Where in the World are You?

[Jodee]

I was just wondering where everyone comes from - I'm sitting here in Croydon (South London) having a chat with someone in Australia (or wherever) - it's great!

So what's your home town/country?

Batters - just driven thru downtown St Reatham on way home to Croydon - done a late stint at work for the first time in months - can't believe how busy it is at 11 at night! Even the toddlers are still up!

Hello from Sheffield, the friendliest place in the world (as a very new resident indeed).
Anyone else out there?

hi, peaches! i grew up near heathrow - west drayton then harmondsworth - where are you?

There's nothing wrong with Enfield, Kate71, I've lived in this house for 19 years and in the borough of Enfield all my life[two score years and 5]so it can't be that bad. We're close to the M25, near several stations, and right on top of the countryside[ what's left that has'nt been built on that is!]. Yes, Rhiannon, Paradise wildlife Park is very good- have u been recently?My younger daughters did their work experience there and loved it. What about Capel manor, Forty Hall, Hillyfields, all easily accessible. Can't say that the Little chef on the A10 is one of my favourite eating places-they are so slow!Have you tried the Harvester at Grange Park[better than the Cuffley one]- very family friendly- because we go there a lot, and there's six of us we tend to have ' our' table when we go there- we've made it!That could be a subject for another discussion-where to eat out with children- especially when ther are 6 of u and restaurant tables tend to seat 4people!

Currently living in Aberdeen, due to move to Kinneff, a wee village near Stonehaven, Kincardineshire in 7 days time.

Milton Keynes, its not as bad as they say you know!!

Hi Janh,
I grew up in Northolt,now live in Heston.

Sorry twinsmum2 was being sarcastic about local restaurant!!

Go to P. Park very often (season ticket) can't wait for the paddling pool to open.

Currently I'd recommend The Jade Cottage (chinese) in Waltham Abbey. All you can eat for about £14 pp. All brought to your table and excellent. But I wouldn't take the kids. Also Jigsaw small pizza, pasta, fish, lots of garlic small restaurant with bar in Waltham Abbey.

I live in Droitwich, 7 miles from Worcester, famous for ....salt.

I grew up in Wales, but now Uxbridge

peaches - i lived in heston briefly too - can't remember the name of the road but it was just off the A4 (i think - 25+ years ago - lost a lot of brain cells since then!)
do you get a lot of airport noise?
my dad still lives in harmondsworth and this terminal 5 business is a bit of a worry - if it goes through they're supposed to have to demolish harmondsworth and sipson - the mind boggles!

have you noticed Nmd is in uxbridge? she's not far from you!

Debster
I lived in Brighton for about 10 years, but 6 years ago I moved further east along the South Coast, so still in your area!
Winnie
I went to school in Witshire as my father was based in the RAF there,now they live in Devizes!

Marina, I know all about Public Sector incomes, we both have them. The trick is to live in a tiny flat on the SE13 border. That extra 100m made a huge difference to the price, though I find it cramped after growing up on a quarter acre section. Still we have the Heath and Greenwich Park within walking distance, not to mention the in-laws off Blackheath Hill.

Marina,
Your parents are just a half hour up the coast from me then! Guess I am lucky really, it's such a shame though now the nice weather is (was?!) happening as you can't use any footpaths or walks for F&M restrictions and there are so many beautiful places to go, it's such a shame... Does anyone know if they will lift the bans soon, I know it's died down in the papers but is the disease still spreading?

For a few years, we're in London (Islington). We moved here last year from Chicago. Loved it there and love it here!

Out of curiousity, what is an "Essex girl"?

Jj, hope it's not a wind up question. But a stereotypical Essex girl is bottle blonde, wears skimpy clothes, high heels, puts out and isn't very clever. Now I shall wait for the barrage of insults my way!! That just about covers it unless anyone can think of anything to add.

I'm from NE England (Houghton-le-Spring), but living now in wonderful Switzerland.

Dear Jj
If you are American an Essex girl is similar to a Valley Girl but without the money! Having said that, my dear mother was born and went to school in Colchester and has very dark hair, very 'proper' clothes, flat heels and had a brilliant career as a very good teacher! However, I'm totally convinced that there's a bimbo trying to get out!

Thanks! Nope, wasn't a wind up question. I do know what a "Valley Girl" is!

Now this is off the topic, but I've lost the board in which it was mentioned: what is a meccano (?) . I think it's some sort of boy's toy, but can't figure out what.

Hi from (not so) sunny Belgium! (Originally from Hampshire).

hi, jj! we did the reverse trip for 4 years 20 years ago - london to minnesota and then NY. (we have an american daughter!)
meccano is metal strips full of holes that can be joined with nuts and bolts to make models. i think it's called brio-mec now and there are wooden ones too...used to be very popular in the 50s/60s/70s(?) but not so much now.

I think you can also get meccano in plastic now

Yes you can. My son has some. Loved it when he was 5. The old metal stuff is still going strong, too. I think I saw some kits in Hamleys.