About cdorsey

Status:

Repatriate 

Gender:

Male

Currently Lives:

Citizen Of:

United States

Some Forum Posts:

Scotland: How safe is it in Scotland?:

My family and I spent 4 years there and it is a very safe place and beautiful and interesting. We lived in Banchory; just out of Aberdeen and it is a very good base for touring the north and both coasts. We could always walk about at night with no trouble and children were safe. There are several castles to see within a 20 mile radius of Banchory.

Scotland: Holiday Events & Expat Gatherings in Scotland:

Hogmanay is THE big holiday in Scotland. It is a New Years celebration and lasts 2-3 days. Christmas is the big holiday in England; but Hogmanay is it for Scotland. Any local can acquaint you with a visiting ritual known as "First Footing." Do not even try to keep up with the New Years toasts. The people are very friendly and welcoming. We throughly enjoyed Braemar's Highland Gathering. We lived in banchory; which was about 30-35 miles away. The Queen and other Royals are in attendance . for some of the festivities.

Scotland: Info on Aberdeen...:

There are several questions you need answered. Are you married? Do you want a similar atmosphere for your kids? Arab countries are EXTREMELY different. I have worked in Tunisia,Iran, and Dubai and I would not take my family there. Europe would be far better for you. We sent 4 years 16 miles west of Aberdeen, Scotland and would move back tomorrow. Aberdeen is like any other big city. Please note thAT i AM A MARRIED GUY AND MY EXPECTATIONS MAY BE VASTLY DIFFERENT THAN YOURS; BUT REMEMBER aBERDEEN IS A NICE PLACE.

Scotland: Moving to Scotland:

We are a family of 3 and lived in Banchory,Scotland for a total of 4 years. We had 2 hitches of 2 years each. The first hitch we had a school age son and he much preferred the American School. Our company provided tuition and most companies do the same. We went back for the second time 11 years later and the people remembered us and we have friendships today with these people. Do not take your electrical appliances as they have different electricity and you can buy whatever you need. I would especially reccommend buying an American-sized icebox and deepfreezer as theirs are very small. The people were always very friendly. Americans too often make a fatal mistake---they expect everything to be like the States and it is not. You have to remember you came there for the adventure and change. relish and enjoy it. The countryside is beautiful and filled with places to see and go and enjoy. The health system is socialized and at first it is confusing; but you just have to learn how to operate. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES act like an arrogant Know Everything American. Revel in the new experiences and enjoy. It will be a joy to learn how to shop in small villages and how to use their public transport. My wife and I would move back quick if the opportunity arose. We made friends that we stay in touch with today. A final thought: You will actually learn to enjoy the benefits of walking. The countryside is so varied and beautiful and completely safe that you will enjoy walking.

Date Joined:

1/13/2013

Total Posts:

5

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