Mainly about food and beer Ice, don't worry. It's not a weird part of the UK, it's just.....different It's not really Yorkshire you're going to but I guess it's close enough to assume some similarities.

So watch this for a start: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VLYpKGVBUg

Here some pictures from the Lake District which is on the west coast, a few hours drive from your new home:

Lol, that was a funny one, but I bet there were more "UK jokes" there that I didn't catch... like the sloppy green vegetables they were serving.

Tbag, what city is that area closest to, and how many hours exactly away from it is the place on those pictures? I'm not much of a nature buff, but those are amazing shots, especially the first one. How'd you get there anyway? GF dump you in the middle of nowhere and you're trying to make it back to civilization?

Guys, post pics if you got them please! And not just nature shots, anything of interest goes (and that would maybe include the local PC seller!)!!

The street I lived in Leeds Feb08:



It doesn't snow very often (at least in the last three years) but when it does:



The Yorkshire dales from above:





I can't find much more images that would be of interst to you. When I do I'll post them

P.S.: The Lake District photos are taken near Keswick, google maps tells me that it would take you 2h by car and I think that's about right. Then you have to climb the mountain (or hill, however you want to call them) to take some nice photos And no, it wasn't my GF trying to get rid of me I like hiking a lot and the UK is a great country for this. Although you get a little tired of these mossy, fluffy mountains after some time.

Nice ones. Regarding the snow, it doesn't snow much in your area? You are in the Northern part of UK, right? So is it just cold without too much snow?

I was also wondering, how do you refer to the general northern UK area? How do you refer to the Hartlepool/Newcastle area?

Speaking of transport, the agency guys keep on telling us that buying a car in the UK is cheap, but keeping it running legally isn't. Any truth in this? Why? I'm planning to buy a 600cc sportbike, which a quick search shows that I can get brand-spankin' new 2009 model on a GBP99 downpayment and anywhere from GBP200-231 monthly payment, but I'm wondering what "hidden" fees there are here (like the nasty "TV license" thing)?

Stockton comes under the North East.

You will need to take your bike test over here which can cost around £500+ all in and can take anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks depending on how good you are lol. Insurance on a 600cc was quite expensive for me so i didn't get a bike in the end. Road tax is pretty cheap, cheaper than a car anyway.

Mostly car/bike insurance; if you've got a second hand car, this can sometimes be more than the price of the car itself, but is subject to quite a large number of factors. If I remember rightly, an average car insurance cost is between £500 and £1000 a year, depending on car, your occupation and all sorts of other things. I have no idea what it's like for a bike though. Also, fuel is a bit dear. Last time I saw, it was about a quid a litre, a quid ten for diesel.

Nice shots btw, Tbag; looks a lot better than London and the South East... and I also remember that particular snowstorm - man, that was spectacular, even in North London!

Yup. It can be very cheap to buy a car or motorbike, but -

After 3 years old it needs an MOT (ministry of transport) certificate (checks on safety items such as brakes, rust, seatbelts).

It must display a road fund tax disc.

You must have insurance.

You must have a valid driving license. A foreign license might be accepted 1 - 2 months after you arrive, but after 1 - 2 years, the police want to see a UK license.

And don't forget that TV license! It's not that long since you needed a dog license in the UK...

Cheers!

Well after all this time a thread I can speak with Genuine expertise on...IM FROM STOCKTON ON TEES !
Town that gave the world the passenger railway and the Friction match ! so there you have it. I must however admit that I havnt lived there since 1984 but my family still do and I go up and visit every so often. Now Stockton is not exactly a jewel of a town but from what Ive seen the whole region has improved vastly over the years. Yes it is industrial but there have been some remarkable projects. The Riverside is actually quite a sight. However ICE dont worry, the sorrounding areas are really beautiful. You have North Yorkshire and the Yorkshire Moors (Hills) to the south and you will be able to see them from Stockton. I practically grew up on the hills as my dad used to Glide and then fly model gliders up there. You have County Durham to the North and some staggering coast line all within an hours drive. As pointed out the Lake District to the West. What Hospital are you going to be working at ICE ? I work for the NHS...(South Central Ambulance Service so not up North) and am happy to tell you that the Phillipino medical staff have a really good reputation for professionalism and character, infact you guys could teach many of our staff a thing or two. I think much of it maybe a culture shock but good on you, will be quite an adventure. By all means PM me if you want more info, maybe even show you the sights one time when Im back home :-)

Foreign Licence is good for 12 months then you are expected to take a UK driving test

Edit some more...Hartlepool is notorious for the Monkey !!! in the 1800's in that they Hung a monkey as it was beleived to be a French spy !! (spoke funny looked funny ...fair enough must be french) a reputation the Town still labours under to this day, hence the term for somebody from Hartlepool...Monkey Hanger !!! got to love tradition.

Yeah, that's what the agency guy said. The car is cheap, the fuel may be affordable, but it's the insurance and getting it on the road legally that will cost a fortune. Is there any way to figure out the ENTIRE cost before actually buying a car/bike? I don't want to buy something and have it be a paperweight, but all this talk of nice views just being a few hours/minutes drive away and not have my own ride? I don't think the public transport stops at the scenic views in the middle of nowhere, huh?

Road test is for a UK license?

Nick, nice to see someone from the immediate area! Is the Stockton area different/separate from the Harltepool area? Cos I'm going to be working for the NHS there. While I do appreciate all the good "spots" on the surrounding countryside, I feel that I won't be in a position to appreciate them for quite some time (still need to sort out how to get my own vehicle). Any information you can share regarding the town itself would be good.