Glasgow and Edinburgh: Ongoing Banter Thread X-rated

[funnyExiledScot]

First topic message reminder :

Previously by the same artist:

https://www.606v2.com/t48240-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread
https://www.606v2.com/t51313-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-ii
https://www.606v2.com/t53119-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-iii
https://www.606v2.com/t54519-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-iv
https://www.606v2.com/t55409-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-v-the-fun-continues
https://www.606v2.com/t56913p950-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-vi-banter-boogaloo
https://www.606v2.com/t57946-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-vii
https://www.606v2.com/t58659-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-viii
https://www.606v2.com/t59409p1000-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-ix

Edinburgh

1872 Champions

Glasgow

1872 Runners-up

[tigertattie]

Just thought I'd leave this here

http://m.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/pro12/table

[RDW]

Various people on Twitter confirming that lineen will be DoR and Roddy Grant forwards coach of London Scottish

[madmaccas]

Various people on Twitter confirming that lineen will be DoR and Roddy Grant forwards coach of London Scottish

I've heard whispers at the Athletic Ground that something big was coming, but if true, this is epic. It certainly signals intent.

Peter Richards seems like a great guy with bags of passion, but the team's performance has been pretty woeful since he took over. He's certainly made excuses with players out injured and Neil Best/Jamie Stevenson leaving, but it's largely the same squad and with Geoff Cross and Rory Hughes playing you'd think we'd keep pushing on for another play off appearance.

Could this be the first step to joining the Pro12? Dare I dream!

[funnyExiledScot]

It is a clear signal of intent and Lineen and Grant are certainly made of the right stuff. Lineen has plenty experience and Grant will be a real players coach. He's also been coached by Andy Robinson, Rob Moffat, Mike Bradley and Alan Solomons, so will have a clear idea of what works (see packs coached by Robinson and Solomons), and loads of experience of what doesn't (see Moffat and Bradley).

[IanBru]

Interestingly, see this tweet this morning from the SRU:

BREAKING | Scottish Rugby & London Scottish announce partnership and the development of a joint performance programme. More to follow...

We'll know more when details are posted, but it seems very encouraging.

[funnyExiledScot]

Agree - this is all very much a move in the right direction.

Perhaps LS could take Andries Strauss off our hands??

[RDW]

Agree - this is all very much a move in the right direction.

Perhaps LS could take Andries Strauss off our hands??

That's not a bad idea. And joking aside, he'd be a very good player for them!

[RDW]

Scottish Rugby and London Scottish have today released details of a new partnership to support the development of a joint performance programme.

The agreement, which is resource focused, will see regular coaching, playing and high performance support provided by Scottish Rugby to the club.

It will provide a further professional rugby environment for identified players, coaches, analysts and support staff, as well as benefitting their personal and professional development.

Selected pro-team, BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy and Scottish age-grade players will be based at the Richmond Athletic Ground and available to London Scottish for English Championship and B&I Cup fixtures.

Scottish Rugby’s Head of International Age-Grade Rugby, Sean Lineen, will take up the role of Director of Rugby on a part-time basis to lead the on-field direction of the performance programme and support current London Scottish Head Coach, Peter Richards.

Lineen will be looking at support staff, facilities, match scheduling, pre-season preparation and player recruitment.

His dual role will enable continuity between the playing systems being implemented by Scotland’s age-grade sides and the development of young Scottish talent through exposure to professional rugby.

Roddy Grant will join the London Scottish coaching team for the remainder of the season, following his recent enforced retirement from playing through injury from Edinburgh Rugby.

Scottish Rugby Chief Executive, Mark Dodson, said: “I am very pleased the hard work put in by Scottish Rugby and London Scottish over recent months has now come to fruition.

"This is an exciting, logical partnership, which benefits both organisations, who share the common objective of developing and improving Scottish rugby.

“It provides a new, competitive step on the performance pathway for both players and coaches and we look forward to working with London Scottish CEO Rod Lynch and his team in the seasons to come.”

Sir David Reid, Chairman of London Scottish, said: “We will benefit from having experienced players, while we can provide the level of on field competition that younger Scottish players need to aid their development.

“London Scottish intends to remain a successful and ambitious Championship club. Sean Lineen and Roddy Grant will help us achieve this.

“The relationship between the Union and London Scottish has never been stronger. I really appreciate the leadership and vision shown by Scottish Rugby in this exciting initiative and the support they have shown to London Scottish.”

London Scottish, a member club of the Scottish Rugby Union, founded in 1878, holds the proud distinction of having the highest number of players, 221, selected for the national team.

Scotland internationalist Rory Hughes has joined BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy players Robbie Ferguson, George Horne and Jack Cosgrove in playing for London Scottish this season.

The new performance partnership is designed to complement the existing Scottish Rugby Exiles programme, which identifies and supports Scottish qualified players who are playing their rugby outside Scotland.

Sean Lineen and Roddy Grant take up their respective positions at London Scottish today (Monday 11 January).

[RDW]

Amazing joined up thinking from the SRU! Good to see that Lineen is keeping his SRU role with the LS one - means he can direct resources to the club as required.

I wonder what the RFU will think of this given they provide funding to all Championship clubs?

[MacKnocked-on]

Amazing joined up thinking from the SRU! Good to see that Lineen is keeping his SRU role with the LS one - means he can direct resources to the club as required.

I wonder what the RFU will think of this given they provide funding to all Championship clubs?

Does this funding not exist for the clubs to produce English qualified players? Perhaps London Scottish isn't obliged to take RFU funding now if the SRU is providing this new support?
One interesting thing I noticed in the press release is the quote from Sir David Reid where he says the plan is for LS to 'remain a successful and ambitious Championship club'. Doesn't sound like there is a plan to join the Pro12 but at the same time can the club consider itself ambitious if it is happy to remain in the same league? Obviously they may be happy to set a goal of reaching the play-offs every year.
Great opportunity to give playing time to a number of SQ pro team players who aren't getting games up here currently, the likes of Berghan, Bulumakau, Cummings etc spring to mind.

[madmaccas]

Agree - this is all very much a move in the right direction.

Perhaps LS could take Andries Strauss off our hands??

That's not a bad idea.  And joking aside, he'd be a very good player for them!

To be honest I think he'd be as dross for Scottish as Edinburgh. There are some very good centres in the championship and club.

Alec Coombes (Scotland u20 beheamouth and local lad) is shaping up very well there, Oli Grove (Alex Grove's more attack minded little brother), Drew Locke and ex Glasgow youngster Robbie Fergusson are all centre choices. But we'll take Matt Scott if you're offering

[RDW]

Where they might have issue is that a ‘Scottish’ club is developing players in an ‘English’ league, which is often used to develop up and coming English players. Could they have issue with that and tell the SRU that if they are going to use LS as a feeder club then they need to take them out of their league?

I genuinely don't know BTW.

[madmaccas]

Where they might have issue is that a ‘Scottish’ club is developing players in an ‘English’ league, which is often used to develop up and coming English players.  Could they have issue with that and tell the SRU that if they are going to use LS as a feeder club then they need to take them out of their league?

I genuinely don't know BTW.

No neither do I, but I think they going about it the right way, slowly and surely reinforcing the Scottish identity and trying to establish ever closer links. If they RFU were to kick off it would look like a huge overreaction and would undboutely be frowned upon by World Rugby.

From my understanding it's illegal for the RFU to discriminate against different British/European employees (read Scottish) hence why they are forced to instead offer incentives for clubs that pick EQ players. Now LS can quite happily ignore that funding and seek it from somewhere else, which is what I've been advocating for some time. For a very modest 500k (approximately the yearly cost of one Naiyaravoro) Scotland get a 3rd pro club, and the RFU can't do a thing about it. The Championship is a hard and physical league, just look at Bristol's recent struggles to get promoted despite having a team full of internationals, and I think it will do a lot more to develop young Scottish talent than a couple of academies.

What some people don't realise is that when the club went to the wall in 99' the clubmen who picked up the pieces were desperate to forge closer links with the SRU (especially after the RFU had so royally shaftd the club), but were rubuffed time and again. That's why I'm so pleased to see this now. It's taken 15 more years than it should, but it can only be good for the club and country.

[MacKnocked-on]

This should certainly help get around the problem of having players at Edinburgh and Glasgow not getting enough (or any) game time which will be very helpful. SQ players such as Cummings and Bulumakau who both played well early season but haven't had any chances recently would be ideal for this arrangement, also the likes of Berghan who doesn't get any chance at Edinburgh.

[RDW]

Problem is that the 6N is coming up, so these fringe players will probably be needed by Edinburgh and Glasgow!

What I would like to see though is that if the fringe players get a chance with Edinburgh or Glasgow then they are given it, as opposed to sending them down to LS - i.e. I'd rather Chris Dean plays for Edinburgh and Sam Beard for LS than the other way round. Assuming Beard isn't played over a young Scottish player...

[EWT Spoons]

This all makes far too much sense, I'm waiting for the traditional SRU clanger, like Scott Johnson will be heavily involved in this or Michael Bradley is coming back to coach LS defence.

All in all it's very positive and if used right it should offer a pathway for some promising Scottish players to get game time at a high level.

[madmaccas]

This should certainly help get around the problem of having players at Edinburgh and Glasgow not getting enough (or any) game time which will be very helpful. SQ players such as Cummings and Bulumakau who both played well early season but haven't had any chances recently would be ideal for this arrangement, also the likes of Berghan who doesn't get any chance at Edinburgh.  

Those are exactly the kinds of players we need. We've got a cracking backline and backrow, but we're a wee bit light in the tight 5 (quite similar to Glasgow), so any forward ballast would shore up the team. Our forwards haven't looked the same since James Buckland left and I'm very hopefully that the ginger battler can help turn that around - especially as this is bascially the same team who were pushing for promotion last season.

[RDW]

This all makes far too much sense

Me and Mrs RDW-to-be or thinking of a move to London this year once she becomes Mrs RDW - We'll definintely be regularly supporting LS if we do move! Especially if there are some young exciting Sottish players to watch.

[madmaccas]

This all makes far too much sense, I'm waiting for the traditional SRU clanger, like Scott Johnson will be heavily involved in this or Michael Bradley is coming back to coach LS defence.

All in all it's very positive and if used right it should offer a pathway for some promising Scottish players to get game time at a high level.

Just wait till Ben Atiga realises LS are sponsored by upmarket steakhouse Gaucho, he'll be on the first business class flight down to offer his waterboy/bulking up/recruitment experience.

[madmaccas]

This all makes far too much sense

Me and Mrs RDW-to-be or thinking of a move to London this year once she becomes Mrs RDW - We'll definintely be regularly supporting LS if we do move! Especially if there are some young exciting Sottish players to watch.

Stockbridge to Richmond is like for like! Plenty of ready and willing man servants and french maids in the area.

Let me know if you do and I'll show you the more salubrious watering holes nearby.

[EWT Spoons]

This all makes far too much sense

Me and Mrs RDW-to-be or thinking of a move to London this year once she becomes Mrs RDW - We'll definintely be regularly supporting LS if we do move! Especially if there are some young exciting Sottish players to watch.

It seems quite an elaborate scheme to catch you and soon to be Mrs RDW out.

[RDW]

This all makes far too much sense

Me and Mrs RDW-to-be or thinking of a move to London this year once she becomes Mrs RDW - We'll definintely be regularly supporting LS if we do move! Especially if there are some young exciting Sottish players to watch.

Stockbridge to Richmond is like for like! Plenty of ready and willing man servants and french maids in the area.

Let me know if you do and I'll show you the more salubrious watering holes nearby.

Nah FES is the Stockbridge one - I live on the outstkirts of Edinburgh to be able to afford to buy a house!

I will certainly be in touch if we do move. We have considered Richmond but it is a bit further out than we were wanting. Will most likely be West/South West london though.

Mrs RDW-to-be would probably prefer to support quins though - they've got Robshaw and Visser, who are good looking chaps I'm led to believe!

[madmaccas]

Mrs RDW-to-be would probably prefer to support quins though - they've got Robshaw and Visser, who are good looking chaps I'm led to believe!

I think when she sees Captain fantastic Brighty and his gypsy chic rattail that may change!

[BigGee]

This all makes far too much sense

Me and Mrs RDW-to-be or thinking of a move to London this year once she becomes Mrs RDW - We'll definintely be regularly supporting LS if we do move! Especially if there are some young exciting Sottish players to watch.

Stockbridge to Richmond is like for like! Plenty of ready and willing man servants and french maids in the area.

Let me know if you do and I'll show you the more salubrious watering holes nearby.

Nah FES is the Stockbridge one - I live on the outstkirts of Edinburgh to be able to afford to buy a house!

I will certainly be in touch if we do move.  We have considered Richmond but it is a bit further out than we were wanting.  Will most likely be West/South West london though.

Mrs RDW-to-be would probably prefer to support quins though - they've got Robshaw and Visser, who are good looking chaps I'm led to believe!

You probably would want to be moving to the upper eschelons of the civil engineering career pathways if you are thinking about living in Richmond or thereabouts, it is not cheap!

I enjoy my occasional trips over to see LS as well and jazzing up the team with some young Scottish talent would definitely encourage me to make it over there from east london a bit more regularly. Thats the more affordable side of town by the way (though affordable in London is a relative term!)

[funnyExiledScot]

Problem is that the 6N is coming up, so these fringe players will probably be needed by Edinburgh and Glasgow!

What I would like to see though is that if the fringe players get a chance with Edinburgh or Glasgow then they are given it, as opposed to sending them down to LS - i.e. I'd rather Chris Dean plays for Edinburgh and Sam Beard for LS than the other way round. Assuming Beard isn't played over a young Scottish player...

Sam Beard actually qualifies to play for Scotland this year and is only 25. Not that it matters.

[funnyExiledScot]

This all makes far too much sense

Me and Mrs RDW-to-be or thinking of a move to London this year once she becomes Mrs RDW - We'll definintely be regularly supporting LS if we do move! Especially if there are some young exciting Sottish players to watch.

Stockbridge to Richmond is like for like! Plenty of ready and willing man servants and french maids in the area.

Let me know if you do and I'll show you the more salubrious watering holes nearby.

Nah FES is the Stockbridge one - I live on the outstkirts of Edinburgh to be able to afford to buy a house!

I will certainly be in touch if we do move.  We have considered Richmond but it is a bit further out than we were wanting.  Will most likely be West/South West london though.

Mrs RDW-to-be would probably prefer to support quins though - they've got Robshaw and Visser, who are good looking chaps I'm led to believe!

I thought you lived in Blackhall!!

Don't move to London - moving to Edinburgh from London was the best thing we ever did! Much nicer City with 10 times the quality of life. Plus if you think Edinburgh is expensive just wait until you start shopping in West/South West London! One ride in a Foxtons mini should do the trick...

[RDW]

I thought you lived in Blackhall!!

Don't move to London - moving to Edinburgh from London was the best thing we ever did! Much nicer City with 10 times the quality of life. Plus if you think Edinburgh is expensive just wait until you start shopping in West/South West London! One ride in a Foxtons mini should do the trick...

That's where I grew up and where my folks live.

We know it won't be cheap but are wanting to experience the lifestyle since we're young enough to do it and with no ties. We both love London too and have been there a lot.

Don't want to stay in Edinburgh all my life!

To be fair we were considering Australia or New Zealand, but London seemed the more sensible first step!

[funnyExiledScot]

I thought you lived in Blackhall!!

Don't move to London - moving to Edinburgh from London was the best thing we ever did! Much nicer City with 10 times the quality of life. Plus if you think Edinburgh is expensive just wait until you start shopping in West/South West London! One ride in a Foxtons mini should do the trick...

That's where I grew up and where my folks live.

We know it won't be cheap but are wanting to experience the lifestyle since we're young enough to do it and with no ties. We both love London too and have been there a lot.

Don't want to stay in Edinburgh all my life!

To be fair we were considering Australia or New Zealand, but London seemed the more sensible first step!

Why don't you just sit in the office for an extra two hours at the end of every day, take a bus round the ring road to and from work and spend that journey pressed against a sweaty man's armpit. It'll save you moving.

[funnyExiledScot]

I should add that I've got plenty friends who have moved and from Aus. That sounds much better, plus you can scout out SQ players in your spare time.

Surely a job on Sydney Harbour Bridge beckons with your experience.....

[RDW]

I thought you lived in Blackhall!!

Don't move to London - moving to Edinburgh from London was the best thing we ever did! Much nicer City with 10 times the quality of life. Plus if you think Edinburgh is expensive just wait until you start shopping in West/South West London! One ride in a Foxtons mini should do the trick...

That's where I grew up and where my folks live.

We know it won't be cheap but are wanting to experience the lifestyle since we're young enough to do it and with no ties. We both love London too and have been there a lot.

Don't want to stay in Edinburgh all my life!

To be fair we were considering Australia or New Zealand, but London seemed the more sensible first step!

Why don't you just sit in the office for an extra two hours at the end of every day, take a bus round the ring road to and from work and spend that journey pressed against a sweaty man's armpit. It'll save you moving.

Sounds familiar given that I commute to Glasgow every day!

[funnyExiledScot]

I thought you lived in Blackhall!!

Don't move to London - moving to Edinburgh from London was the best thing we ever did! Much nicer City with 10 times the quality of life. Plus if you think Edinburgh is expensive just wait until you start shopping in West/South West London! One ride in a Foxtons mini should do the trick...

That's where I grew up and where my folks live.

We know it won't be cheap but are wanting to experience the lifestyle since we're young enough to do it and with no ties. We both love London too and have been there a lot.

Don't want to stay in Edinburgh all my life!

To be fair we were considering Australia or New Zealand, but London seemed the more sensible first step!

Why don't you just sit in the office for an extra two hours at the end of every day, take a bus round the ring road to and from work and spend that journey pressed against a sweaty man's armpit. It'll save you moving.

Sounds familiar given that I commute to Glasgow every day!

I'd forgotten that. Move. Anything else will be better.....

[madmaccas]

Well I for one will happily sing London's praises. As an adopted norf lunduner I'd say look around Crouch End (which is less raa raa than SW and a wee bit more affordable), plus it's closer to the action.

Having lived in Oz I can say it's a great quality of life, but you feel quite cut off from the world. I far prefer NZ as it's much less prentious, but it's only somehwere I'd consider when it's time to retire/be put out to stud (I wish).

[funnyExiledScot]

I've been to Crouch End. It is indeed lovely and the lack of Tube stop means that it is relatively knob free (Hooray Henrys can't get past the Tube).

I lived in Herne Hill which I did like very much as a quiet leefy corner of London, albeit that it's turned quite nappy valley now due to its proximity to Dulwich. The only pub showing live sport also recently closed down leaving a sorry selection of fancy gastro-jobbies.

[RDW]

We went to NZ for the 2011 world cup and absolutely loved the place - it is definitely somewhere we would want to live at some point. Me being a civil engineer that specialises in earthquake engineering would be a plus point in getting a job too!

The only thing about NZ is that it is great to visit and great to live but not the best to work, with salaries not great (although also not bad) and a relatively expensive cost of living given everything is imported. You don't get many holidays too so have to buy lots if you want to travel or head home every so often.

We've not actually been to Australia but we know a lot of people who have moved there and who love it, and we both would get bigger salaries there (albeit expensive cost of living again).

We're still young enough to potentially experience all 3 though, which is good!

[madmaccas]

I've been to Crouch End. It is indeed lovely and the lack of Tube stop means that it is relatively knob free (Hooray Henrys can't get past the Tube).

I lived in Herne Hill which I did like very much as a quiet leefy corner of London, albeit that it's turned quite nappy valley now due to its proximity to Dulwich. The only pub showing live sport also recently closed down leaving a sorry selection of fancy gastro-jobbies.

Yeah the girlfriend lives in Herne Hill and it is indeed very nice but slim pickings in rugby terms. I managed to find one noncy pub that was playing Scotland games, allowing me to bore her to tears with various rugby rants - which she kindly humoured with nods, smilles and only a vaguely vacant expression. I seemed to lose her when Sean Lamont came on screen. Which is another reason why he needs to retire tout suite.

Cround End, on the other hand, has the Faltering Fullback down the road which is one of the best rugby pubs around!

[funnyExiledScot]

We went to NZ for the 2011 world cup and absolutely loved the place - it is definitely somewhere we would want to live at some point.  Me being a civil engineer that specialises in earthquake engineering would be a plus point in getting a job too!

The only thing about NZ is that it is great to visit and great to live but not the best to work, with salaries not great (although also not bad) and a relatively expensive cost of living given everything is imported. You don't get many holidays too so have to buy lots if you want to travel or head home every so often.

We've not actually been to Australia but we know a lot of people who have moved there and who love it, and we both would get bigger salaries there (albeit expensive cost of living again).

We're still young smug enough to potentially experience all 3 though, which is good!

Fixed that for you.

[funnyExiledScot]

I've been to Crouch End. It is indeed lovely and the lack of Tube stop means that it is relatively knob free (Hooray Henrys can't get past the Tube).

I lived in Herne Hill which I did like very much as a quiet leefy corner of London, albeit that it's turned quite nappy valley now due to its proximity to Dulwich. The only pub showing live sport also recently closed down leaving a sorry selection of fancy gastro-jobbies.

Yeah the girlfriend lives in Herne Hill and it is indeed very nice but slim pickings in rugby terms. I managed to find one noncy pub that was playing Scotland games, allowing me to bore her to tears with various rugby rants - which she kindly humoured with nods, smilles and only a vaguely vacant expression. I seemed to lose her when Sean Lamont came on screen. Which is another reason why he needs to retire tout suite.

Cround End, on the other hand, has the Faltering Fullback down the road which is one of the best rugby pubs around!

Herne Hill is both a football and rugby free zone. Dulwich Hamlets and Crystal Palace are only up the road but you'd never know it.

[RDW]

We went to NZ for the 2011 world cup and absolutely loved the place - it is definitely somewhere we would want to live at some point.  Me being a civil engineer that specialises in earthquake engineering would be a plus point in getting a job too!

The only thing about NZ is that it is great to visit and great to live but not the best to work, with salaries not great (although also not bad) and a relatively expensive cost of living given everything is imported. You don't get many holidays too so have to buy lots if you want to travel or head home every so often.

We've not actually been to Australia but we know a lot of people who have moved there and who love it, and we both would get bigger salaries there (albeit expensive cost of living again).

We're still young smug enough to potentially experience all 3 though, which is good!

Fixed that for you.

[EWT Spoons]

I'm sure you don't actually come here for life advice RDW, but I would recommend going to Oz. It's a great place to live, plus if you want to see more than just one place it seems like a good place to start. By that I mean if you move to London it'll be more comfortable (i.e familiar) and there is a real chance you'll just settle into a job/life and not move anywhere else. At least with Oz you can come back to the UK if you want, but when you get older you are less likely to want to move to the other side of the world to something totally new.

[madmaccas]

We went to NZ for the 2011 world cup and absolutely loved the place

Me too, but it's a bit of an alcoholic black hole in my memory. I wish I'd taken more pictures, unfortunately this was one of the only clear ones

(Warning NSFW).

https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlf1/v/t1.0-0/p180x540/385995_10150362663935836_1406450521_n.jpg?oh=1f853c8d7db1376b30c233670a236a0a&oe=570703C5

I literally have no idea who these people are but judging from the pics I think we spent a few days drinking with them.

[funnyExiledScot]

We went to NZ for the 2011 world cup and absolutely loved the place - it is definitely somewhere we would want to live at some point.  Me being a civil engineer that specialises in earthquake engineering would be a plus point in getting a job too!

The only thing about NZ is that it is great to visit and great to live but not the best to work, with salaries not great (although also not bad) and a relatively expensive cost of living given everything is imported. You don't get many holidays too so have to buy lots if you want to travel or head home every so often.

We've not actually been to Australia but we know a lot of people who have moved there and who love it, and we both would get bigger salaries there (albeit expensive cost of living again).

We're still young smug enough to potentially experience all 3 though, which is good!

Fixed that for you.

I lived in London for 14.5 years plus lived in Beijing for a short while, plus have travelled to USA, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Nepal, Morocco, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Spain, Gibraltar, France, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Italy, Russia, Croatia, Turkey, Belgium, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, Liechtenstein and Monaco. I don't feel too hard done by.

In contrast I spent my weekend simply waiting for BabyfES to have a very overdue poo. She didn't. She spent last night screaming and then my Monday morning was taken up trying to force my way into a GP appointment so that they could prescribe something that will give her the shytes all night. Very much looking forward to it, especially as Mrs fES has a perfectly planned trip to London this week.....

[RDW]

I'm sure you don't actually come here for life advice RDW, but I would recommend going to Oz.  It's a great place to live, plus if you want to see more than just one place it seems like a good place to start.  By that I mean if you move to London it'll be more comfortable (i.e familiar) and there is a real chance you'll just settle into a job/life  and not move anywhere else.  At least with Oz you can come back to the UK if you want, but when you get older you are less likely to want to move to the other side of the world to something totally new.

I don't but it is all gratefully received!

I'm probably more keen for Australia than Mrs RDW-to-be, partly because she is terrified of spiders!

[RDW]

We went to NZ for the 2011 world cup and absolutely loved the place - it is definitely somewhere we would want to live at some point.  Me being a civil engineer that specialises in earthquake engineering would be a plus point in getting a job too!

The only thing about NZ is that it is great to visit and great to live but not the best to work, with salaries not great (although also not bad) and a relatively expensive cost of living given everything is imported. You don't get many holidays too so have to buy lots if you want to travel or head home every so often.

We've not actually been to Australia but we know a lot of people who have moved there and who love it, and we both would get bigger salaries there (albeit expensive cost of living again).

We're still young smug enough to potentially experience all 3 though, which is good!

Fixed that for you.

I lived in London for 14.5 years plus lived in Beijing for a short while, plus have travelled to USA, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Nepal, Morocco, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Spain, Gibraltar, France, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Italy, Russia, Croatia, Turkey, Belgium, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, Liechtenstein and Monaco. I don't feel too hard done by.

In contrast I spent my weekend simply waiting for BabyfES to have a very overdue poo. She didn't. She spent last night screaming and then my Monday morning was taken up trying to force my way into a GP appointment so that they could prescribe something that will give her the shytes all night. Very much looking forward to it, especially as Mrs fES has a perfectly planned trip to London this week.....

How many of those were on your gap yah?

[funnyExiledScot]

We went to NZ for the 2011 world cup and absolutely loved the place - it is definitely somewhere we would want to live at some point.  Me being a civil engineer that specialises in earthquake engineering would be a plus point in getting a job too!

The only thing about NZ is that it is great to visit and great to live but not the best to work, with salaries not great (although also not bad) and a relatively expensive cost of living given everything is imported. You don't get many holidays too so have to buy lots if you want to travel or head home every so often.

We've not actually been to Australia but we know a lot of people who have moved there and who love it, and we both would get bigger salaries there (albeit expensive cost of living again).

We're still young smug enough to potentially experience all 3 though, which is good!

Fixed that for you.

I lived in London for 14.5 years plus lived in Beijing for a short while, plus have travelled to USA, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Nepal, Morocco, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Spain, Gibraltar, France, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Italy, Russia, Croatia, Turkey, Belgium, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, Liechtenstein and Monaco. I don't feel too hard done by.

In contrast I spent my weekend simply waiting for BabyfES to have a very overdue poo. She didn't. She spent last night screaming and then my Monday morning was taken up trying to force my way into a GP appointment so that they could prescribe something that will give her the shytes all night. Very much looking forward to it, especially as Mrs fES has a perfectly planned trip to London this week.....

How many of those were on your gap yah?

Just USA, Canada, Mexico and Gibraltar.......pretty restrained really! Mostly paid for by my £3.50 an hour bar job in lovely Findhorn, and a healthy appetite for debt!

[RDW]

We went to NZ for the 2011 world cup and absolutely loved the place - it is definitely somewhere we would want to live at some point.  Me being a civil engineer that specialises in earthquake engineering would be a plus point in getting a job too!

The only thing about NZ is that it is great to visit and great to live but not the best to work, with salaries not great (although also not bad) and a relatively expensive cost of living given everything is imported. You don't get many holidays too so have to buy lots if you want to travel or head home every so often.

We've not actually been to Australia but we know a lot of people who have moved there and who love it, and we both would get bigger salaries there (albeit expensive cost of living again).

We're still young smug enough to potentially experience all 3 though, which is good!

Fixed that for you.

I lived in London for 14.5 years plus lived in Beijing for a short while, plus have travelled to USA, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Nepal, Morocco, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Spain, Gibraltar, France, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Italy, Russia, Croatia, Turkey, Belgium, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, Liechtenstein and Monaco. I don't feel too hard done by.

In contrast I spent my weekend simply waiting for BabyfES to have a very overdue poo. She didn't. She spent last night screaming and then my Monday morning was taken up trying to force my way into a GP appointment so that they could prescribe something that will give her the shytes all night. Very much looking forward to it, especially as Mrs fES has a perfectly planned trip to London this week.....

How many of those were on your gap yah?

Just USA, Canada, Mexico and Gibraltar.......pretty restrained really! Mostly paid for by my £3.50 an hour bar job in lovely Findhorn, and a healthy appetite for debt!

Quite a random gap year!

[funnyExiledScot]

Yep - had a mate who was working out there and fancied some heat, cheap booze and monkey action.

[Tattie Scones RRN]

We went to NZ for the 2011 world cup and absolutely loved the place

Me too, but it's a bit of an alcoholic black hole in my memory. I wish I'd taken more pictures, unfortunately this was one of the only clear ones

(Warning NSFW).

https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlf1/v/t1.0-0/p180x540/385995_10150362663935836_1406450521_n.jpg?oh=1f853c8d7db1376b30c233670a236a0a&oe=570703C5

I literally have no idea who these people are but judging from the pics  I think we spent a few days drinking with them.

Are the bottom half of your legs made of varnished pine?

[Tattie Scones RRN]

We went to NZ for the 2011 world cup and absolutely loved the place

Me too, but it's a bit of an alcoholic black hole in my memory. I wish I'd taken more pictures, unfortunately this was one of the only clear ones

(Warning NSFW).

https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlf1/v/t1.0-0/p180x540/385995_10150362663935836_1406450521_n.jpg?oh=1f853c8d7db1376b30c233670a236a0a&oe=570703C5

I literally have no idea who these people are but judging from the pics  I think we spent a few days drinking with them.

Are the bottom half of your legs made of varnished pine?

You could do with a shave too.

[RDW]

We went to NZ for the 2011 world cup and absolutely loved the place

Me too, but it's a bit of an alcoholic black hole in my memory. I wish I'd taken more pictures, unfortunately this was one of the only clear ones

(Warning NSFW).

https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlf1/v/t1.0-0/p180x540/385995_10150362663935836_1406450521_n.jpg?oh=1f853c8d7db1376b30c233670a236a0a&oe=570703C5

I literally have no idea who these people are but judging from the pics  I think we spent a few days drinking with them.

Are the bottom half of your legs made of varnished pine?

You could do with a shave too.

What has been seen can't be unseen!

[madmaccas]

We went to NZ for the 2011 world cup and absolutely loved the place

Me too, but it's a bit of an alcoholic black hole in my memory. I wish I'd taken more pictures, unfortunately this was one of the only clear ones

(Warning NSFW).

https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlf1/v/t1.0-0/p180x540/385995_10150362663935836_1406450521_n.jpg?oh=1f853c8d7db1376b30c233670a236a0a&oe=570703C5

I literally have no idea who these people are but judging from the pics  I think we spent a few days drinking with them.

Are the bottom half of your legs made of varnished pine?

Not my legs, I took the picture. No idea who these guys were.

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