Coming To America

[rudd]

No, not the Edddie Murphy movie. I've bought my one way ticket and am in the process of packing away my life. I land in Newark on January 16. Already been in contact with a few fencing clubs. That the easy part.

It's all the other details I need to sort out. So any top tips for a new arrival in the US especialy one travelling with a wife and child and a bad tempered cat.

[Mergs]

Traveling with wife and child is not much different than what you are used to; not much I can contribute to that. As for the cat, you might consider getting a pheremone (sp?) spray (and heavy drugs) that you spray in their carrier that helps calm them down. We used that when we moved our three cats to DC (in a truck for three days), and it worked pretty well.

How long are you going to be in the States and where are you going?

[rudd]

I'll be in NJ. Probably for 4-5 years, maybe longer.

[Mergs]

Ah! Not just a quicky trip, eh?

Are you going to be living near Newark? If so, I'd suggest that you rent a car to get around, or to where you are finally going for the short term. I would also check with the rental company first to see what their policy was on one-way rentals, sometimes you can rent in one place and drop it off at another with little impact. Some companies, though, will charge a hefty amount for such a privalege. Train service in northern NJ is pretty good as far as commuting into NYC and the area, but I don't know about local area transportation.

This may or may not answer your question. A lot of it depends on your living and work situations, and depending on those, it will dictate how many vehicles you will need to have. Unless you are living in the city, the minimum will be one.

[Fencergrl]

Are you going to be living near Newark? If so, I'd suggest that you rent a car to get around,

also check with the rental company first to see what their policy was on one-way rentals,

Ah Newark, NJ... for a moment I thought you were suggesting a one-way car rental from Newark, Nottinghamshire... I suspect the Atlantic would be mighty hard on both the driver and rental vehicle.

[D'Art]

Yeah, I can see how that might be a problem - he might end up flooding the engine...

[Beloit Fencer of Old]

Dude! I must hear the details! I am disappointed that you won't be in New England, but NJ isn't that far away. I guess that getting to the PdT will be easier for the next few years, however.

On a side note: Folks, I have been missing fnet over the last few weeks. Many of you know that my job was a victim of the financial crisis...I spent seven or eight months out of work (largely due to my refusal to move to the bottom of the ladder in my prior career). I have been able to check the posts briefly on my crackberry during the day, but my new job does not allow me to log on like I used to during the day. I look forward to the day that I am able to check the forums more frequently again!

Hey...what about a mobile version of fnet????

[rudd]

I'll be living in Jersey City for the first month and probably Hoboken after that. From what I've been told I can get by without a car in the short term so will probably wait a few months for that.

[jeff]

In Jersey City and Hoboken you have access to bus lines, light rail, and the PATH train (a small train line serving those cities with links into New York). You might do fine without a car. For fencing you'll easily be able to get to the New York clubs, and to the Cobra fencing club in Jersey City.

Remember - we drive on the "other" side of the road! Welcome to the US, and good luck.

PS: Beloit Fencer, welcome back and congratulations on finding a new gig.

[Inquartata]

New Jersey? My condolences to you.

Yes, take your time on the car. Not just ANY Camaro will do, you know.

[Beloit Fencer of Old]

Remember - we drive on the "other" side of the road! Welcome to the US, and good luck.

PS: Beloit Fencer, welcome back and congratulations on finding a new gig.

While he's been living in London, he's actually Irish, so he's smart. He'll adjust to the right-handed thing quickly.

Jeff: Thanks for the congrats. Given the level of unemployment we have going on here, I'm happier and happier that I got this low-level job all the time. And, COMING SOON: My Own Business! Details to follow. Oh...of course, it's NOT fencing-related.

[rudd]

While he's been living in London, he's actually Irish, so he's smart. He'll adjust to the right-handed thing quickly.

Jeff: Thanks for the congrats. Given the level of unemployment we have going on here, I'm happier and happier that I got this low-level job all the time. And, COMING SOON: My Own Business! Details to follow. Oh...of course, it's NOT fencing-related.

Good luck with that. Hopefully see you in the summer at the PdeT.

[Capt. Slo-mo]

I'll be living in Jersey City for the first month and probably Hoboken after that.

Jersey City and Hoboken? What, you lost a sales contest or something, and this is the retaliatory posting?

Oh, well...it coulda been Passaic...

[jeff]

Actually, Jersey City and Hoboken are both pretty cool. Lots of restaurants and entertainment, easy access to NYC via mass transit, great views across the river. Now, if we were talking about Newark or Camden, we'd be talking about a hardship assignment, or even one requiring combat pay!

[telkanuru]

What was that toll plaza on the NJTP that was right next to a tannery or something?


Anyway, welcome to this side of the pond, and see you around at tournaments!

[AndrewH]

Actually, Jersey City and Hoboken are both pretty cool.

Seconded. Hoboken real estate is almost as pricey as Manhattan real estate. Nice city too, historic architecture but a young population.

What was that toll plaza on the NJTP that was right next to a tannery or something?

Well there's the Bayway Refinery, right around exit 14/a/b/c. It may be a smelly eyesore, but the tradeoff is that we get some of the lowest gas prices in the country. Seeing as I live nowhere near that area, it's a tradeoff I'll gladly take.

[Mergs]

Rudd,

Seeing as how you're going towards "The City", you shouldn't have too much trouble getting family and stuff there using public transportation. Although, I'd suggest that you look into a taxi or van service. It may be a bit pricey, but the hassle factor is WAY less, and coming off a trans-A flight, that may be a good thing!

Best of luck, and welcome to America!

[jeff]

Mergs' suggestion is very good. Newark Airport has ground transportation at the baggage collection area. Use the van services there, or the taxi cab queue outside (there are standard rates for each destination). Use the official services only, as there are freelancers lurking in the area who may approach you offering a ride. They are illegal, and generally expensive ripoffs. Ignore them and use the ample ground transportation.

[rudd]

Thanks guys. We'll be coming with lots of bag. The rest of our live will be following us twelve weeks later.

Any tips on renting and getting a cheap used car. Inquartata suggestion for a Camaro has been noted, I see a new model is due in early 2009 .

[AndrewH]

Any tips on renting and getting a cheap used car. Inquartata suggestion for a Camaro has been noted, I see a new model is due in early 2009 .

Oh, no no. To fit in you'll need an 80's model Camaro. Don't forget the expensive stereo system.

I'm not sure what car insurance runs you right now, but it'll probably be much higher in NJ. It's an unfortunate fact of life. However, gas is really cheap right now, so that offsets the insurance a bit. I'd check Craigslist, there's probably plenty of used cars you can see in person before you buy. Keep in mind that due to the high humidity in the summer and salted roads in the winter, cars don't have a very long lifespan in the northeast. Be wary of any car that's older than 1990, always do a Carfax report before you buy.