biggish data

Taking a bag into the embassy

I've just noticed that it says on the sheet about the interview that you shouldn't take any bags to the embassy.. I'll have one bag with me with my overnight stuff, change of clothes, and documents in it.. is that likely to be a problem?, has anyone been not allowed to take something like that in, and if so, is there anywhere I can leave it when I go in - with security or somewhere nearby or something?

My interview is on Wednesday btw, 10:30 AM btw

Cheers

If you're staying overnight at a hotel, they will often hold it for you in the lobby...for a small tip of course

Lou Lou

Female

2006-06-26 16:26:00

Chicken Pox not available in the U.K. question

More info on pox in the UK...just for you, Lisa

http://www.nhsdirect...?ArticleId=1032

http://news.bbc.co.u...lth/1961565.stm

My man went to a doc's appt so he can get all the shots he needs..................they told him that there is no shot for chicken pox................he had it as a child so I guess if he has that proof he will be ok?

he is in Dublin-should he get some sort of note from his doctor?

Yes, tell him to get proof from his doctor to be sure :thumbs:

Lou Lou

Female

2006-06-28 23:33:00

Chicken Pox not available in the U.K. question

I think everyone seems to have different experiences on this one. I had pox as a child, and have a nice scar on my face, but it was not accepted as proof at the medical. Some people show a scar and it IS accepted. If you don't have any scars, or have not had it, or don't want to risk anything, ask the nurse to see if she will do the titre. She probably will if you try to talk her around the fact that she can't jab you with it, so maybe she can do the titre instead.

Lou Lou

Female

2006-06-24 08:09:00

Nice one Gimy! That is nearly 200gbp cheaper than straight from LGW to JFK. I always forget about Dublin.
B

I forgot, maybe another cheap way is to go via Iceland. Not sure if it's any cheaper in the height of the season though?

Lou Lou

Female

2006-06-26 09:23:00

If people think they may get into trouble because I have raised the matter, than good there is a chance they might especially if they placed a lot of weight on your ill informed comment. Book a return ticket by all means but at least now they know that it may be foolish to be open and let the airline know what they are up to. If you book a return with the intention of using it and then find due to unexpected and unforeseen circumstances you can no longer travel, no problem. Just know how to play the game before hand.

If you had read my comments you would have seen that I suggested informing the airline AFTER one has entered the US, not before. I'm not that 'ill informed' no matter how you'd like to perceive it. :rolleyes:

Have a nice day now :joy:

Edited by Lou Lou, 25 June 2006 - 08:12 PM.

Lou Lou

Female

2006-06-25 20:11:00

Coming to think about it, think you are right.... I was planning on calling the airline and let them know thta we were not taking the plane back to the UK... Plenty of time in advance will surely allow them to resell and make probably double as much!

I don't know why I allowed myself to ge scared in the first place... Thanks Lou...

Of course, call them when you are in the US and settled. Best to keep all options open

Lou Lou

Female

2006-06-25 09:38:00

I think there are some unecessary scare tactics here about return V single tickets. Now people are thinking they may get in trouble. I think they're more likely to struck by lightening. As long as the airline is informed, surely they can resell the seat and make more money? This really shouldn't have been raised here when it is VERY unlikely that anyone would get in trouble for doing this on a visa. It seems you've had the same argument a few years back, Lansbury http://www.thetravel...com/t88827.html
If you really think it is such an offence, surely you should recommend that people purchase a one way to avoid any 'trouble'?

Lou Lou

Female

2006-06-25 08:34:00

A little tip check the price for a return ticket they are quite often cheaper than a one way. Not exactly what you are suppose to do but just don't tell the airline you are not coming back.

My one way ticket was much cheaper than a return. As long as you have a valid visa, the airline doesn't care about it being a one way. They also don't care if you don't use a return, but it is courteous to let them know so they can release your seat.

Lou Lou

Female

2006-06-24 10:45:00

'Chip' on credit cards?

I think the larger shops and major tourist areas will always take your card. It would silly not to take them as they'd be turning down business everywhere. It's good that the UK are finally battling down on the credit card fraud issue, but to alienate tourists in the meantime would be a mighty fine mistake. By the way, I've never had any trouble using my US cards in the UK this year. Mostly in M&S and large chains though

Lou Lou

Female

2006-06-26 14:50:00

Anyone close to the Leicestershire area, UK?

Or stick them on Ebay?

Lou Lou

Female

2006-06-30 17:25:00

BA - British Airways

I wish I had a choice for direct flights (I hate stopovers..ewww) to Charlotte but alas I have a choice of ONE airline
I had a choice of ONE to get to RDU (Raleigh) as well which was AA and they were GREAT *and* the flight was rarely full so I could get 4 or 5 seats to spread acorrs and sleep.
But US Airways to Charlotte the flight is usually PACKED

I've never flown with BA - and I've put in more flight hours than most travelling round the world, lol - cos they were usuaully WAY more pricey than everyone else - Virgin were excellent tho - and for a top flight recommendation from a few years back Thai Inter were amazing.

Are they packed through Charlotte? I've recently changed my route to go via there rather than Philly cos I hate the waiting at Philly. You really should sign up for the flyer miles cos while you're sitting up back squashed, it's usually empty up front quaffing champagne!

Lou Lou

Female

2006-07-03 08:27:00

BA - British Airways

If I had a choice, I would always pick Virgin without a doubt. I've never had a good experience with BA, but compared to some of the US airlines, they're probably not so bad. If you plan to make many more trips, don't forget to enrol in frequent flyer programs to gain airmiles that can often be redeemed against the price of tickets, or what I do is opt for upgrades every time. Makes a whole lotta difference sitting up front on a long flight.

flyertalk.com is a great resource for info about airlines and seatguru.com lets you check out the best and worst seats on a plane.

Lou Lou

Female

2006-07-02 11:18:00

British Television

We found "nighty night" on, of all places, the "O" network. On Wednesday nights. Funny it was on that channel, and not BBC America. Good stuff, that. They also have "Suburban Shootout".... I've heard Showtime has bought the rights to do an American version of Nighty Night... but you know how that goes - example: The Office... poor copy.

I can't believe they're gonna try a remake of NN - it's gonna be horrendous :no:

We saw NN on Oxygen too. Surbaban Shootout took a lil getting used to but I like it a lot now. I have quite a few UK comedy DVDs if anyone wants to start a loan system going....? Will only swap for current stuff tho...none of that 70's #######

Lou Lou

Female

2006-07-01 09:24:00

British Television

Absolutely Fabulous...Catherine Tate...and for some really dark but very funny stuff, try Nighty Night. You should probably try that after you have gone through Little Britain to really understand new Brit humour! :thumbs:

Lou Lou

Female

2006-07-01 06:43:00

Attention British Airways passengers

Most US airlines have already changed their rules too. One bag is a bit tight. Typical BA! Carry-ons need to be monitored more than anything IMO.

Lou Lou

Female

2006-06-15 20:19:00

Medical Questionaire - Hospitalizions

Anything that involved an overnight stay is probably deemed a 'hospitalised' stay. So outpatient stuff is probably not needed. Minor illnesses are probaboly not worth listing either.

Lou Lou

Female

2006-07-11 14:24:00

U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident

I'm applying as soon as I can too - next year! One, so I don't have any hassles from immigration, and don't have to hand them any more cash. Two, so we can go back to live in the UK as soon as I get it and I won't be abandoning a GC and all those hassles trying to travel back. If I was intending to stay here the rest of my life, I probably wouldn't bother with becoming a citizen.

Lou Lou

Female

2006-07-08 08:06:00

Interview 10th July London

Lou Lou

Female

2006-07-10 18:13:00

Would like to edit that the 1000s per year was an exaggeration After doing a quick google it's actually an average of 10 sexual assaults and rapes carried out by illegal minicab drivers reported per month. I personally know 6 women who did not report the crimes, so how many more were there? Very sad.

Typical quick googling. In 2005 there were a total of 140 reported crimes. This year the average has gone up to 18 per month

Lou Lou

Female

2006-08-07 16:28:00

Would like to edit that the 1000s per year was an exaggeration :innocent:

After doing a quick google it's actually an average of 10 sexual assaults and rapes carried out by illegal minicab drivers reported per month. I personally know 6 women who did not report the crimes, so how many more were there? Very sad.

Lou Lou

Female

2006-08-07 16:17:00

'Most of them' or 'all' - I guess there is a slight difference there.

FWIW, I have never heard about '1000s of women' have been attacked by mini cab drivers who picked up fares in the streets. This might explain why I've heard this implication before (that mini cab drivers are criminals). I think its important to know, too, that mini cab drivers now have to undergo the exact same checks as the famed - and apparently undodgy - black cab drivers.

If you were referring ONLY to ones who pick up fares in the street, then I guess I somehow missed that when I read this from your post: "Avoid minicabs -- as far as I can remember it's illegal for them to pick up fares on the street (though this may have changed), and most of them are probably not registered. Well dodgy!"

As I said we were discussing ways of getting from one place to another which involved hailing cabs on the street. Perhaps that didn't come across clear enough for you from my whole post, but doesn't really matter now, does it?

I know mini cab drivers have to undergo the same checks. One of my drivers in London was an ex mini cabbie and bemoaned about how much it cost too. And yes, 1000s of women are attacked each year by men posing as mini cab drivers in London. Unfortunately it's something women fall prey to when they think they're trying to get home 'safely'. Half of them are probably not even reported. Just watch them hanging out up The Strand or through Soho at 2am and you'll see what I mean. The police can't keep up with them.

Not that I am implying the OP will be doing the same, but anyone could easily get into a pickle if trying to get a cab became a desperate measure.

Peace

Lou Lou

Female

2006-08-07 14:50:00

Avoid minicabs -- as far as I can remember it's illegal for them to pick up fares on the street (though this may have changed), and most of them are probably not registered. Well dodgy!

My fiance is a mini cab driver, and while I can't speak to it being legal or illegal for him to pick up fares on the street, I know that he works only through his dispatcher.

And he is required to be registered with the PCO (stickers all displayed properly) as well as have a criminal background check. So please don't imply that all mini cab drivers are 'dodgy'.

Thanks.

Erm...I don't recall saying ALL mini cabs were dodgy. We were discussing ways of getting from A-B in London for visitors. I took mini cabs and black cabs every day when I worked and lived in London so I didn't think there was any harm passing on some decent advice. I would have thought it was pretty clear I was referring to those that pick up in the street. Near enough all of these ARE dodgy. I'm sure the 1000s of women that have been attacked by these men would have liked that reminder before getting in the 'cab'. You should either book a mini cab in advance through a reputable company which is hard if you're not a local, or you can take a black cab to be safe.
Happy now? :rolleyes:

Lou Lou

Female

2006-08-07 13:48:00

Wanted to add you should probably call Virgin and explain the situation. Most train companies will have a member of staff help you on and off the train and make sure you are settled. I've seen this happen lots of times from all mainline stations.

You won't need maps if you're cabbing it everywhere but like everyone has said, there are many map sites online.

Dont panic -- it's not a disaster and you should be able to get there easily by train and cab.

Lou Lou

Female

2006-08-05 10:27:00

Virgin trains are pretty good tho watch out for delays. They are notorious for them. Agreed black cabs are the way to go. They are not allowed to wait at the Embassy because of security reasons so you will have to arrange for a pick up when you are done. Maybe the cab you get at the station will give you some tips. If you find a good black cabbie they will help you a lot. From what I can recall there is a company called computacab (or something like that) who arrange for black cabs to wherever you want. Don't be worried about black cabs -- they are everywhere. Problem is not all of them are set up for wheelchairs so look out for the newer ones. Avoid minicabs -- as far as I can remember it's illegal for them to pick up fares on the street (though this may have changed), and most of them are probably not registered. Well dodgy!

Lou Lou

Female

2006-08-05 09:09:00

Anybody self-sponsor?

Yes, many people self sponsor with no problems at all.

Lou Lou

Female

2006-08-07 08:50:00

Posted in another thread

All I know is that as long as you have authorisation to work then you're good to go. As far as all the other 'gumph' involved, I would direct you to the BE board for a broader outlook to all those things. If you're not already familiar with them, they're not just fiance or marriage based visas so all sorts of expats are hanging around there including ones who work for their UK companies while residing in the US. Hope that makes sense!

Lou Lou

Female

2006-07-27 18:30:00

Reactions to you accent!

And don't call someone form the south a "yank"...FYI

I don't call southerners yanks. I call them hicks or rednecks. All in friendly jest, of course

And I will continue asking for "water" and not "wadder"...even when I'm on my deathbed :devil:

Lou Lou

Female

2006-07-27 15:12:00

Reactions to you accent!

I hate all that "I'm part English, Irish, French" #######. Get over it. You're a yank :bonk:

Lou Lou

Female

2006-07-24 11:10:00

Reactions to you accent!

I really don't want to lose my English accent and refuse to 'adapt' so people can understand me. I speak perfectly clearly. Something foreign throws them off and they forget to listen

I usually get "You're not from around here, are you?" and my answer is a firm "No" which makes them laugh nervously :diablo:

If anyone else asks about my accent I usually say "My parents gave it to me". That shuts them up.

MY OH would be gutted if I started to sound American. He said it would be terms for divorce :lol:

Lou Lou

Female

2006-07-24 11:07:00

Is the Police check used for AOS?

You don't need your police certificate for AOS so don't worry about it. It's fine as it is.

Lou Lou

Female

2006-08-16 10:00:00

International movers

Try these...

http://www.visajourn...h...ic=2974&hl=

http://www.visajourn...p?showtopic=234

Lou Lou

Female

2006-08-23 05:22:00

MBE at UK airports?

You can have mine too. Only serious bidders please. It was taken through with hand luggage and certainly wasn't 'wiped' by the x-ray machine.

Lou Lou

Female

2006-08-23 07:48:00

anyone ordered cheese from igourmet.com??

Definitely try Trader Joes. They have an imported cheddar from Dorset which is ded cheap and very nice. TJ also have a few other English things like crumpets :thumbs:

I would shop there all the time if I could. I love that store.

Another option would be to try a co-op. My local co-op has many imported cheeses, including a load from Neals Yard. If they don't have any, chat up the deli person and see if they can get interested in it. Often they won't stock it if there's no market for it, so make a noise!

Even in sleepy VT I can find good English cheese, so I have no doubt you'll find quite a selection in CA. :thumbs:

Lou Lou

Female

2006-09-08 05:48:00

Sending letters back home..

Wow that is expensive! I always think Global Priority Mail is pretty good, but then again I have no clue if it is registered. The fastest an envelope has got there has been 3 days. The slowest has been 6 days. It costs 5.25 for the small envelope.

Lou Lou

Female

2006-09-18 07:40:00

Bringing food items into the UK

You can get crumpets in Trader Joe's if you're near one.

My tip for food travel: pack it in shoe boxes. I've even packed Flakes in shoe boxes with other chocolate and no padding, and they have survived beautifully. McVities are like you just got them in the shop -- no broken ones! It works great for glass too as there is a double wall of protection. I even go as far as stating what is in each shoe box so when security go through my case they can get a good idea of what's happening. Been doing this for years with no problems at all, and not one bit of food has gone walkies either :thumbs:

Lou Lou

Female

2006-09-12 16:11:00

Bringing food items into the UK

I bought American pancake mix at Asda...

I've seen it in Tesco and Waitrose too. I think it's quite common in the UK, which is a bit of a worry considering the UK is increasingly inheriting the US's problem with food and nutrition.

Sorry for the mini hi-jack.

Lou Lou

Female

2006-09-12 08:48:00

Bringing food items into the UK

I guess I'm wondering why the heck anyone would want US candy living in the UK :huh:

But anyway, you won't have any trouble at all. Safe trip :thumbs:

Lou Lou

Female

2006-09-11 17:33:00

London Area Real Estate Market

I've sold 3 properties in London over the past 8 years and all 3 have sold within a week. Two of them over the asking price. Currently raking in rental fees until I decide what to do with my current one next as I'm too scared to get off the ladder :devil:

Lou Lou

Female

2006-09-19 17:32:00

Eastenders!!

I agree, once you get your ratio sorted, UKNova is the best one out there for programmes.

Lou Lou

Female

2006-09-24 08:56:00