Englishman in Mobile (moving, live)

[albion]

My home village nestles in the south downs just a few miles from the english channel. The heart of the village is the old norman church and the pub, they stand next to each other. When the church service is finished most people go for a drink. It's difficult to explain to non-brits what a public house really is, it's where the people meet to discuss things.

For example the pub has a golf society, a yacht club, it's also where parish council meetings are held. But it's claim to fame are the tunnels under the pub that were used by smugglers, I should of pointed out the pub was built in 1441. The climate is pretty good we have palm tress growing in some of the villagers gardens, that's because the golf stream moves along the south coast of England

There are no counties in England that are dry Keeper.

[cobolt]

Originally Posted by albion

My home village nestles in the south downs just a few miles from the english channel. The heart of the village is the old norman church and the pub, they stand next to each other. When the church service is finished most people go for a drink. It's difficult to explain to non-brits what a public house really is, it's where the people meet to discuss things.

For example the pub has a golf society, a yacht club, it's also where parish council meetings are held. But it's claim to fame are the tunnels under the pub that were used by smugglers, I should of pointed out the pub was built in 1441. The climate is pretty good we have palm tress growing in some of the villagers gardens, that's because the golf stream moves along the south coast of England

There are no counties in England that are dry Keeper.

You are correct. I don't think many non-brits or even non-Euros understand the concept. When I was in Europe, it seemed to me that pubs and even watering holes were more about socializing and gathering as a community. Here in the states, we have clubs and bars, which are usually associated with "tieing one on" or picking up your evening entertainment (if you get my drift). It's more an outing rather than a way of life. Which is not to say that drinking is a way of life in Britain or Europe, but rather a part of life, and these estabilshments are a part of the community and don't carry the stigma. I know I'm not describing this as best as I could, but I "get" what you're saying. I work in the defense/aerospace industry and am looking at a possible relocation to Huntsville. That being said, having lived in the South before, I sort of know what to expect.

[oscottscotto]

Yes, community spirit lacks in America (in general) - drinking or not.

However, don't be deceived by public opinion or "Hollywood" Alabama. It's not a bad place at all, at least on the Gulf Coast . In fact, depending on where you will be staying in Mobile, you just might enjoy it. And if you meet any religios extremists, just remember that is probably 1% of the population (and I would expect that to be the case anywhere).

[albion]

Yes you do indeed get it cobolt,and more people are sticking to their local pub these days, with fuel at over 10 dollars a gallon, folk don't take their cars out much if they can help it. I'm looking forward to that cheap gas in the US.

[cobolt]

Originally Posted by oscottscotto

Yes, community spirit lacks in America (in general) - drinking or not.

However, don't be deceived by public opinion or "Hollywood" Alabama. It's not a bad place at all, at least on the Gulf Coast . In fact, depending on where you will be staying in Mobile, you just might enjoy it. And if you meet any religios extremists, just remember that is probably 1% of the population (and I would expect that to be the case anywhere).

I agree. Being a Chicago native, I had a certain stereotype in mind about the South, but having lived there for many years, I saw the light.

[cobolt]

Originally Posted by albion

Yes you do indeed get it cobolt,and more people are sticking to their local pub these days, with fuel at over 10 dollars a gallon, folk don't take their cars out much if they can help it. I'm looking forward to that cheap gas in the US.

Yes, enjoy our cheap gas for us.

[oscottscotto]

Originally Posted by albion

Yes you do indeed get it cobolt,and more people are sticking to their local pub these days, with fuel at over 10 dollars a gallon, folk don't take their cars out much if they can help it. I'm looking forward to that cheap gas in the US.

Watch a little TV while you are over here and you would think that our gas is $20 a gallon with violent riots about to happen everywhere soon lol.

In actuality though, gas here in the states now averages about $4 a gallon and TV claims these extremely high gas prices are crippling our economy - which will in turn cause the world to colapse, ensuing in complete chaos .

[tonrob]

Originally Posted by albion

Yes you do indeed get it cobolt,and more people are sticking to their local pub these days, with fuel at over 10 dollars a gallon, folk don't take their cars out much if they can help it. I'm looking forward to that cheap gas in the US.

Don't get too excited - most people drive longer distances in cars that have much lower fuel economy than their European counterparts. There are some good deals to be had on gas-guzzlers right now but the relatively low number of more economic models are in demand so deals not so easy to come by.

When I moved to the U.S. from the UK I found I didn't save at all.

[albion]

What part of the UK are you from Tonrob?

[cobolt]

Originally Posted by tonrob

Don't get too excited - most people drive longer distances in cars that have much lower fuel economy than their European counterparts. There are some good deals to be had on gas-guzzlers right now but the relatively low number of more economic models are in demand so deals not so easy to come by.

When I moved to the U.S. from the UK I found I didn't save at all.

Yep. My Canadian friends say the same thing: "You guys are still driving those gas guzzlers?" and so on.

Watch the tele too much and you'll be hunkering down in your bunker because the world is ending.