a comparable price to the UK.

FYI - you do not need all 3 shots before AOS. I checked with the London Embassy - as long as you have started the process you are fine. I will not have had my third shot by the time I file my AOS.


At times like these I am so glad I'm old tongue.gif

Thanks for providing that info though, there's a lot of confusion surrounding the HPV vaccine.
bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-03-16 11:09:00
United Kingdomlondon medical and vaccinations
The HPV vaccine should become common-place very soon as they are now talking about giving it to both boys and girls before they become sexually active.
bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-03-16 07:20:00
United Kingdomlondon medical and vaccinations
Yeah they're free. My medical records only listed tetanus and something else that I have no clue about (probably TB I think although it didn't actually say TB). Anyway, yes book an appointment with the practice nurse and get them done asap. I'm in my thirties too and MMR and tetanus/diptheria were the only ones I required.
The doc has still signed off my MMR as complete even though I only had one of the two jabs.
bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-03-15 11:38:00
United Kingdomlondon medical and vaccinations
QUOTE (StillThePrettiest @ Mar 15 2008, 03:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
the nurse who gave me mine was a bit vague, but I THINK what she was getting at was that one is normally fine, but it CAN wear off, so the second 'makes sure'

that's what I understood, anyway wink.gif


Yeah I think booster vacs are just in case the first one didn't work for some or other reason. Sounds like booster vaccinations for dogs and cats - there is some opinion out there that vets give more than actually needed as a means of making money whistling.gif
bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-03-15 10:46:00
United Kingdomlondon medical and vaccinations
QUOTE (elmcitymaven @ Mar 15 2008, 02:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Robyn-n-Kris @ Mar 14 2008, 02:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
LOL shots confuse the hell out of me.. Only other thing I think we are confused on is the MMR. It's a 2 stage injection he's being told which have to be spread between 3 mths. Anyone know more about this??? blink.gif


Huh -- when Bruce had his MMR it was done in one jab. huh.gif


The MMR is a two stage injection and the vaccines need to be given one month apart - according to the practice nurse at my GP surgery. However, when the doc transcribed my vaccination record onto the sheet he put down that the MMR was complete.
bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-03-15 03:41:00
United Kingdomlondon medical and vaccinations
I saw the Irish guy too. He was very nice and he forgot to look down my pants biggrin.gif. However, he was a bit fussy about a letter my GP gave me and put my medical results on hold. All ok though now, my GP got on the phone (possibly in a rage) and the Senior medical officer signed me off - so my results are on the way to the embassy biggrin.gif
bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-03-14 14:35:00
United KingdomSurreal night
Gosh! sad.gif

Puts things in perspective a bit. Glad you are both ok.
bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-03-04 13:51:00
United KingdomPoint of Entry at O'Hare, Chicago
QUOTE (Jeraly @ Mar 24 2008, 08:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Welcome babbles!! I thought about you all yesterday - especially when I was reading your posts you made in the wee hours!!!! I suffered from depression about six years ago as well - I've declared it on my medical form because it really isn't an issue for me anymore but it is a little concerning and I am prepared to be grilled over it to make sure I am not some kind of suicidal wreck unsure.gif

*hugs* Glad to see you made it... I really hope LAX isn't so scary!!! It'll prolly be worse knowing my luck but at least I will have Jeremy with me smile.gif We'll have to get together sometime when I am out there - do you have a wedding date yet?


Hey there! We'll definitely meet up when you get out here.

Re: The medical. Just ensure you get a letter from your GP stating when the depression occured, what medication/counselling you received (if any) and confirmation that you are no longer receiving treatment. I didn't think that a period of depression four years ago would be an issue either, particularly as there was no issues regarding self-harm etc. but my problem was that my medical records were not available to my current GP (since they had been in transit from my previous doctors for WEEKS). So, whilst she said she had met me and declared that in her opinion I was not showing any sign of depression she had no hard evidence to back it up. Fortunately, my records miraculously appeared the morning I left for London and she was able to state by telephone to Knightsbridge Doctors that this really was not an issue for me anymore.

Certainly, there is no need to worry about this. The doctor told me it would not be a reason for denial. They just need to know it's in the past.

QUOTE (rebeccajo @ Mar 24 2008, 11:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I didn't mean to scare anybody. My only intent was to make you aware that your visa isn't your final hurdle, so to speak. You still have one more, and that is your entry. The same rules apply with it as did the interview - just be honest and be yourself.


I think this is good advice Rebecca. I wasn't expecting what I experienced at all and would have been less nervous at the time had I known it might happen. To be honest, after it was over I really didn't care anymore. I think Maggie experienced a much worse deal than me and I can understand her being upset. Best to be prepared for it really - even though it may not happen.
bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-03-24 13:32:00
United KingdomPoint of Entry at O'Hare, Chicago
QUOTE (rebeccajo @ Mar 23 2008, 04:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Babblesgirl -

I didn't realize you were traveling yesterday! Welcome!



Yep, I move fast when the system lets me tongue.gif Thanks very much, I'm very happy to be here biggrin.gif
Anyway, I only popped in to tell everyone I arrived safely but seeing Maggie's experience I thought I'd add a post about my own experience. But I'm rather busy (as I'm sure you'll all understand) and I'll add my POE experience in the right place later on biggrin.gif
bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-03-23 11:42:00
United KingdomPoint of Entry at O'Hare, Chicago
QUOTE (rebeccajo @ Mar 23 2008, 03:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm sorry you had to endure that. It really would be awful after a long journey.

Just for the edification of those reading, though, the officer was completely within his realm of responsibility. I know it doesn't seem fair, but that's why we ask for Port of Entry accounts on VJ.

The visa in your passport doesn't guarantee you admission to the US. It's up to the CBP officials to let you in. They are supposed to inspect the contents of the packet. Since I have been a member here, there was one instance where the visa holder was not admitted due to past convictions showing on his police report (the report is part of the record in the envelope) that the consulate had felt did not require a waiver. The officer felt the consulate was in error and turned the gentleman home. At the end of the day, the gentleman did enter the US on his K1, but it had a 601 waiver attached to it.

There was another turnback wherein the gentleman entering the country referred to his fiance as his 'wife'. As far as I know, he still remains in his home country.


Well that explains it then. I was lucky because she was really pleasant about it and didn't keep me too long but the medical thing really did make me feel uncomfortable. I read a few Chicago POE posts before leaving but hadn't seen anything that described things the way I experienced them.
bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-03-23 11:38:00
United KingdomPoint of Entry at O'Hare, Chicago
If it's any consolation Maggie I had a similar experience yesterday going through O'Hare- although not anywhere near as bad as yours admittedly. I wonder if they've had a brief recently to check through K1 visa packets super carefully.
I had rushed down to immigration because I had a connecting flight to make. Fortunately there were few in the queue by the time I got there and all in all immigration took about 20 minutes.
I handed over my passport and MBE. The IO opened the packet and stamped the first few documents. Then she began to flick through the I-129F sections and read just about every document, including personal letters between J and I. She asked me questions about how we had met, when we were getting married etc. and made some comments about how 'nice' the plans seemed. She was pleasant throughout although her facial expression was very serious at times.
As she was scrutinising the info, reading some sections in fine detail, it dawned on me that there was a possibility I could be refused entry and I started to worry. She read and re read the medical report and accompanying evidence (letters from my GP about prior illness) and lingered on those notes for what seemed like forever. It made me feel very uncomfortable to have someone else see all this personal info about me and I started to feel upset because I had already gone through some uncertainty over my medical (due to a period of depression a few years back) and I really started to feel concerned about it again.
Eventually she said 'good', I breathed a sigh of relief and asked me to do fingerprints etc. then said 'Congratulations, good luck with your wedding plans and welcome to America'.

I really wasn't expecting the scrutiny of the packet given that USCIS, medical officials and the embassy had already approved the petition. Fortunately, I didn't get interrogated in the way you described but there was definitely a sense that I had to satisfy her before I would be granted permission to enter.

Sorry if this worries anyone. In hindsight there probably was no issue with me getting through, but for a moment there I felt more nervous than I did at the embassy interview. They have to ensure the packet belongs to the person carrying it I suppose.

Sorry to hear that the guy kept you for 40 minutes. I think it was roughly 15 minutes for me. I think it's just the feeling you get that this is yet another hoop to jump through. I hadn't really expected this after the embassy interview and medical were approved.

We both made it though!! Congratulations and best of luck for the future *hugs* luv.gif
bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-03-23 11:34:00
United Kingdomirn bru
My mum used to make a ginger beer 'plant'. I don't remember whether she used ginger root or ground ginger but there are recipes for both online. I just checked biggrin.gif
bakofoilFemaleEngland2007-11-03 07:03:00
United Kingdomirn bru
QUOTE (featherB @ Nov 1 2007, 04:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yep, you can get it at Jungle Jim's in (well, near) Cincinnati. Not that far from Louisville... and that place is so damned good, it deserves a visit! good.gif

I got a couple of cans (along with some Idris ginger beer - sadly they didn't have Old Jamaica sad.gif ) last time we were there, just so I could make my husband try it. devil.gif I'm not sure he was all that keen...


I got some ginger beer and dandelion and burdock from a British store in Morro Bay last time I was out in California. My American soon to be in-laws were not impressed much by ginger beer but they loved dandelion and burdock tongue.gif

Barr should really hit the mainstream out there with Irn Bru, Tizer and Dandelion and Burdock.
bakofoilFemaleEngland2007-11-01 13:42:00
United KingdomHoly Cow -- a year!
QUOTE (Krikit @ Jan 16 2008, 01:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
VJ has been a lifesaver for me. Well, not at first. People were pretty mean. But then a whole pile of really nice people joined and now I have virtual friends! It's weird. unsure.gif laughing.gif

TOTALLY OT but..... I'm online with my sister in West Yorkshire. Well, not online. She's at work and we're emailing. She and her husband arrive in two sleeps! kicking.gif She's doing a last shop this evening and is asking if there's anything else I want. My order's in for:
  • Yorkshire Gold tea
  • Weetabix honey nut minis
  • treacle
  • curry ketchup
  • stem ginger biscuits, dark chocolate digestives
  • Cadbury's, Toffee Crisp, Maltesers
  • Everton mints
  • Lovely soaps (the kind you wash with. lol)
Is there anything I'm forgetting? unsure.gif Or have I got it pretty much covered? blush.gif


You just made me realise something! There's no Yorkshire Gold tea in America *cries*

A nice cup of Yorkshire Tea is not right without the near equivalent of the Aussie's tim-tam slam - penguin biscuits (bite opposite corners off and suck your tea up through the chocolate) YUM!

I felt pretty much the same about VJ at first. I don't know what's up with people and the meanness - but I too found a great bunch of people here that have kept me sane particularly over the past couple of weeks.

QUOTE (Alex & Rachel @ Jan 16 2008, 08:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Like Krikit, no one at work knows I am engaged yet either. I'm wearing an engagement ring but no one's noticed - I think it's probably because they're all men. whistling.gif

Although the office is small and friendly, I've never found a good time to say that I have a fiancé. The trouble is that I started dating Alex really soon after breaking up with my ex - and since they knew all about my ex I was too embarrassed to say anything in case they thought it was strange or made incorrect assumptions!

Every time I've been to California (all of two times, so not often) it's been to visit 'friends'. So I guess that I'm afraid it will come as a huge surprise, and I'll be bombarded with questions I won't know how to answer! I'm probably worrying about nothing, though.


As far as work is concerned I always visit 'friends' too tongue.gif I have no idea how long I'm going to need this job for so I keep quiet about it.

Edited by babblesgirl, 16 January 2008 - 03:36 PM.

bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-01-16 15:35:00
United KingdomConsulate costs
Gemmie, have you applied for K1 yet? I noticed you don't yet have a timeline. Maybe your OH is concerned about the costs longterm - the visa process is really expensive when you factor everything in, application, consulate costs, flights and then adjustment of status.

Having said all of that, if you are not expecting an interview until April next year then you can factor a lot of the 'this side of the visa approval' costs into your plans and work out how much money you need to put away per month to get you through to the consulate stage. I know it's easier said than done, but it might make things more manageable in thought at least for both you and your OH. Personally, I wasn't able to keep away whenever I had the opportunity to go over and see J, whether I could *really* afford it or not, so I understand how you feel. Others have more self control tongue.gif

I would leave the HPV until the last minute. There may be change in legislation by next year which means it becomes a requirement for anyone under 25 and then the NHS will pay for it. Just a thought - and it might not happen. Like I said, save up for it at the very least.

Edited by babblesgirl, 08 August 2008 - 04:18 PM.

bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-08-08 16:17:00
United KingdomMedical Exam & Prozac??
I had personal experience of this - even though at the time of my medical it had been 4 years since I had taken anti-depressants. I was asked to present further evidence from my GP and panicked about it but it was nothing to worry about once they received my GP's opinion.

I don't think there is anything to add which will help you further, Lansbury summed it all up perfectly.
bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-08-28 16:23:00
United KingdomPassport in Maiden Name
Hi Lisalu,

I wondered this myself but I found this useful thread on the subject. smile.gif
bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-09-04 16:47:00
United KingdomBritish Fish and Chips
QUOTE (saywhat @ Sep 8 2008, 09:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Confirmed - fish and firkin ! that's genuine local lingo...

Bingley was part of my stamping ground too - hello Jane !

My pal got a hot date and she said she would meet him outside the fire station in bingley

After an hour she was a no show and he went home

He didn't know there was a wine bar called the fire station !!!

i don't mind leaving the skin on cod - lets go cave man !

i will be there 17th septemeber so I will top up..

I reckon I can bring some cheshire cheese back as it is 'hard cheese' but it will mean form filling and arguments i bet


The Old Fire Station! Your friend was stood up pretty recently? I think that became a health or community centre before a wine bar because I can recall going there as a toddler for my polio sugar cube. It's been a long while since I frequented Bingley town centre for boozing purposes anyway. My favourites were the Midland and The Old White Horse.

I try to bring Stilton with me everytime I come over - I usually buy one of those crock pots with the cheese inside and cleverly declare it as a Stilton crock pot and worry about it slightly but no one really knows what that means and so I have never been asked about it. I figure I can always play dumb. I even had my bags inspected one time complete with cheese and they didn't care.

Edited by bakofoil, 08 September 2008 - 04:57 PM.

bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-09-08 16:57:00
United KingdomBritish Fish and Chips
Thanks for this! It's Monday and I started yet another diet and I come across a flipping post on Yorkshire fish and chips. Now I'm salivating. I would kill for fish and chips right now. Or 'fish and a firkin' as my brother would always say. 'Firkin lot of chips!'

Park Road fisheries in Bingley is great. Not familiar with the Greengates chippy but anywhere that still uses beef dripping you can't really go wrong. I do like fish from the seaside though. Skin on! Yummy.

I'm Bradford born and bred and I can confirm that Harry Ramsden's is not as it was. I remember being taken there as a kid - it was a real treat - and their fish and chips were second to none. Plus you simply have to have a cup of tea and bread and butter with your Fish and Chips. It's not right without. Nowadays Harry Ramsden's just isn't even quality. What a shame.

Anyway, thanks a firkin lot! I'm starving.
bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-09-08 16:04:00
United KingdomUS Entry on Saturday
I agree that saying 'boyfriend' is not a misrepresentation. I also think that saying 'vacation' is a very good way to deal with the purpose of visit question.

I recall one occasion I visited that I was asked 1) Purpose of your visit and 2) who will you be staying with. I answered 'vacation' and 'fiance'. The lady then went on to ask me when we were going to get married. I said 'next year sometime after we have our visa approval'.

If you are asked similar, I suggest that you state you want to complete your university studies first. Just be confident and concise with your answers. It's always a worry but I doubt you'll have any problems.

Good luck and have a great time!
bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-09-04 10:30:00
United KingdomThe United States of America - my thoughts so far
QUOTE (rkl57 @ Sep 10 2008, 10:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My husband once made a website where the only thing on it was John Major's recipe for French onion soup. Why he did this, I will never know......


Lol! It is hard to leave a comment on this without insulting your husband. tongue.gif
bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-09-10 17:17:00
United KingdomThe United States of America - my thoughts so far
QUOTE (rkl57 @ Sep 10 2008, 10:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I agree with your point - and I'm being a little contrary because I agree that the Obama claim of "only in this country is my story possible" is annoying when the UK had a prime minister who ran away from the circus to become an accountant!


Running away from the circus to become an accountant is so romantic! luv.gif
bakofoilFemaleEngland2008-09-10 17:03:00