Importance of an expat community

Is this what women talk about at parties? Do tell!

Probably depends on what type of parties you attend.... 

Probably depends on what type of parties you attend.... 

Also, on how much beer or wine you drink!

Well , I don't need to prove to some acronym whether I am intelligent enough to be graced with their pseudo perspicacious banter ...sorry..

I pretty much felt my way through settling in to the UK and I quite like that as you never know how things would have been affected and how my life would have been if I had different advice...as pebbles said it was a baptism by fire sort of speak..I like this American forum as :

1. People are mostly acceptable of different viewpoints
2. people have a good sense of humour
3. People are respectful of others feelings, ideals

the only time I've seen a heated debate is when individuals make their views at the expense of other members that's when it might turn unfavorable.

I've been a member of three different UK-US discussion forums since I moved here almost five years ago. At first it was information and a relief that someone else was going through what I was. Now I don't have a hell of a lot of questions, I just enjoy the discussions (however appalling they may be lacking in depth or intellect -  or perhaps it's de rigeur to insult what one obviously does not understand. Arrogance, it would seem, has no bounds) and a bit of easy banter.

Speaking just for myself, if I feel like discussing something that is specific to my job or my hobbies, actually finding a forum in which to do that is much easier  than insulting the members of this forum (although, for some, maybe the ease is the allure - no effort).  How much intellect and depth does that take? The mind boggles.

Wow. I have to say that's one of the most condescending things I've ever read on this site. I'll go toe to toe with you on any of those topics anytime you'd like, DJCNYC. Most of us here are intelligent, fascinating, well-rounded women (and men) with broad spheres of interests. If you haven't yet discovered that, then I'm sorry for you.

Say it again, sister!!

I haven't made my move yet but I have found the info. on this site extremely helpful and informative. I have found the vast majority of people to be intelligent, helpful, fascinating and kind. Thanks all.

We'll see. I'm trying to treat it like that coffee shop for the meanwhile and waiting for another member to turn up in Norwich.

DJC

I'm curious what good is sitting in a cafe every day only to constantly complain that the coffee sucks 

Say it again, sister!!

I haven't made my move yet but I have found the info. on this site extremely helpful and informative. I have found the vast majority of people to be intelligent, helpful, fascinating and kind. Thanks all.

hallelujah ..the choir bang their tambourines

let us pray for intellectual philosophical banter to reign on our humble forum

I've found everyone helpful too - even through the months of reading before anyone knew I existed by starting to post!  And it will continue to be a great source of info, thoughts and feelings etc for me and anyone else who is looking at, or has made the UK move (or vice versa too!).

Thank you everyone 

To add to the comment about not being philosophical or "deep"... I agree sometimes there are some pretty silly threads (for example, about what brands to buy), but believe it or not - they are helpful to some! If they aren't good for you, then don't read them! There are plenty of deep discussions - see pettifog. I suggest you get philosophical there.

Well I can't say if I'll ever live in the UK. I found this site when I was looking for info on visiting there. But what I have found here was a lot of people willing to help out with whatever questions you may have, and a fun place to spend some time. From what I can tell, aside from the little disagreements here and there, the people here are open, friendly, knowlegable, and I've seen more than not that are willing to actually step up and offer assistance whether it be in advise here or in life to people in need. All in all, I'd say it's a pretty good place to be. Thanks to all that have helped answer my questions, no matter how silly or small they may be, and for all that make me smile! 

When I lived in Germany, there was no ex-pat community. I was basically on my own and had to learn a foreign language to survive.

At one point I was in a language class learning Spanish through German because we were told we would be moved to Barcelona. hee....

Moving to England is easy. Or is it?

When I lived in China/Taiwan it all went nutty. I was in the tropics. Hot as Hades. Taiwan was coming off military rule. So it felt like a freedom you can't imagine. We were hopping in and out of Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok as a rule.

We drove through Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur.

We kissed Indonesia. Bali.

I did it all for him. For us. I did it for love. Thank god and heaven there was an expat community in Taiwan.

Thank you for this ex-pat community in the UK.

best smiles,
seagoddessK

None of the options on the poll really fit for me either.  I live and work in the USA, for a Scottish-based company.  I never know if I may be sent over there for training or even a transfer.  Like many of the people here, I've been in an LDR with a UK man, so I can truly empathize with a lot of what is said.  I nearly moved to England to be with him in the 80s, and having such a forum might have helped me have the nerve to do so. 

I'm another who tends to talk a lot to the men at parties.  However, I do like these people--female and male.  I find them very intelligent, multifaceted and interesting.  Even though I've not been a member for long, or the most prolific poster, nobody has been anything but courteous and decent to me.  Should I ever again visit or live in the UK, I'd love to meet them.

I've seen plenty of deep, philosophical discussions here, as well as levity and tears.  Life is bitter and sweet---laughter, tears and deep thought are all appropriate.  All are seen here too. 

We've also recently seen UKY members open heart and home to a couple members in crisis situations.  I'm proud and happy to be a member of such a group. 

    We'll see. I'm trying to treat it like that coffee shop for the meanwhile and waiting for another member to turn up in Norwich.

Och well... you've always got your husband!

I wish I had found this site PRIOR to moving -- 3 years on and I'm STILL stinging about M-bags. 

OK, guys.  Points been made, let's stick to the topic or we risk adding 'a little bit bitchy' to the list of interesting, well rounded and intelligent.   

OK, guys.  Points been made, let's stick to the topic or we risk adding 'a little bit bitchy' to the list of interesting, well rounded and intelligent.   

So Mindy, you are the leader of this thread? Cool.

Tell us of your expat experiences in an interesting, well rounded and intelligent way.

I need some entertainment.