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First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?
3

First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

(OP)
Hello Everybody,

Sorry if this is a re-post, I did a search but what I found was mainly about how to find jobs overseas. The job part I already have worked out, it’s the actual moving overseas that I am trying to figure out now. I will be leaving in about 6 weeks to work in my companies Aberdeen office for about a year (I’m currently in the Houston office), and I just wanted to see if anybody had in tips, tricks, hints, must-dos, must-haves (more in terms of clothing than anything else), favorite restaurants, etc. It will be my first trip overseas and more than anything I just don’t want to look like a complete idiot when I get there. Any advice is very much appreciated.

Cheers,
Kat

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Aberdeen, Maryland, USA, or
Aberdeen Scotland, UK, or
Aberdeen, NSW, Australia, or ... ?

Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

There is also:

Aberdeen, MS, US
Aberdeen, SD, US
Aberdeen, WA, US
Aberdeen, ID, US
Aberdeen, KY, US
Aberdeen, NC, US
Aberdeen, OH, US
Aberdeen, AR, US
Aberdeen, CA, US

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

The term "across the pond" (in the title) is an obvious and very well known reference to the UK. Just as "down-under" is for Australia ... and you can discount all the US locations of Aberdeen because it was stated in the OP that the current location is Houston and the Aberdeen office is overseas.

Sorry kat6787, I've never been to Scotland so can offer have no further help.

cheers

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Mike,

In the US when they talk about across the pond they usually mean europe (or the UK).

kat6787,

The hardest thing in the UK is setting up a bank account. You need to be at your address for a certain amount of time, but you need an account so that you can put your pay in it and afford to live at that same address. See if your current bank has an affiliate in the uk that they can get you an account set up at. Alternatively you may be able to set up an offshore account at the isle of man (which has some tax benefits)

Taxes in the UK are not only higher but are quite complicated. In the first couple of pays you will probably be on whats called emergency tax, it means that you will pay higher tax than normal (but it will be reimbursed at the end of the year).

I assume that you will be working with the offshore oil industry. There are a couple of good websites on this industry if you just google it.

People will dress up a little more at work than they do in the US so take that in mind. Not usually a suit, but not quite casual either.

The pub is the centre of UK social life, people will usually go out for lunch and a pint on friday lunch times (and often after work as well) so the best option to meet people is to get involved in these outings.

Scotland is a gorgeous place, and my favorite region of the UK. In winter you can go skiing in Aviemore, and in summer you can go walking through the highlands. Do a ghost tour in edinburgh along the golden mile and tour the castle. And you should definately try haggis.

You will have a good year.

csd

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Also, if you dare to venture into a pub please don't dominate the dart board.  Even though I was born and raised in the UK, I lived there a few years of my adult life and really took to darts.  It's not that I was verbally rubbing it in but just the fact I was a "Yank" beating the locals at there game.  

It's like Americans winning the Tour de France....the French can't take it so they fabricate doping charges.  I would like to see a Frenchman win the Tour this year and I bet NO dopping questions will ever be brought to light.

Heckler
Sr. Mechanical Engineer
SWx 2007 SP 3.0 & Pro/E 2001
XP Pro SP2.0 P4 3.6 GHz, 1GB RAM
NVIDIA Quadro FX 1400
      o
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(_)/ (_)

(In reference to David Beckham) "He can't kick with his left foot, he can't tackle, he can't head the ball and he doesn't score many goals. Apart from that, he's all right."  -- George Best

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

(OP)
Mike and JAE,
Sorry for the confusion, I guess I could have been more specific with my post. Lets try it one more time:

I am currently in Houston, TX, USA and will be going to the companies Aberdeen, Scotland, UK office to work.


csd,
Thanks for the advice. I'll definitely put you suggestions on my list of things to do. And thanks for the heads up on the bank account.

Cheers,
Kat

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

I think you need some advice from Ussuri - I believe he works in this sector.

CALLING USSURI...

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

I have been wanting to go to this for quite a while.
http://www.edintattoo.co.uk/

Don't eat to many scotch eggs.  Some city in Scotlane is the heart attack capitol of the world.

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

You will need also:

Warm outer clothing - must also be waterproof.

Thick woolly socks and a waterproof pair of sturdy boots.

A crash course on getting your liver used to removing large amounts of alcohol from your bloodstream..

A flashlight to find your way around before 10.00 hrs and after 15.00hrs during the winter.

A phrase book would be handy e.g. asking for a "Scotch" will get you a pint of low-hopped dark beer.

csd72: No skiing last season in Scotland - climate change!
You must not have met the "black midges" during your walking - lucky!

In conclusion - Kat, you will have a great time. The Scots are a very welcoming nation.

Cheers


Harry (2 miles South of Hadrians wall - built to keep the Scots out of England!!)



RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Some really good advice about the bank account. Some other random thoughts, not all electrical goods are compatible, accommodation tends to be much smaller in the UK if you are thinking of bringing over furniture.

Just about everything is more expensive in the UK; especially if you factor in the current exchange rate, bring over what you can. Prepare for a heart attack when you fill up the car with petrol for the first time. You will need to register with a doctor, dentist etc. Walking and public transport are considered normal in the UK.

Flights are incredibly cheap, check out Easyjet and Ryan air when you get over most of Europe is within a 3 hour flight, visit as many countries as possible, even if only for a long weekend.

Take in as much as you can and have a great time, not many people get a chance like this, enjoy it to the full.

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

And don't forget to get your passport -- the wait is quite bad I understand.

Get a few Euros at the airport to get you to the city - but exchange real amounts of money at an international bank in town.

Food is kind of dull compared to US - but you will recognize it and like it.... unlike some other countries.

Beer is good and plentiful... ice cubes are NOT....  IF you order a Scotch and want ice cubes and water ... they will think you are from a different planet...

Fish is good and plentiful.

Since they drive on the wrong side of the road - MAKE sure you look RIGHT before crossing the road... actually make sure you look both ways... they drive fast.

Watch your head.  Many door ways are hundreds of years old and might be only 5'-8'' or so tall.

Have fun...

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Not sure the Euros will help much.

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

If you order Scotch you will probably get ignored! 'Scotch' whisky is 'Malt' if you are drinking decent stuff.

Make sure you get over to the west side of Scotland, especially from Oban northwards toward the Kyle of Lochalsh. It has a beauty all of its own. Check out some of the photography by Colin Prior: http://www.colinprior.co.uk/colinprior.storefront/46928cfb0fd31990273fc0a801a50706/Catalog/Scotland

The Scottish winter can be ferocious. The summers can be glorious. Scots midges, especially those in the north west, are the most aggressive on the planet and are not merely immune to all chemical insect repellants, they actively enjoy insect repellant!
 

----------------------------------
  Sometimes I only open my mouth to swap feet...

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

You probably will look a complete idiot when you get there but people are generally understanding and helpful the further north you get in the country, and you can't get much further than Aberdeen. People will tend to make fun of you but don't take offence as it's usually a sign that you're liked. When they make fun of you behind your back you'll have problems, but maybe that's true the world over. Don't respond by making comments about british teeth though as that's considered nasty, and besides we don't have many. Be ready for people asking if you'd like to go haggis hunting and the like. It's considered good fun with foreigners who are ignorant of these things. Also be ready for people who make self-depreciation  jokes about themselves. It's sort of british humour. You'll get used to it.  

corus

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

If you have never seen it, the Edinburgh Tattoo is pretty neat.

If you don't like bag pipes, then ixnay the attootay.

"Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater."   
Albert Einstein
Have you read FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Buy thermal underwear, and be prepared to wear it for 3 months of the year. Always carry a waterproof. And as for the midges...

Scotland's a great place, have fun.

Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Figure on spending at least 1 pound for every dollar you'd usually spend in a restaurant.

On the other hand the wine and beer is cheap!

Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Rule of thumb for the travelling part is to dress & sleep for where you're going, not where you are.  I never have a problem with jet lag by following that simple piece of advice.

Greg Lamberson, BS, MBA
Consultant - Upstream Energy
Website: www.oil-gas-consulting.com

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

No one has yet mentioned that you need a good phrase book. I moved to Scotland 7 years ago and still can't understand what some of these guys say, da' ken.

The other slightly stange thing is that Scottish banks are allowed to print their own curreny notes. So unlike the USA that has all bank notes the same size and colour, the UK has english and various scottish notes of different types. Confusing at first for overseas visitors.

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Kat,

If you’re heading across in 6 weeks you’ll get here for our summer, so warm clothing and waterproofs required....

OK, seriously, it gets fairly warm (for us) in summer, although probably around the same as spring for you. There can still be plenty of showers so a light jacket needed.

It can get pretty cold and wet in winter (and autumn and spring come to think of it) so warm waterproof clothing required.     

For a flat (sorry apartment) expect to pay £600-£700/month, but you can of course go for more or less. Have a look at: www.aspc.co.uk , they list pretty much every flat or house for sale or rent around Aberdeen.

There are already a HUGE number of workers from overseas in Aberdeen so banks should be pretty used to it. Easiest thing is to get in touch with HR in Aberdeen that you will be dealing with. They should sort that out, or at least give you references on headed paper to make the process easier (i.e. allows you to avoid the proof of address etc). O&G companies are pretty good at shunting people around the world.

Restaurant wise try Nargile (Turkish), Goulash (Hungarian) or Rustico and Ciao Napoli (Italian).  You’ll have to go to the Ashvale as well for some (award winning) fish and chips.

To comment on what some other have said:

Yup, not much daylight in winter (pretty depressing) but it makes up for it just now with only a couple of hours of darkness a night.

Not sure about the Scotch beer? To be honest we don’t use the word scotch at all, we’d call that a malt whisky (as opposed to a blended whiskeys) and you’d generally ask for the brand.

If you do want to try a few malts go to the Grill (a bar) on Union St. It might look, erm, intimidating to you but trust me they are very friendly and its not uncommon to find it full of tourists with the bar staff enthusiastically talking them through the various malts (they have a huge selection). Full of colourful characters.

Might be the way I’ve read it but ice cubes are plentiful, I’m sure we could provide all the ices cubes you could ever want. The correct way to drink a malt is with a little water to allow the more subtle flavour flavours to come through, but ordering with ice won’t raise too many eyebrows.

Saying all that, you’ll see many more bottles of Bud and Miller on the go rather than whiskey, stereotyping!

Currency is GBP, Euros won’t get you far. English and Scottish (and Northern Irish, although not common here) pounds look a bit different but are all legal.

Trust me, you can get plenty further north than Aberdeen (from up north!) and it’s worth a look if you have the time, Inverness is a nice city, and the West coast of Scotland is lovely as ScottyUK said.


There is a pretty lively social life here too, I’m sure you’ll get to know Belmont St. A few nights out will help you get to know the city, and make sure your colleagues tell you the truth about things!

Don’t worry too much about looking like an idiot, things aren’t that different. As I’ve said there are a huge number of overseas workers so the general population is used to a few strange accents. The trick will be getting used to theirs.

Sorry for the long post, but anything specific feel free to ask. I know how you feel; coincidently I’m off from our Aberdeen office to our Perth (Aus) office for a couple of years in about 6 weeks too.

Good Luck!

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Any information I can provide I would be happy to.

I work in Aberdeen (Dyce) for an offshore contractor doing primarily structural work associated with subsea systems.  I’ll cover a few aspects which could be of interest but if you have any specific questions just shout.

Aberdeen is quite a small city with a population of around 220,000.  It is big enough to have everything you would need but small enough that you can be in the country in 30 minutes and in the Grampian mountains in a round an hour.  There is plenty of stuff about to do.

The city itself is built mainly of granite, which means its grey.  Add to that the grey skies and dull days some people say it is depressing.  I like it though.  It can be cold in winter but it seems the days of snow lying for weeks are gone.  We didn’t get any snow last year, or if we did it was gone in a couple of days.

Accommodation:  There is a shortage of property for both rent and purchase in the city.  Most of the flats are old Victorian tenements.  I think rental for a one bedroom is around the £400 -450 per calendar month.  Two bedrooms are around the £600-700 mark.  You would want to be looking in Ferryhill, West End, Rosemount, Dyce areas.  Areas of the city to avoid would be Tillydrone, Torry, Seaton, Northfield.  There are others in between neither particularly nice or nasty.

There are also a number of ‘satellite’ towns and villages around Aberdeen where a lot of people stay and commute to work.  These would be Westhill, Kingswells, Newmachar, Balmedie, Portlethen.  

Transport:  Most people in Aberdeen drive which leads to pretty bad congestion in the morning.  It typically takes me about 45mins to drive 6 miles.  There is a bus service but I am not a fan of it.  It is quite expensive and when you need it (going to and from work) its usually very busy.  If you work in Dyce you can get the train from the city centre.

Social:  The popular pubs, bars, shops and cafes are all within walking distance of Union Street (the main drag in Aberdeen) and there are ample of each.  Belmont street is a popular street for pubs as that is about all that is on it.  Drinks are on the pricey side £2.50 ish for a pint of lager.

It can prove tricky to get a bank account and national insurance number but it can be done.  Your company should be able to help.  I can also ask a colleague who recently came over from Eire and has just gone though the same exercise.

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

This is probably obvious advice, but nevertheless advice I should have listened to before my first overseas post.  Do not fall into the trap of telling everyone how much better some things are back at home.  An overseas post makes you appreciate your home all the more, whilst also expanding your horizons.

Some practical advice.  Do not go into a pub and sit straight down.  Pubs are almost universally self-service, so you'll need to go to the bar.  Expect also to pay for each drink as it comes rather than running a tab.  Even if you are eating, expect to place your order at the bar.  Don't feel obliged to tip the barman either.

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

This is the link to the local newspaper, The Press and Journal.  It would be worth a look to see what sort of stuff makes the news around here.

http://www.thisisnorthscotland.co.uk/

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

I was in a similar situation three years ago as I spent 6 months working at my old firms plant in Selby, N Yorkshire.

Enjoy the pub life.  The food is better than you'd expect and I still miss a real ale, as I can't find any here in Eastern Iowa.  

Pay attention to what people are saying, you'll eventually get most of what they say.  While the Yorkshire accent I had to deal with wasn't nearly as bad as the Scottish you'll get, after about 6 weeks, you'll understand most of what they say.

If you're keeping a bank back here and your credit cards, call them ahead of time to see if there are overseas transaction fees.  I kept my home base here in the colonies, so it was important to know.  Of the two cards I have, one had a fee and the other didn't.  

ATM's generally have the best exchange rate and are very plentiful.  I generally didn't worry about getting my GBP's until landing on the Isle.

Don't expect to go to a restaraunt before 7 PM.  A group of us walked into one in York at 6 PM, one table was seated and we were refused as they were booked for the night.  

The last advice I'll offer is to travel on all your days off.  Even if only to Edinburgh or Glasgow.  Get out and about and find things on your own.  Watch out for the brown HT signs.  That sort of thing really interested me personally, so I tried to find all the historical items I could.  

Oh, to have the fish in Whitby again. . . .

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Adding to schnipp:

My US credit card (yep, I finally managed to get one!) worked just fine over here with no hidden charges.  A much easier way of moving money around than asking banks to send it.  Can't say I tried ATMs here with my US card though...

Whilst pubs are generally open all day, the restaurant comment is so true.  A load of us Brits tried the traditional beer/curry/fight thing in Chicago once.  Unfortunately the curry house closed before the pub, so we lost out.  In the UK, pubs spill out into curry houses - the best way in my book.

Travel.  One of my US colleagues spent a weekend here recently exploring by car.  On motorways!  My advice is to choose a destination, leave the car and walk.  UK (and for that matter, European) towns were born before cars, so you get the best enjoyment on foot.

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

My thing was that I wanted to get to Croft, Oulton Park, Cadwell Park, Lydden Hill, and Donnington.  Places that generally don't have train stations within walking distance.  

If you go from Aberdeen to the bigger cities (York, London, Edinburgh, etc), certainly the train is the best (from what I experienced.  

When I had a free day and didn't want to take a train, I'd travel the North Yorkshire area by A and B route.  I was looking for the out of the way places, though, so it suited my tastes.  I wasn't paying for gas or car rental either, so the sticker shock didn't phase me!

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Yup, the petrol prices will be a bit of a shock, around £0.95/litre at the moment, which equates to around $7.20/gallon.

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Self serve bars/pubs has been covered but another thing is that most people in the UK don't eat out anywhere near as much as in the US.

For most nice or even middling restaurants you'll probably want to phone in advance to see if you need a reservation.  Also tipping is typically a bit more conservative/less widespread.

US Biscuits do not exist in the UK.

UK Biscuits are what the colonials call cookies.

US Chips = UK Crisps (Lays = Walkers by the way)

English Muffins are available but it’s not like they’re everywhere as the name may suggest.  

Even if the food is nominally the same it may be different.  For instance most UK versions of breakfast cereals are not as sweet as the US versions.  Even UK bread typically isn’t as sweet as US bread, it’s closer to what’s called French Bread here in CA.

“Food is kind of dull compared to US” maybe 20 years ago but not really any more.  Sure there are bad places in the UK but there are bad places in the US too.  If you want strong spices etc you’ll want to look at ethnic food rather than traditional British, Indian being the obvious choice.  (By the way, I’ve never found an Indian restaurant in the US that was anywhere near as good as those in the UK)  However, while typically milder the British food is very good, don’t turn your nose up at Steak & Kidney pudding, black pudding, Haggis etc until you’ve tried it.  My wife (US born & bred) is a convert to several British foods I’ve introduced her to including real Kippers (not the canned kind) and crumpets.

The American & European style beers are usually called lager in the UK and real men will frown upon you drinking themsmile.  Lager inherently doesn’t taste that good, hence it is served very cold to disguise this fact.  Traditional Ales etc taste very good and hence can usually be drunk at or just below room temperature however different types of beer vary and some are actually drunk quite cold.  English pints are 20 oz not 16.  Drinking a yard of ale is harder than it seems….

KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Brit-think, Ameri-think: A Transatlantic Survival Guide
by Jane Walmsley.

Every word is true.  This is ideal for travellers in both directions.  No bias, just good, funny info.

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

What KENAT says about lager versus real ale is all too true. However, I've struggled to find a decent pint of ale whenever I've been in Scotland - seems to me that they've spent all their time learning how to make whisky and never really bothered with beer. Don't let experiences of Scottish beer prevent you from trying a decent pint of English ale if you venture over the border. (of course there are exceptions to the rule but its easier to find bad beer up there than good!)

My only experience of Aberdeen is the airport - not bad for a one-horse town kind of size. Better than Inverness airport anyway. I expect you'll become extremely familiar with the place during your year!

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

(OP)
Thanks to everybody for the great advice. My list of places to go is growing longer by the day and I fully intend to see as much of the UK and any other countries I can make it to while I'm over there.

One more call for advice though. It seems like you can do most things by using the train, bus or walking to get around. The company has offered to lease a car (but that doesn't include a gas card) or offered a per diem to pay for public transportation. The apartment is within walking distance to the office so I'm not worried about how to get to work. I have no problems walking to get around on my time off when I can, but would it be better to get the car for when I want to explore the country? How easy is it to rent a car for the weekend once I get over there?

Again, thanks for all the advice so far.

Cheers,
Kat

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Didn't spend much time in Scotland itself but...

Unless it's improved massively in the last 4 years the public transport is a bit hit or miss in the UK.

For some things it's great for some awful.  If you plan on visiting historic sites outside of city/town centers a car may be almost essential.

In London the tube/underground is pretty good for getting around.  

The trouble with buses is it's not always easy to work out where you need to get off and the drivers are not always too helpful.  So not necessarily a good option for touristing.  Can be relatively expensive too.

Renting a car isn't too difficult but probably not quite as easy as US, more expensive too although it's been a while since I rented either place.  I'm not sure what the situation will be with your licence, I'm not sure if it's like the US where if you're there more than a certain amount of time you have to get a local licence.

KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

From memory renting a car at short notice is about 80-150 bucks a day (or more). If you book in advance for a reasonable amount of time it'll fall to about half that.

If you are there for a year buy a 5 year old ex company car for fun, and walk to the office.

Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

The train service has improved greatly over the last few years and public transport is usually very good in larger cities, rural locations are a different matter.

Most cities you have to pay to park and beware of wheel clampers, not sure if you have them in Houston but basically if you park illegally or do not feed the meter they clamp your car and release it for a large amount of money, I do seem to remember that the law is different in Scotland to England however.

 As for car hire most of the same companies operate in the UK as the USA, have a look on the web at Avis, Hertz etc. Train and bus tickets are much cheaper if pre-booked or you buy say a week or month long pass.

I would follow Greg’s advice and buy an old car when you get over and sell before you leave, probably the least expensive option.

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

I spoke with my colleague about getting a bank account and national insurance number.  To get the bank account they made an appointment with the Bank Manager and had to bring along the following documentation (1) passport (2) details of employment contract (3) payslip (4) proof of residence (5) proof that the company is registered in the UK for tax purposes.  They got the National Insurance Number from the local Job Centre (which is on either Crown Street or Dee Street, I can’t quite remember).

If you want to see the country side you really do need to get a car.  There are buses out to the towns and villages, but really nothing to any of the scenic areas.  They are painfully slow as well.  It takes two hours to get to Ballater on the Bus and you can drive it in 45min-1 hour.  The link below is to all the bus timetables

http://timetables.showbus.co.uk/nscot.htm

As the others have said hiring a car shouldn’t be too difficult (don’t forget your driving license).  You can also pick up a cheap run around for a few hundred quid at the car auction.

http://www.smag.co.uk/index.asp

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Kenat has got it pretty much right.

The train is pretty good for getting between the cities, but the buses vary and anything outside the city centre isn't great.

I read it that the company will be providing the car, you just pay for petrol (not gas here!) That's pretty good, petrol may be expensive but if you choose not to drive you're not paying anything.

Plus, site seeing is one thing, but when it gets dark in winter at 3.30 in the afternoon and you're standing at the bus stop in the sleet and snow waiting for a bus you might regret turing down the car.

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

In the UK the long distance buses are much cheaper than the trains.

In that part of Scotland, I would imagine public transport would be limited. Getting a car will also give you more options on where you can live.

Check out the parking situation at work though, parking can be very scarce in parts of the UK.

csd

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Aberdeen is pretty darn remote from most of the UK and the connecting roads, while well kept, aren't brilliant either (no motorway, lots of single carriageway so if you get stuck behind a lorry you're there for weeks, etc). You'll probably find it works best to a) walk to work, b) have a car for exploring the surrounding areas and c) take the train or fly to other parts of the UK when you are going exploring the country. You can always hire a car at the airport if you're ultimate destination isn't on public transport links.

I'd still take the lease car option though. Little things like picking up groceries at the supermarket can become major chores if your home isn't near a decent shop. But then again, if you don't get a parking space with your flat and you have to pay for parking (a problem with some city centres but I don't know about Aberdeen), its worth giving some thought to how often you will really use it.

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Quote (kchayfie):

if you don't get a parking space with your flat and you have to pay for parking

It does depend where the flat is, if its right in the city centre, like mine then all the on street parking is paid.  But as a resident you can get an exemption permit from the council.  Its about £40 a year.   
 
If the flat is a bit further out the on street parking might be free.  However, there is a limit and finding a parking space can be a nightmare.  

If you are in the suberbs areas, Dyce, Garthdee, Bridge of Don, or further afield you will have no bother getting a parkinng space.

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Dont expect a large car.

A large car in the UK is considered a medium car in the US, A medium car in the UK is a small car in the US, and a small car in the UK doesnt really exist in the US.

There is a good reason for this. Roads are narrow, gas is expensive, and the smaller the car the more places you can park it!

csd

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Is this trip really necessary?

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

(OP)
Thanks for the advice on the car situation. I think I am going to take the car, even if I only use it once in a while.

plasgears,
Not really sure what you mean. But I am going as part of a young engineers exchange program with the company. This is the trial run to see how it works, and if it goes well the program will become a regular program within the company. Is it truly necessary? No, I don't have to go, but it is a great opportunity and I'm willing to put up with some hassles for the experience I will gain.

Cheers,
Kat

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Kat,

Ignore the naysayers. It will be a bit of work but it is definately worth it. I am living in my third country (and my 4th city) since I started working 10 years ago.

You cannot understand another culture until you have lived there for a year or so. You may not want to leave!

Make sure you take full advantage of your time there.

csd

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Scotland is great.
Get a car, learn to drive on the left. Go places, explore the mountains, the whisky distilleries, take a picture of Nessie, hit the pub once a week...
Just one thing, the first time you try haggis, for gods sake have it in a good restaurant, never try canned haggis smile

"Is this trip really necessary?" heh heh... was Columbu's trip across the pond really necessary? big smile

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

"Get a car, learn to drive on the left."

Learn to drive a manual too if you can't already.  Learning both at the same time in a strange car would be tricky.

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

I guess it's easier to learn that from scratch than to learn it when you're used to a left-hand driven manual. Half of the time I open the window instead of shifting gears in the UK. big smile

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Oh dear lord, are the pedals reversed as well?  Learning to drive on the left side of the road would be rough.  Learning to drive stick on the left side of the road would be worse.  Hitting the gas when you want brake or clutch, well, that's just not fair.

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Pedals have the same layout.

cheers

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Kind of on topic.. but a bit off I suppose... How to Scottish people feel about Americans?  I have had some bad experiences in Europe because I am an American.

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

sbozy25,

The Scots love Americans - usually grilled with a little mustard.......

Cheers


Harry

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Americans usually get a warm welcome over in the UK. The only reason I can think of why they wouldn't get a warm welcome is that they behave like the stereotyped loud, brash, dumb American, usually found alongside the equally stereotyped posh, stiff-upper-lip, frightfully respectable Englishman. Both exist; thankfully both are rare. Most of the American guys who I've worked with have been great, both at work and socially.
 

----------------------------------
  Sometimes I only open my mouth to swap feet...

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

I agree with Scotty. And to add to that, American tourists are more likely to get a hard time than Americans living there and becoming part of the community. So you're not likely to have a problem. Adding in the fact that Aberdeen is already full of foreigners...

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Yeah, leave the loud hawian shirts, smart shorts and "God bless the USA" shirt/hat/pin etc. at home and you'll be fine.

Once you've been there a little while and start to adapt to the slight differences in culture you should be fine.

Oh yeah.  Football in America is not football anywhere else, including Scotland.

Football in the rest of the world is of course Soccer in the US.

Closest thing to American Football are games like Rugby, Aussie rules, Gaelic football etc.  The most important thing to note as that being far more rugged than American footballers the participants in these sports don’t wear helmets and shoulder pads etc.smile

KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

As long as you take note of the cultural differences and dont expect it to be like the US then you will be accepted.

A few specific notes:

1. In the UK they will always form a line for anything (including fish and chips).
2. Brits are not as loud as Americans so try to make sure that you are not the loudest one in the room.
3. politeness is very important.
4. If someone flashes their lights at you on the road, it usually means that they are giving way to you.
5. Use your indicators always!

csd

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Ooh good one.  

On multlane highways (dual carriage ways and motorways) keep to the left unless overtaking or getting over to let someone merge or the like.

It's not like in the US where the lanes are just a free for all.  Everyone keeps left except as above.

KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

This is interesting from a US point of view.

csd72, - all your five items are pretty common to me in the US except for 2 - there ARE loud Americans.  Most people here respect lines - though there will be some always who try to cheat.  4 is different - here it usually means there is a speed trap ahead so beware.

KENAT - the unwritten rule in the US is to keep right if you are slower.  Not all do it but many do.

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

JAE,
yes to a certain extent, but all these items are exagerated in the UK.

As per item 5. I have heard that Americans that use their indicators do exist but I usually dont see many of them on the roads.

csd

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

JAE, I actually live in the US now, I know in theory slower traffic should keep right but it doesn't happen that often around here (central/southern CA).

In fact passengers used to get upset with me for always moving over after I'd passed someone.

KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

"the unwritten rule in the US is to keep right if you are slower"

Actually it's often a written rule.  So is the rule to use your turn signals.  Doesn't mean anyone pays attention to it.  I see people tootling along in the left lane just below the speed limit, driving merrily past the "left lane for passing only" signs, while everyone else passes them on the right.  And the governing mentality for turn signals seems to be that if you use your turn signal you are giving your strategy away to the enemy.

Regarding point #1, yes, Americans respect lines when they see them, but there are plenty of situations where they won't actually form a line but will just kind of cluster around and vaguely keep track of who was there first.  A lunch or ice cream truck, logistically similar to a fish & chips stand, is a good example of this.  Sometimes I see people in a line, but often they'll just form a little semicircle around the service window, and the circle will get a couple layers deep.

Hg

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RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Quote:


1. In the UK they will always form a line for anything (including fish and chips).
Been watching too much hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy?

except its called queue'ing.

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Actually, not much queuing  in pubs. If you meekly wait your turn to get served you will have a dry throat.

oh, one other thing you'll learn to live with is a complete absence of (pretended) personal interest by the checkout chicks and other service employees.

Cheers

Greg Locock

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RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

They may not queue in line at a bar but a lot of the time people are pretty courteous, unless it's really busy.  This is more true of real pubs than trendy bars or clubs, there it is each for his own all the time from what I recall.

Quote:

oh, one other thing you'll learn to live with is a complete absence of (pretended) personal interest by the checkout chicks and other service employees.

So true, the odd exception but fairly rare.  You also won't have everyone wishing you 'have a nice day'.  I've come to realize a lot of people this side of the pond actually mean it but as a brit when you first hear it it normally sounds pretty fake/insincere.  And I don't ever recall hearing someone say 'happy holidays' either.

KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

schnipp,

I lived in the UK for a number of years, and yes I do speak the Queens English also (albeit with an Australian Accent) but the majority of americans will not be familiar with the word queue so I thought it better to put it in terms everyone understands (this is something you learn to do when you live overseas).

It may be an exaggeration, but the brits do queue up a lot more than most western countries.

csd

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Yeah, a "line" is one of those things those stockbrokers do as part of a night out.  We are the masters of queueing, let us give it it's rightful name!

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

My advice:

Don't mistake a Scotsman for and Englishman.

They hate that. The Scots are not big fans of the English, mostly stemming from hundreds of years of war. You would think that things were not like that anymore but there is still a deep hatred in some people. And Scotland is it's own county and most Scots see it that way.

Read my post under "Keeping my mouth shut" and you will see what not to do.

This will vary all over the county but this would be a general rule of thumb to keep in mind, especially in a bar.

Everyone else seems to have filled you in on everything else.

Enjoy Aberdeen and the rest of Scotland it is a beautiful place.

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Scots are Scots.

Welsh are Welsh.

Irish are Irish, unless they're unionists in which case they may prefer British.

English are British.

Is it clear now?

KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

Just to make it confusing they all live in the British Isles.

And the Prince of Wales is actally an Englishman!

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

No he's not he's German (kind of).

Beware of locals only pubs.  There were pubs in my own town I wouldn't have gone to because they had a reputation for being a bit rough and a locals only kind of place (local as in that neighborhood).  If you go into one of these you're asking for trouble, kind of like biker bars etc over hear in the US.

I think when you hear stories of US citizens getting in trouble in bars etc, a lot of its because they went to this kind of place which has many unwritten rules.

In small town/countryside shouldn't be much of an issue but in larger towns and cities be careful.

That said don't avoid pubs, they're pretty much an esential part of the British experience.

KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?



Kat,

You still thinking of coming??????????


Cheers


Harry

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

And learn that French are only worthy of playing a role in the jokes.

Ciao.

RE: First Trip Across the Pond - Any Advice?

(OP)
Harry,

No worries, I'm still making the trip.


All,

Thanks for the great advice. It's good to know both the good and the bad before being thrown into the mix.

Cheers,
Kat

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