ah Tim, a like minded Euro sceptic, I love Europe, and there is no place finer than the south of France, but much as I like them, they are different and one size, won't fit all, vibe la(should that be le.:)difference
Anything that brings people together and ends the intermittent wars in Europe is a good thing. The Xenophobic British press castigates Europe at every opportunity. It is politics and populism NOT the reality of Europe, which is still a trading block rather than any kind of federalist state.
The argument about using the Euro has been over in the rest of Europe a long time ago. The UK needs to consider more the damaging effects of jumping into bed with Bush and his neo-cons than any imagined Euro plot for Franco/German dominance. With the advent of the new countries, even the French and Germans are having to realise Europe is no longer theirs to control.
I live in Portugal and the Euro and EU has been a great success story for them. Let's hope it will do the same for the new members. If I have to pay a bit more tax so my children can sleep safe in their beds, then it is worth it. The threat now comes from corrupt leaders, self-serving American influence ('do as I say, not do as I do') and voracious global corporations. Not the people.
Not having read everything I will put in my 2 bobs worth. All times I went to Russia the dating agency provided my visa, and because they did, I could reat an apartment. When I checked out getting a visa myselve, it was very comparable cost wise, considering they done all the work. Now, that was with a company from Australia but all these girle are from agencies who post their girls at fiance.com. I have had 2 contact me offereing the same service and all you have to do is double check with fiance.com to make sure its all above board. I know it may be cheaper to seach for it all yourself but last time I done it I only paid about $30 Aus extra and I think that was a bargan. Also, if things do not work out with your girl, that agency could probably have another aroud to meet you within a 24 hour period. Just ask you girl who she is with and contact them. If for any reason someone thinks this is not a good idea, please say so and why, but I have never had any trouble.
QC, did you ever get that email I re-sent you last week mate ?
"I live in Portugal and the Euro and EU has been a great success story for them."
A the quid is so strong at the moment the Euro would be a success for us, it would be an unmittigated disaster !! Devaluing the pound over night !!
There have been 2 big financial acams in this country (that spring immediately to mind that is) Decimalisation, when everything doubled in price over night, a 1p sweet cost one old penny the day before, and one New penny the day after, but one new penny replaced 2.5 old pennies !!
And the next one was when they changed the way of selling petrol from Gallons to litres. The price goes up a few pennies a litre and no one takes much notice, but it the price per litre goes up by 3p thats a 12.5p a gallon hike !!! And I have seen it go up in 5p jumps more than once !!
Basically, both these scams have been brought about by European directives, or the wish to involve ourselves more deeply with the rest of Europe, and Blair gets his way he is going to f*ck us with the Euro too !!!!
"French and Germans are having to realise Europe is no longer theirs to control."
I wish someone would mention this to Brussels !!!
"I know it may be cheaper to seach for it all yourself"
I agree with you totally ID, yes you might save a few $, but can you be certain you wont make a mistake ? Or forget to do something thats required, and mess it all up ? No you cant, so as ID says, check the agency are above board with Olga, and if so, let them do what they are good at, they know the rules, and they know where to get the paperwork you need, unless you have been many times before as I have, then I suggest you follow ID`s advice to the letter :o)
As the quid is so strong at the moment the Euro would not be a success for us, it would be an unmittigated disaster !! Devaluing the pound over night !!
sorry i cant help MB but your question has reminded me of a question that i have. I read somewhere that for a fiancee visa you must not be in reciept of state benefits in the uk. I have been in reciept of working families tax credit for my son and i believe this is considered.. has anyone had any problems with this as i think most of the england now claims this.. it is not too much of a problem as i am not reliant on this and can easily stop my claim but i am reluctant to as i have had such a battle to get it, fighting for the rights of being a father to my 5 year old son.
"I live in Portugal and the Euro and EU has been a great success story for them. Let's hope it will do the same for the new members. If I have to pay a bit more tax so my children can sleep safe in their beds, then it is worth it."
Quiet,
Not to pop your dreamy socialist bubble, but did you move to Portugal before or after the Madrid train bombings?
Do you think your taxes would keep your children from being blown to smitterings?
I do not like what Bush and his cronies are doing to my beloved freedom of speech in US, the paranoid religious righ nonsense is getting out of control. Lately even radio stations who but air gigs with 'fart jokes' get fined 100s of 1000s of dollars....but I bite my elbows because I want my children to be able to travel the world without the fear that some fanatic from a corrupt and dying mideaval culture decides to blow up the plane, train or bus they are riding at the moment....and bush and his cronies are doing what I believe is right in getting rid of the terrorist scourge.
Remember we elect governments with different policies every four years....nothing stays the same.
In the meantime, let's hope for the best.......and please, let's keep politics OUT of the primal 'skirt chasing' objective.
Fair enough?
I would doubt it Micheal, provided you didnt do any jail time it shouldnt be a problem :o)
"Dont drink and drive, You might spil your beer !!!"
When in Malta a few years back I got so hammered on red wine with my long term Maltese restaurant owner friend, if I had had to stand up to drive the 5 miles home I couldnt have done it !! ;o))