Hello From Ohio!

carolyn_b:
thank you for the ideas   his family is going on vacation to Norfolk on Saturday -- so that will be fun!... we'll be not far from the Sea, either.  We're going to see London once we get back from Norfolk (his mum has never seen London and she's lived here her entire life!) far as i know, they live in the 'burbs too lol! and yes, I saw that you live in Leeds after I posted   its kinda neat to talk to someone who knows this area!.. well im gonna go now and see if Mike is done washing his mum's car -- lol. have a nice evening

So glad your face-to-face meeting was a success -- I remember that feeling so well and am really happy for the two of you!

Thank you It was very exciting -- and its better now that I am awake!!! lol!

Sounds like you're going to have so much fun! My husband is originally from Norwich, Norfolk -- so I've been there a few times now for holidays & birthdays 'cause his parents, grandparents, aunties & uncles, etc still live there. I hope the weather turns out pleasant for you & it seems like spring might finally be here. I was only in London for the first time last weekend (Mother's Day weekend over here) 'cause his brother lives there & we did a family get together at his place. I didn't get to see much though 'cause the weather wasn't very nice & we basically drove down Saturday & came back to Leeds on Sunday, so very quick trip. We are going again for the Easter weekend so I can do more sightseeing. Well anyhow -- I live in Horsforth...it'd be funny if you were just around the corner from me or something! Ok - well we just bought a house & finally got our bed today, which we assembled this evening...I'm dead tired -- so I'm ready to have an inaugural sleep in it!
Have fun!  Carolyn B

Carolyn_b:
I am in Leeds... I flew into Manchester... the worst part was the darned UK immigration lady... she asked me a billion questions (felt like a criminal I did! lol!) but I got thru (obviously  ) Of course I told her michael was just my friend -- I didnt feel like getting cross examined about THAT! (just told her we were penpals and we were meeting for the first time)

Sorry our immigration was a pain, Andrea (pittpanther) had a bit of a nightmare the 1st time she flew in as well and I always have a nightmare in the US.  That said once you have come in and out of the UK a few times and there is history in your passport of you arriving and more importantly leaving you will have very few problems.

BTW if at all possible try not to stretch the truth to immigration, they are very good at what they do and can trick you into revealing something you don't want to reveal.  If you lie or stretch the truth and they find out they can be a nightmare and worst case send you back home.  Not trying to scare you, just some friendly advise.

BTW Leeds is cool (I live here) and the nightlife is 2nd to none.

Glad the face to face went well

Steve

Thanks Jmaster911 for the advice  -- I really didnt stretch the truth, I just felt that it would be simpler to say he's my friend because honestly we hadnt met before and even tho we call ourselves bf/gf, we wanted to wait to meet before it was totally 'official'... I suppose thats silly but when I eventually come back I'd say he's my boyfriend because I've nothing to hide    I'd eventually like to live in the UK so I definitely dont wanna get on their bad side!!!

carolyn_b: I'm in Oulton, btw. its nice I think we're going to Xscape tomorrow to see a movie...
I just got back from Norfolk - was lovely!!! I took some great pictures too and I can't wait to get them developed (I still have some left to take  lol.


A question for anyone --- if I went to a Uni in the US and I applied here to go to school, would I need to tell them about that University even though I went for one semester? I dont' care about the credits - but I owe them 3k and am unable to attend school because of my 'financial obligations'.. I believe its a bunch of baloney but I've always wanted to go to school here.. would hope I still can do w/o having to worry about the other Uni.  thanks

A question for anyone --- if I went to a Uni in the US and I applied here to go to school, would I need to tell them about that University even though I went for one semester? I dont' care about the credits - but I owe them 3k and am unable to attend school because of my 'financial obligations'.. I believe its a bunch of baloney but I've always wanted to go to school here.. would hope I still can do w/o having to worry about the other Uni.  thanks

I'm not sure if you would have to declare it, from the visa information I have seen, you just need to declare what qualifications you have.  You should be aware however that it is very expensive to join a uni in the UK (esp for americans if your funding it yourself), for example the course Andrea is signed up to is almost £9000 which is around $16,000.  As part of the visa application you also need to prove you can support yourself financially before you travel and with the weak USD this is difficult.  Andrea and I are getting round this one by me declaring to immigration that I will support her during her studies.

Anyway hope that helps and welcome to the world of "Which visa do I choose to enable me to be with my better half"

Steve

I'm not sure if you would have to declare it, from the visa information I have seen, you just need to declare what qualifications you have.  You should be aware however that it is very expensive to join a uni in the UK (esp for americans if your funding it yourself), for example the course Andrea is signed up to is almost £9000 which is around $16,000.  As part of the visa application you also need to prove you can support yourself financially before you travel and with the weak USD this is difficult.  Andrea and I are getting round this one by me declaring to immigration that I will support her during her studies.

Anyway hope that helps and welcome to the world of "Which visa do I choose to enable me to be with my better half"

Steve

Thanks once again  I am well aware of the price --- its about the same that it was to go to school out of state here in the US so that is not a problem... as for financial support, I wouldnt go to 2006 anyways (as I will be 21 and be considered a mature student) so that gives me a year to save up a whole lot of money -- plus I will have to take out loans anyways so I will just take out a bit extra...lol.... and, very funny, but very true

Let me know if Andrea or I can be any more help, she will be attending Leeds Uni starting Sept so I'm sure will be happy to help you with contact numbers, etc.

thanks Jmaster.... I have talked with andrea before on AIM.. very nice she is but if I've any questions I would be glad if you could help... thanks again.. have a nice Easter!