~Off Topic Thread~

[no name 1]

yes - it's being freelance that's keeping me here for so long but I can't afford to burn any bridges, it's a small industry

Our plan is to move somewhere cheap get ourselves set up with jobs and all, and then once we know the city and have a better idea of what we can afford, look for somewhere more permanent. We are only going to be renting anyway, so no big deal. I do think it would be amazing to live near the sea though.

oh and did i mention - no - i don't know how to drive yet , commuting by car can't be worse than smelly packed tubes, surely?

oh man, you have *NO* idea....my hubby won't even drive here, he's that terrified. I'd say the worst drivers in the US.

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

I'd learn how to drive as a matter of priority!

There are people I know who don't, but they live pretty close to work. I did used to have a colleague who commuted by bus - it can be done and the bus is actually better than you might think but not as good as what you are used to in London. Hubs actually takes the bus or rides his bike, but we lived close by his office.

I'd say commuting by car is generally better (although if you get a seat on the tube you can read ) but sometimes you get things like a mudslide on the 405 like we did last week which can make it pretty unbearable. Actually I think I could either way on which is worse.

oh man, you have *NO* idea....my hubby won't even drive here, he's that terrified. I'd say the worst drivers in the US.

I concur, although Florida drivers do provide stiff competition

[VisaJourneyLady 33]

I'd say commuting by car is generally better (although if you get a seat on the tube you can read ) but sometimes you get things like a mudslide on the 405 like we did last week which can make it pretty unbearable. Actually I think I could either way on which is worse.

oh man, you have *NO* idea....my hubby won't even drive here, he's that terrified. I'd say the worst drivers in the US.

I concur, although Florida drivers do provide stiff competition

my OH learned to drive in Miami, so I better get someone else to teach me

I fully plan to learn, I've just never needed to drive before, and it seems counterproductive to learn here (and expensive and frankly more scary) and then have to relearn there. So we're making sure that we have enough dosh so I don't have to start earning money the second I get there - to give me time to get my LA legs

[no name 1]

I'd learn how to drive as a matter of priority!

There are people I know who don't, but they live pretty close to work. I did used to have a colleague who commuted by bus - it can be done and the bus is actually better than you might think but not as good as what you are used to in London. Hubs actually takes the bus or rides his bike, but we lived close by his office.

J rides his bike every day to work. He can drive, he just hates our car & LA traffic.

[greeneyedgirlfl 0]

I'd say commuting by car is generally better (although if you get a seat on the tube you can read ) but sometimes you get things like a mudslide on the 405 like we did last week which can make it pretty unbearable. Actually I think I could either way on which is worse.

oh man, you have *NO* idea....my hubby won't even drive here, he's that terrified. I'd say the worst drivers in the US.

I concur, although Florida drivers do provide stiff competition

my OH learned to drive in Miami, so I better get someone else to teach me

I fully plan to learn, I've just never needed to drive before, and it seems counterproductive to learn here (and expensive and frankly more scary) and then have to relearn there. So we're making sure that we have enough dosh so I don't have to start earning money the second I get there - to give me time to get my LA legs

Miami drivers are the absolute WORST in FL...I don't drive there unless I absolutely have to...in Orlando, you just have to watch out for the tourists who have no idea where they are ("Honey, that's our exit...let's cut over three lanes of traffic so we won't miss it....")

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

Miami drivers are the absolute WORST in FL...I don't drive there unless I absolutely have to...in Orlando, you just have to watch out for the tourists who have no idea where they are ("Honey, that's our exit...let's cut over three lanes of traffic so we won't miss it....")

My life flashed before my eyes at least 3 times the last when I was last in Miami.

Those who swerve across several lanes are one of my biggest pet peeves (and very common in CA) people, you need to plan ahead!

[no name 1]

Those who swerve across several lanes are one of my biggest pet peeves (and very common in CA) people, you need to plan ahead!

They give me a heart attack every time, too!

[Jeraly 4]

Those who swerve across several lanes are one of my biggest pet peeves (and very common in CA) people, you need to plan ahead!

OMG - those are the people that make me freak about learning to drive in the US... combined with passing on both sides

I feel left out now - we'll be about 90 minutes east of LA

[weedebz 0]

Those who swerve across several lanes are one of my biggest pet peeves (and very common in CA) people, you need to plan ahead!

OMG - those are the people that make me freak about learning to drive in the US... combined with passing on both sides

I feel left out now - we'll be about 90 minutes east of LA

What are drivers like in NE? The whole otherside of the road thing doesn't bother me too much...I've driven in Norway, Sweden, France and Germany. Even managed to navigate a few roundabouts going anti-clockwise...now that was strange!!!!

By tomorrow night (all going to plan) I'll be in Nebraska. Damnit I'm addicted to VJ....must get back to packing, starting to when the battle and things might just fit although may need someone to come sit on my cases whilst I zip

[VisaJourneyLady 33]

WHoooo hooo for Debz, so close, you can taste it!!!

[Mark&Steph 0]

I'd learn how to drive as a matter of priority!

There are people I know who don't, but they live pretty close to work. I did used to have a colleague who commuted by bus - it can be done and the bus is actually better than you might think but not as good as what you are used to in London. Hubs actually takes the bus or rides his bike, but we lived close by his office.

I'd say commuting by car is generally better (although if you get a seat on the tube you can read ) but sometimes you get things like a mudslide on the 405 like we did last week which can make it pretty unbearable. Actually I think I could either way on which is worse.

oh man, you have *NO* idea....my hubby won't even drive here, he's that terrified. I'd say the worst drivers in the US.

I concur, although Florida drivers do provide stiff competition

I'm learning to drive right now, and there are definitely some bad drivers in Florida. Most of them seem to be the snowbirds though

But yes, unless you're moving to somewhere with great public transport (by great, I actually mean comparable to the UK) then driving is a must. I missed out on a job due to not having a license... And the job didn't even require driving

[Ban Hammer 13,342]

g'morning everyone.

[Toshtishtash 1]

Afternoon

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

Robin & I can offer advice on LA LA if you need it!

Thanks guys! I'll need it. I am totally addicted to westsiderentals.com right now.

My personal recommendations are Venice, Santa Monica, Culver City, West Hollywood, Los Feliz and Silver Lake. They are all nice and have their advantages.

How funny! West Hollywood, Loz Feliz and Silver Lake are the top three on our list right now. My best friend from high school lives in Los Feliz and he is hell bent on having us move next door to him (or close enough).

[Toshtishtash 1]

I'm really looking forward to learning how to drive over there... I have actually held off on taking my test over here for that reason. (Don't want to confuse myself )

I will be staying away from the beltway around Washington DC though. That scares me