Interesting story about incomers from Europe.

[floridapete]

See: http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060806/NEWS/608060316/1178

How do you all find the 'locals' accepting you in Florida ?

Do you get involved with the local community, with local business groups, interest and charity groups ? Do the locals welcome you into their groups and into their homes - or do they keep you at a distance because they are Americans and you are not ?

This family, the only Italians, it seems, in Lakeland seem to be warmly welcomed. But maybe that comes from working for a large company with the friendships amongst staff and the business contacts amongst local business people that that brings with it ?

If you are a self-owned small business, maybe Mom 'n Pop E2ers with very busy days, how do you 'get involved' and integrate with the local community ? Or do you ??

[Susie]

Hi Peter

Good posting and an even better subject

When my husband moved to Florida in 1998 he soon found out that unless he got involved in the community and out and about he could end up being lonely and isolated.

This was a surprise as when tourists we had always felt very welcome but a different side of the coin when he actually moved here.

Instead of a welcoming reception it was in fact quite hostile. Being in the short term rental market in the UK quite a few companies assumed he would be a threat in someway to their business instead of thinking they would gain from Ian's move to the USA

We as a couple have always been givers not takers and have given hours of our spare time in the UK to help others so it came as no surprise to me that Ian joined the home owners assn., and was on the ARB for 8 years and in addition for the past 3 and half years was also president of our HOA.

However on the up side, I would say it took a year for Ian to become accepted, welcomed and has since made many true friends including USC's

So when you first move to the US do not expect for friends to come knocking on your door, you have to make the first move and would suggest starting by having a house warming party and invite all the neighbours. If you have children at school try to get involved as much as possible.

[Kriz1]

We had no trouble making friends in MA...for the first 3 years we were never in...our son played ice hockey in the UK..so join the local team here in the first few days of landing...and that was it...we also have a small HOA here that welcomes you...we have parties and such...its quieter now ..we mostly see people from hubbys work..I would think it would be harder to make friends if you are older with no kids...
We know most of the locals where we have a place in FL...they have street parties etc..we know more Brits in FL...we have no Brit friends in MA..I'm glad it was all go when we first got here...or I think I would of gone home....I had a group of friends in the UK who I'd known for years...we were never in...so going from that to quiet would of been a nightmare....but now I like the quiet...if I need a chat I just take a walk and I'll be out talking to neighbours for a few hours....

Staying at home here is nothing like being a stay at home mum in the UK...everyone mum kids dad work long hours in the USA....or in our part of it they do....no-one has time here for anything but work and home...we know nearly everyone for miles living in a small town...but none of us seems to have time to stop for anything more than a hi most of the time....America is not a place I'd like to start my family in....

[InnVic]

Our experience is very different to those I'm reading about here. We were made welcome from day one. The previous owners of the business took us round and introduced us to loads of people. The local CoC have mixers every month and we've made great friends here. In 16 months we probably know 50% of people in town. We walk to the post office and it takes an hour....even though its only ten minutes walk. We're being stopped to chat and wave all the way! But this is a small Vermont village. The life is hard here - almost a frontier spirit still persists. Folk all pull together to help, if we're doing any lifting or moving then someone will always come and offer to assist.....I can't remember that happening in the UK. When the bombs went off in London last year we received 8 or 9 phone calls from people, some we hardly knew, who were moved to call and check that our friends and family were unhurt...then people started to visit, with cookies and flowers and note cards and it was then that we truely felt we had been accepted and this is where we belong. Of course its not all take. We joined the local CoC day one and I'm now a director, we are on the committe for the Christmas festival and can be relied upon to help with most events - our own work permitting.

[chris]

I'd go along with InnVic. We joined the CoC 2 years ago and we know more people, may of whom we now call friends. For my sins I am Chair of local Area Council (mini Chamber) for 2007 and am VC this year. It has done nothing but good for us and for our business. As parents of a 7 and 10 year old, they help you integrate. I would say that it can be a little more difficult if you don't have kids, but then again, when you don't have to worry about baby sitters, enjoying the social life can be more plentiful.
We live in Osceola County and we had an office in Polk County for awhile. It can come over as hicksville at times and you run into 'the locals relationships and you're an outsider' but by and large its been positve for us.

[Kriz1]

We have never been outsiders here...most of the people around us had parents from Ireland or England...if anything people from other parts of the US find they are more the outsiders...if you are Irish or English here you belong...I don't think its so much fitting in...its the American life style...work work more work and then home...one of my friends ran a daycare...I spend a few years around her house having coffee afternoons...which she loved...she is from Italy...and grow up in Boston...mothers stayed home to rise their kids where she grow up...and she found a big change moving to the Cape...where people are really poor in a lot of cases..and have to work two job each....just to afford one motel room to live in....my eyes have been opened wide to the American way of life...and its nothing like the TV its hard full of long hours at work with no free money and no holidays....when we move here from the UK we have it lucky...most of us never see real America....which is far from pretty....

[Sharon]

Hi

I must admit making friends was difficult for us at first.

The business we purchased required we work from 5pm till 2 am. So I looked after the kids whilst husband worked 5 nights a week. He came home from work and slept till just after lunch. The children got home from school at around 2pm and husband had to leave for work at 4.30pm.

We did meet and make a lot of friends through the business but took about 8 months to feel more at ease.

[mark]

Hi

I moved to the US when I was 24 years old and unmarried to help my dad. All I brought with me was one suitcase and my golf clubs.

It was not long before I had golfing buddies, in a bowling league, darts league, pool team and just bought a jet ski.

Shame works gets in the way of me playing and hanging out with my friends but the icing on the cake is I married a true sweetheart in May this year

[Susie]

Hi Simon

That is only one part of my story.

If you have not had a change to do so. Do a search of Susie's story

Think you will be amazed

[paulbweb]

I think it depends on where you live. I came out here to visit my brother and ended up meeting my wife. My friends in SF were mostly from the Irish pub I used to drink at and play football for. My wife is from SF, so she had plenty of friends, but it was hard for me at first because they had a hard time understanding me and my British humour. I almost felt like a novelty being paraded around with the adorable accent, an entertainment piece more than anything. At first living in Vegas it was hard to meet people because it is such a transient town. However its the same for everybody including Americans. Most people who live here are from somewhere else. My wife would meet people at work, we would go with them and then they would move away, sometimes without a goodbye or anything. Its got better though and we have made a few friends and so it seems to be the longer you are here the easier it gets. I found watching and having a basic understanding of American sports helps amongst the guys and is a good way to get accepted.

[DavidL]

Depends what you want out of living here! We're happy to do our own thing. We have made some good friends with fellow brits, Puerto Rican's, Mexicans and American's. I don't go out of my way to fit in with anyone. I take people as they are and hopefully they reciprocate.

[Grumpy]

Hi

You have to get involved. Take part in the schools activities, church, and volenteer and help out with chartitable events

You only get out of life what you are prepared to put into it.

[Emmalee25]

ive been finding it hard so far, but i think its our current situation that is dictating that. In the Uk i had lots of friends and a great social life,
here in the USA i have a 2 year old, who isnt in daycare (as we are on VWP STILL) and i am staying with my mum, as and when we are here in the usa.....ahhhh bless!
I am overseeing business, meeting with my va and trying to ensue my biz plan. I have many acquaintences (sp?) and have some great conversations with customers in the store, they are mostly horrified to hear of our immigration nightmare and would welcome us here with open arms.
I have a few girls that i would call friends, but one of those is English....lol
I know that once we have E2...if we get E2....i will settle more and make friends, once my son turns 3 it will be different too as he can start Karate and little league etc........
Im sure it will change in the near future for us.
Em x

[ChrisG]

My family and I could not have fitted in or been welcomed any better than we have. AND I say that even though we are still not in the US long term yet.
We have a house in Lakeland and before we even completed on the property we had a number of emails from neighbours (sorry neighbors) introducing themselves to us and inviting us out for lunch. Since we completed last September we have spent about 5 months in the US and could not have wished for more, we were invited to a Thanksgiving Meal out in the woods in Orlando by a couple we had never met (Great Fun), we were also invited to a Christmas Eve party (in orlando) again by somebody we did not know.
(These Orlando contacts actually came about from some friends of ours in the UK who had friends in Orlando who wanted to meet us and then introduced us to other people via their Church in Orlando. And yes when in the US we will travel the 60+ miles to church in Orlando once a month)
We have been out for a number of meals with neighbors, we participate in the local social events for both adults and children, have been introduced to Baseball and we get that many emails from new American friends (locals and snowbirds) who can not believe our situation asking when we will be back.
All really wonderful, but actually makes us homesick for Florida, in fact we probably have more friends in the US than we do in the UK and we even met up with some who were visiting the UK the other week.

[Emmalee25]

Pete,
legally I am allowed to be here to oversee the running of my business, hold meetings, hire and fire, make changes, order stock and attend events and trade shows.....this takes up approx 44hours per week...i am in no way illegal, i am not drawing any money from the business nor am i running the store! I have to show the embassy why i am in the USA on Vwp while my E2 is going thru, I have to show them appointments etc.......running/owning a business is a full time 'job' some of which i can do from the UK and some of which i cant!
I was not being careless, just showing how hard it is to get thru the E2 process
Emma x

[InnVic]

Pete,
legally I am allowed to be here to oversee the running of my business, hold meetings, hire and fire, make changes, order stock and attend events and trade shows.....this takes up approx 44hours per week...i am in no way illegal, i am not drawing any money from the business nor am i running the store! I have to show the embassy why i am in the USA on Vwp while my E2 is going thru, I have to show them appointments etc.......running/owning a business is a full time 'job' some of which i can do from the UK and some of which i cant!
I was not being careless, just showing how hard it is to get thru the E2 process
Emma x

with due respect Pete does have a point. From YOUR perspective everything is hunky dory and above board....but the way some of your explanations read, its almost understandable that if the Embassy in London were aware of this situation it could justify that they ask you for interview for further explanation. I have said before, you do not know if big brother is watching us or not....you could just shoot yourself in the foot if your not a little more discreet.

[ChrisG]

Em, just out of interest - the last time you entered the US on VWP did they stamp your passport as WT or WB?
At least if it is WB then they have recognised you are there for 90 days as business not tourist.
I also know of people doing similar to you who have been told by HomeLand Security that they will not be allowed in anymore under VWP to oversee the business without a visa, they actually suggested a B2 but of course you can't apply for one of them with an E2 in anyway. Who knows what they put on your file, I would hate you to eventually get your visa and then be denied entry back into the US for whatever reason.

[Bobby]

If you have children at school try to get involved as much as possible.



I tried this when we first arrived. ............It didn't really work.

They kept saying to me, "look mister, you're 38. You can't keep coming into the classroom and painting pictures all day. You haven't even got a school bag! Just go home, you're weirding us out!"


:D

[mark]

Hi Bobby

Yeh me too !


I think it had something to do with looking at the mirror attached to my foot

[Emmalee25]

ChrisG,
its stamped WT.......They never asked why we were here, when we had last been here or how long we were staying...they didnt seem to give a sh*t tbh.
I never lied, never would. Im fed up of being frightened to say the wrong thing or do the wrong thing, there needs to be 'rules' set in stone, no gray areas, just black and white, what you can or cannot do!
Em x

[ChrisG]

Em
With you all the way there.
I know what it is like having to think carefully about what you say etc etc.
Mind you it was a bit different for me last time as I nearly wasn't allowed in the country due to my E2 visa status. They did not believe I would be in the US for 10 weeks without having anything to do with my business. Actually I did not. I was too scared to go anywhere near, not just at being caught out by a spot check but even to what would have happened if I was caught speeding (which of course I don't) or had an accident etc and then comments got put on files etc etc.
Just to add insult to injury I heard of an applicant in Australia who was given an interview 3 days after submitting the application and got the visa back within 2 weeks.
Spain are taking 6-8 weeks and then fax to confirm interview I also know spain will fax for further info when they are going through the app and NOT put it to the bottom of the pile.
Oh and Paris has a pdf file showing the status of all current E visa applications so at least you know where you are.

[Emmalee25]

So its just England thats being shafted then ChrisG????
sounds about right, it seems to be the case more often than not....oh and by the way a speeding ticket doesnt harm you application......ahem x
em x

[ChrisG]

Tut Tut,
Speeding Ticket eh?

No I did not mean it would harm the app, thinking more along the line of being caught in the area of my business when I said I would be nowhere near. You never know what Big Bro is doing.

[Emmalee25]

So, who said we cant go anywhere near???? ive been told that you can oversee, how the heck can they expect you to go nowhere near your own business, I mean even if i dont get the E2 its still mine, its my money that bought it, my name on all the paperwork, me thats responsible for it etc etc etc.................
..............Its mad i tell you.....MAD!
Think i may have a beer and contemplate the whole thing!
are we allowed to drink while applying for an E2??????? or do you think that may be a nono too :notworthy:
Em x

[victoria]

whilst of course we never know what is being watched I find it hard to believe that people seriously think the Embassy has time to follow forums such as this.

And if people here really do - why are people generally so rude about Embassy employees & the system given I'm sure this isn't something that people would say face to face?

[Emmalee25]

Victoria,
i was laid in bed thinking about the same thing last night, I am sure the CIA, FBI and other organisation are far too busy fighting Bush's war against terror to be bothered with us, AND if there is a jumped up civil servant somewhere (can say that as my hubby was one, not jumped up tho, may i add) being paid to surf the web and keep a beady eye on us, then that in itself raises more questions, ie/ why the hell arent they working on files, why arent they putting this extra man power into weeding out illegals???? I really think they would have trouble in denying a visa based on the fact that i once wrote something on a forum, if indeed it was me who wrote it and not someone pretending to be me to get me into trouble etc etc etc.
This isnt Big brother and there most certainly is NOT a 70k cash prize unfortunately.
If we are going to try and achieve something from this forum then we all need the ability to speak our mind, say what we are going thru, how it is affecting us etc etc, if we all sit on here tight lipped and happy as sand boys (who are these sand boys btw???) then how are we to prove the system sucks and we are being treated like 2nd class citizens??????
Ok, i feel better now thats out.
Em x x x

[InnVic]

it is incredibly naive to think that anything you write in the public domain (i.e on thsi forum) will not be read or have no consequence. What if someone in the Embassy stumbles across this forum by accident...what if they find that someone with a certain business, who's application was submitted on (given) date, and they live in so and so area of orlando and they come from Lees, or manchester or wherever..how hard do you think it would be to put two and two together and figure out just who it is thats bad mouthing them? How do you know I don't work for the US government..or Bobby or Grumpy? Maybe its far fetched but are you prepared to risk your visa on the off chance?

[Emmalee25]

Innvic,
to tell you the honest truth....yes, im fed up of the whole visa thing now and am quite happy to go back home if thats the case, im also quite happy to not set foot back in the usa if, after im denied that is also the case.
As you can probably tell the whole issue is depressing me and causing me stress beyond belief. What will be will be and thats all i can say on the matter really.
thanks
Em x

[Grumpy]

Hi Inn Vic

I have read, re read and read again as much as I possiblely can and done nothing to be afraid of. Now I do not worry myself anymore, whats to be will be all I do is make use the 1st amendment

Either my renewal will go through or not, its out of my hands, employed a very expensive lawyer (in the top 100 ) so can only wait.

I really hope the US government do get to see this site then maybe they realise just how poorly run their offices are. Their call centre is a joke ! Takes up to an hour hanging on the phone and the staff that answer you are just clerks. They can only read whats on the #online status# on the net. If you are lucky they may transfer the call to an immigration officer and your kept waiting another half hour or so. Even the immigration officer cannot look into your case

Too many applications, not enough staff would be a good area to improve which is just the tip of the iceberg. Get rid of the call centre and set up an
e-mail system for questions this way the uscis could afford to employ more immigration officers to get cases approved or denied without applicant having to wait up to a year or more. Just think of the saving the uscis would make on telephone calls. I think the call center get 50,000+ a day!

I would agree though that if anyone is on the forum and illegal then they best not come right out and say it cause that would not only be naive but stupid.
This site is not about help illegals so hopefully none would join

[victoria]

Somehow I just can't see a sting operation being centred around expat's voice...

[Emmalee25]

LOL victoria........You never know, we could all be put on the next plane out of here.
em x

[InnVic]

Somehow I just can't see a sting operation being centred around expat's voice...


maybe not - but are you prepared to risk it? Just say anothe member or lurker reads this forum and goes along for interview and gets denied. What if they comment that they appear to know people who say, work whilst on VWP. What if the visa officer asks who? If you have given information that can identify yourself and application you could jeopardise it. I stress "could" It just suprises me that you give so much personal identifying data away whilst being daming of the people that hold your fate in their hands.

[Emmalee25]

ok,
final question from me then, why are we on here? if we are going to keep our personal info to ourselves, not have the freedom to talk about our situations without being slammed, not be truthful about what really goes on when you pour all your money into this country and then get treated this way?
How are we to help each other? how are we to gather information regarding our type of visa? how can we discuss each persons case? compare what is going on etc etc etc,
we may as well just be on a chat forum having a gossip about how Cadbury's choccy is better than Hershey.
As you say, we 'COULD' be being watched, notes 'COULD' be being taken. But the fact is that we 'ARE' going through this mess, we 'ARE' confused over visa issues and we 'ARE' being treated wrongly!

Emma x

[victoria]

maybe not - but are you prepared to risk it? Just say anothe member or lurker reads this forum and goes along for interview and gets denied. What if they comment that they appear to know people who say, work whilst on VWP. What if the visa officer asks who? If you have given information that can identify yourself and application you could jeopardise it. I stress "could" It just suprises me that you give so much personal identifying data away whilst being daming of the people that hold your fate in their hands.

I'm assuming that this is directed at Emma rather than me, but it could be just as easily directed at the vast majority of people who post here & on similar forums. Seemingly, most people don't worry about this.

[InnVic]

I'm assuming that this is directed at Emma rather than me, but it could be just as easily directed at the vast majority of people who post here & on similar forums. Seemingly, most people don't worry about this.


Not directed at anyone in particular...but something that is obvious to me is that people who 'don't worry about stuff" seem to be the ones that have the problems with their application.

For information - and I'm not trying to be a smart ass here, we were told you do not leave the UK during your E2 application, you do not close on your business, you do NOTHING workwise prior to application whilst in US on VWP, you are not seen to be in the US for more than can be construed as vacation.
If you try to play the system and broadcast it you may have problems...thats all I'm saying.

[Bobby]

I really don't see what posting the realities of immigration issues has to do with individual cases.

Do you really think that someone who has fulfilled the criteria for a successful immigration would be turned down because they insulted a failing immigration system??? I don't think so.

Perhaps sites are being monitored. I'd be more surprised if they weren't, but they are monitored for reasons beyond someone moaning about how long their case is taking and how hard done to they feel.

Free speech is a 'given' in this country. Your case is your case. You either fill the criteria or you don't. nothing to do with how spiteful you are towards the regime on an open forum.

Bobby

[InnVic]

I see no problems with reporting the realities of the problems with immigration either.....nor do I think that purely being critical of the regime will get your visa denied.

maybe no one else ever looks at this site - but who knows. As a magistrate in the UK I used to moniter the "speeding ticket evasion" sites. I therefore knew every excuse and so was prepared to deal with the urban myths that circulated as a feeble attempt to evade penalty (never worked!) Now if you have a savvy member at the Embassy who may decide that he/she can further his/her career by sorting the genuine from those trying the system then you should be careful what you post.. thats my only point. If you admit publically that youre in the US on VWP and are working it can go against you (The US Embassy will intepret if you are legally working or not - your intepretation means diddly squat and if your Visa is stamped as tourist then you should not) If you post on this website that you plan to apply for a green card whilst applying for E2 - when you have to declare no intention of staying permenantly then don't be suprised if your application is questioned. My point is only that people seeme astonished that their applications are questioned but if they HONESTLY looked at their situations maybe things would become clear. I do not deny that the dream to live in the US is enticing and that some will go to ANY means to achieve that dream. BUt you have to play by THEIR rules...if you don't like it then its tough...actually it IS TOUGH..but thats the way it is. Until we can do something to change it I am only suggesting some discretion.

[InnVic]

.. I just wanted to add I am not intentionally being critical of anyone in particular. I don't wish anyone to have to go through this "cruel and unusual" treatment for longer than necessary in pursuit of their dream. All I'm saying is that perhaps we should all think a little more before divulging information regarding personal situations and "flexible" intepretation of the visa rules.

[Jax]

I am not sure wether this site is monitored or not but there are rules on visa's and they must be there for a reason.We waited in the Uk until our visa was approved and we had no problems.We are now hopeing our renewal goes as well.

[victoria]

Whilst I agree they must be there for a purpose, there are seemingly endless interpretations of the visa rules which is presumably why a VA can rarely give you a straight answer...

Redsox was posting earlier that he's come over once a month for meetings & just walked his E2 interview. The idea of a visit once a month for meetings would give my VA a coronary.

[ChrisG]

Whilst they MAY or MAY NOT look at these sites. One thing I would be wary of is putting comments on your company web site such as "I emigrated here in 2005" (you know who you are!) when you are still applying for your initial E2 visa.
I do know they occasionally look at your company web site.

[Emmalee25]

Hiya Chris,
I know you mean me, i didnt actually put that, it was the person i used for the graphics, my 'puter went down when i was in the middle of doing the HTML for the site. In Michelles eyes i had indeed emigrated here, just as most americans think we have...anyway she is away in South Africa where she is from and not left me with access to my own site :eek:
it will definitely be changed once she returns, but i can get a written statement from her if needed to say she wrongly wrote that....if you know what i mean.
again...i just hope its not a hanging offence...sigh!
Em x

[floridapete]

If anyone is really wondering whether the US Embassy (in London) have the time or the interest to surf expats forums looking for 'chatter' please remember that it is only a matter of recent weeks that someone posted on here that they had found that ExPatsVoice is now listed on the London Embassy website, together with I think two others, as a 'service' to would-be emigrants.

Did the Embassy suddenly get 'helpful' ?

There is even a direct link provided ! :)

[InnVic]

Hiya Chris,
I know you mean me, i didnt actually put that, it was the person i used for the graphics, my 'puter went down when i was in the middle of doing the HTML for the site. In Michelles eyes i had indeed emigrated here, just as most americans think we have...anyway she is away in South Africa where she is from and not left me with access to my own site :eek:
it will definitely be changed once she returns, but i can get a written statement from her if needed to say she wrongly wrote that....if you know what i mean.
again...i just hope its not a hanging offence...sigh!
Em x

Little things like that (and that you co-own the business and your Mums name is first) are the sort of things that could justify your being required to attend interview.

I'd like to think no ones "having a go at you" but sometimes it takes an outside pair of eyes to point out something that perhaps you haven't considered. You may be required to address these points at your interview - I think a more convincing story may be required - I don't believe a note from you website designer will cut it at the Embassy!

[Emmalee25]

Innvic,
please dont take offense at this, but please can we stop the Emma bashing.....if you bother to look back in this thread you will see that i asked for the wording to be changed in what i wrote, i hope this shows that i have headed advise......I may have said a few things that COULD affect my application in some way, so i have changed them....
can this thread please come to an end, now, as this whole process is depressing me and affecting me in and my family in many ways.
I dont need things pointing out to me over and over again by everyone on here. i will listen to my VA and take what he says with me, My va is under the impression that the embassy would not be remotely interested in what is on my website or on this forum as it is an open forum and it cannot be proven that any of the entries are actually made by myself.

Em x

[Kriz1]

In 6 years of visa talk all over the net...I've yet to hear of anyone being kicked out of the country for talking about their lifes...its not that easy to get or use info written on forums etc...I've tried for 7 years to get something done about an online stalker...no joy even with e-mails saying he was coming to my home..

Emmalee seems happy with her posts or has reworded them....I think we should just all respect that...:D :D :D

I'm sure Sue or anyone in admin will remove any posts if Emmalee is nolonger happy with the info being on this forum....:)

[Emmalee25]

Thanks Kris,
glad to see you got home safe and sound too....was great to meet you on wednesday.

em x x x

[Kriz1]

Wish I was still there...that house needs no repairs...I came home to the bathroom floor still needing to be put down...a living room still half painted...a screendoor to put up...shingles to replace...and thousands of leaves everywhere...LOL!

The leaves are just turning red on a few of the trees....its so pretty outside...wish it was cold enough for a log fire...I'm getting my grandson in a min...giving him all his Disney toys....then we'll dig out the witches and stuff for halloween...I feel a trip to Wal-mart coming on......
We had a real bumpy trip back...there was a storm up the coast about 250 miles long...I've never seen lighting like it....

[Mike Peach]

Emmalee

I would like to say how refreshing it is to read somebody being so forthright and fearless. Too many people kow tow to the bureaucrats enforcing these rules and find themselves being economical with the truth or acting totally illogically in order to appear like 'good potential citizens' to these monolithic institutions and the 'grey suits' who staff them.

Whether your outspokeness is wise or not is really irrelevant, it is just great to read. Running through these forums (fori?) can sometimes get rather depressing, your comments break the mould.

Put it to 'em girl.....

[Emmalee25]

Thankyou Mike,
and welcome to our site, I see you are new on here? Whats YOUR story? is it as Juicy as some of the others on here...lol

Em x

[Mike Peach]

Whats YOUR story? is it as Juicy as some of the others on here...lol

Oh dear.....

I am sure it will become so over time.

[Kitty]

Emmalee

I would like to say how refreshing it is to read somebody being so forthright and fearless. Too many people kow tow to the bureaucrats enforcing these rules and find themselves being economical with the truth or acting totally illogically in order to appear like 'good potential citizens' to these monolithic institutions and the 'grey suits' who staff them.

Whether your outspokeness is wise or not is really irrelevant, it is just great to read. Running through these forums (fori?) can sometimes get rather depressing, your comments break the mould.

Put it to 'em girl.....

Hi

Yes agree, Em maybe down in the dumps but I always enjoy reading her posts

Providing we are doing nothing illegal or imoral we should fear no one especially the American embassy, its workers or anyone from hearing the truth and if that hurts so be it.

After all we are allowed to use the 1st amendment, arn't we?

[peter gold]

Sadly no the US Constitution only applies to US citizens!!!!!!