Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) - Travel (788)

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Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 3) / Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant Part 2 / Living In The Uk/life As A UK Immigrant (2) (3) (4)

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Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Gerrard59(m): 11:28am On Jan 02, 2023

AlphaUno:

Compliments of the season to all and sundry.

For folks just coming in with their families, especially those with much younger kids, you have a lot to do and the earlier you started the better.

Apart from the culture shocks, the differential treatments etc your young ones will experience in school and in the larger society; they would soon be directly exposed to ‘relationship curriculum’ on LGTV and all the confusion that comes with it.

Imagine 5 and 6 years olds learning about ‘dad and dad’ parents or the freedom to change your gender - confusion is about to let loose.
At this age, they are not even done understanding the male / female issue.

It’s introduction is inevitable!
However, the short term solution here, is to do the education yourselves rather than thrust it in the hands of ‘strangers-with-agenda’ to do it for you.

Your 9 - 5 jobs and shifts are necessary money-making moves, but giving those kids a solid foundation is ‘importanter’

I am really interested in reading tips and experiences from black African parents who have been in the UK for ages in tackling the issue. Two solutions I have thought are sending them to schools owned by conservative churches, sending them to Nigeria so that they know the conditions at home, the stakes at hand and the reasons mummy and daddy had to relocate. Like you stated, spending quality time with the children is very important.

3 Likes

Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Gerrard59(m): 11:40am On Jan 02, 2023

AlphaUno:

The alarming rate of black kids in gangs is worrisome, now! Add fresh influx of kids born to these ‘woke’ immigrant parents to it. One can only hope many won’t look back in 10/15 years and regret bringing the whole family, especially their kids.
Blacks do not hold on strongly to their cultural identity - we are easily swayed.

Honestly, why is that so?

Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Gemma11: 11:46am On Jan 02, 2023

Chikadibia21:
Your opinions are very valid. However, what is missing here is empathy. The lady is blind, and might genuinely feel her disability might count for something.
I honestly do not think she was feeling entitled, and it would be equally wrong for you to assume so...

You will find out soon that empathy is irrevelent when it comes to who is entitled to UK Public funds. The lady knew she was blind when she decided to apply for a visa to enter into a foreign land and she should have made her own arrangements and not banked on the assistance of a foreign government.

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Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Gemma11: 12:05pm On Jan 02, 2023

koonbey:

There are exceptions to even that rule.

The assumption that she entered the country and was immediately acting entitled is baseless.

This is someone she doesn't even know or have any idea of how she came to think she might have a shot at the housing aid, or why she is even considering it at all - what if she simply hasn't been able to secure housing that works given her disability?

The only entitlement is the entitlement some seem to have - that they can talk down at other people and assume the worst intentions merely because those people are migrants, and it's disgusting behaviour, not just "'salt'"

Unless what we're saying is that if we were the ones who were disabled and got a hint that we might be able to access public funds as a result, we would refuse to do so because we don't want to be 'entitled'. Can anyone say that?

People must learn to temper their words with empathy instead of jumping to the worst assumptions that people are acting mala fide.

I never knew 'entitlement' was such a bad word. I personally don't see the point in one asking questions in a forum such as this and not expecting to receive direct and honest answers no matter how harsh.

Welcome to the UK...where people don't piss about with directness, bluntness or pepper each sentence with religious references to soften blows.

The facts remain as given to by the person to posed the question

Said Lady is blind and has come from Nigeria
Whether she stated she was blind on her visa application is unclear, however she is on a student visa
But she believes that her disability should be give her the right to apply for council housing where the some Housing lists in areas are years long and priority is normally given to UK citizens, some of who may also be disabled. How will that work please?

Will a parent who barely has enough to sustain their home abandon their own children to make way for someone who 'CHOSE' to come and stay in their house?

2 Likes

Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Gemma11: 12:38pm On Jan 02, 2023

STENON:
Just making our bucket list for 2023
I am planning of going home with my family at some point in this year, I am from the rural part of South Western Nigeria.

My son is 2 years old and has never been to Nigeria. His Dad is white Scottish .

Please what are the safety precautions for food and water safety? Do I need to go with bottled water from here or just boil water at home for them? What are the dos and don't? Do you think it is wise to go now that he is 2 years old or I should wait a bit longer? What are the necessary immunisations to take? Please kindly help a confused mum. Thank you xx

I have never travelled with a baby before but I think it should be ok as long as you have the means to keep them cool, dehydrated and away from mosquitoes.

Stay away from pure water in sachets as one can not be sure from where it was sourced. My 9 year old son suffered severe diarrohea when my inlaw allowed him to drink some when I wasn't present. Up until that point, he was fine drinking 'Eva' bottled water.

Disinfect bath water with dettol. Speaking from experience when in Lagos, the water (not tap water) left me and kids with an itchy rash all over. The water was ok when I went to Anambra and Imo State but I still made sure all bath and wash water was disinfected with dettol. We even brushed our teeth with disinfected water or used bottled water.

Buy bands to wear around the wrists to keep away mosquitoes. Mosquito repellant to spray on the body is a must. You'll be sick of the smell after a while but worth it. Also wear long sleeves at night as that is when Mosquitos really come out

Seek advice from your GP as to what injections you need at least 8 weeks before travel. I made sure my kids were vaccinated against typhoid, malaria etc but didn't take anything myself as prefer my immune system to fight it off. Plus I am extra cautious unlike kids who will most likely love the freedom of running around playing with other kids in the sand as the case in many rural Nigerian settings

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Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by jedisco(m): 12:47pm On Jan 02, 2023

koonbey:

Funniest thing I've seen so far this new year.

Owishiwishi

Anyway, to the OP on a more serious note - normal bottled water from reputable brands (e.g. Eva) should be fine, but if any one of you is immunocompromised or you want to be doubly safe, just boil water. Heat sterilises water the same way anywhere in the world, even in Nigeria

The good thing is that she's trying to connect. Somethings are best experienced. That way, one finds out Africans don't live on trees.

Hopefully, the child gets more opportunities to experience Nigeria by him/herself. That way, you he/she wouldn't ask the kind of questions I get from the grown-up kids of some diasporeans.

4 Likes

Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by STENON(f): 1:36pm On Jan 02, 2023

Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Amarathripple0: 1:39pm On Jan 02, 2023

sugarkemi:
Please anyone in Newport or somewhere close to Newport that can help with accommodation?

I thought you said your accomodation was sorted Lol. Anyway, check out the following sites, and don’t pay for anything before you or someone else views the space.
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/
https://www.zoopla.co.uk/
https://www.onthemarket.com/
https://m.spareroom.co.uk/ (For singles and shared spaces but some allow couples to stay in)

You could also ask on your university’s Facebook page if someone has an apartment to rent. Goodluck!

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Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by STENON(f): 1:56pm On Jan 02, 2023

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Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by hustla(m): 2:03pm On Jan 02, 2023

jedisco:

The good thing is that she's trying to connect. Somethings are best experienced. That way, one finds out Africans don't live on trees.

Hopefully, the child gets more opportunities to experience Nigeria by him/herself. That way, you he/she wouldn't ask the kind of questions I get from the grown-up kids of some diasporeans.

What kind of questions do you get? Trying to learn here too

Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by STENON(f): 2:03pm On Jan 02, 2023

OK.

Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by sugarkemi(m): 2:03pm On Jan 02, 2023

Amarathripple0:

I thought you said your accomodation was sorted Lol. Anyway, check out the following sites, and don’t pay for anything before you or someone else views the space.
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/
https://www.zoopla.co.uk/
https://www.onthemarket.com/
https://m.spareroom.co.uk/ (For singles and shared spaces but some allow couples to stay in)

You could also ask on your university’s Facebook page if someone has an apartment to rent. Goodluck!

yes ,my accommodation is sorted.But some of my coursemates are looking for accommodation.

Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by STENON(f): 2:05pm On Jan 02, 2023

hustla:

What kind of questions do you get? Trying to learn here too

I was once asked by my Student, Do you live in a house or under the trees in Nigeria cheesy

Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by hustla(m): 2:13pm On Jan 02, 2023

STENON:
I was once asked by my Student, Do you live in a house or under the trees in Nigeria

LOL

I believe they ask intentionally foolish questions. They literally have the internet on their mobile phones

5 Likes

Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by STENON(f): 2:16pm On Jan 02, 2023

Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by STENON(f): 2:17pm On Jan 02, 2023

hustla:

LOL

I believe they ask intentionally foolish questions. They literally have the internet on their mobile phones

Yes, but they don't use the Internet to search for knowledge except for playing games and all that cheesy

1 Like

Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by bigtt76(f): 2:40pm On Jan 02, 2023

Avoid arguing with the police when they stop your vehicle while travelling in Nigeria, e get why angry

STENON:
Thank you very much. We have pure water and poor water water sachet everywhere but both are very unsafe for drinking.
Thanks for the immunizations advice, I would work on it

3 Likes

Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Amarathripple0: 2:49pm On Jan 02, 2023

sugarkemi:
yes ,my accommodation is sorted.But some of my coursemates are looking for accommodation.

Okie dokes! They can do as described! They should also hold enough funds for Airbnb oh.

1 Like

Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Viruses: 3:01pm On Jan 02, 2023

Lexusgs430:

You can pay AA/RAC to conduct vehicle inspection..... Most dealers don't like this type of inspection, because they would tear the vehicle apart ..........

https://www.theaa.com/vehicle-inspection/

https://www.rac.co.uk/buying-a-car/vehicle-inspections/comprehensive-inspection

Buying from a dealer, pay using a credit card (your purchase is protected by S75)..... If vehicle is not as described, simply leave your CC company to fight your battles.........

Buying from a private seller ....... Vehicle must be as described (if not, small claims court/ or seller might be nice) .........

Also conduct an MOT history check + HPI check.......

NB : NEVER PAY A DEPOSIT, FOR ANY VEHICLE...... Unless you're 1000% certain to proceed.........

Interesting.

Thank you.

1 Like

Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by ukay2: 3:02pm On Jan 02, 2023

bigtt76:
Avoid arguing with the police when they stop your vehicle while travelling in Nigeria, e get why

Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by hustla(m): 3:10pm On Jan 02, 2023

STENON:
Yes, but they don't use the Internet to search for knowledge except for playing games and all that

Na ela me dey give them, concentrated one

One of them told me he will call the police on me as he thinks im an illegal immigrant. After asking if he or his family can afford to pay £15,000 for school fees or if he has a BSc or MSc, I handed him the phone and asked him to call the police, make we see which one of us them go carry

Someone who couldnt even finish high school but knows how to order nonsense online should be able to google basic stuff and be enlightened.

Its 2022 abeg

7 Likes

Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by NevaUgivup: 3:30pm On Jan 02, 2023

STENON:
Just making our bucket list for 2023
I am planning of going home with my family at some point in this year, I am from the rural part of South Western Nigeria.

My son is 2 years old and has never been to Nigeria. His Dad is white Scottish .

Please kindly help a confused mum. Thank you xx

The bolded don't go together so well with the current security situation in the country (if you're planning to spend the time at home in the rural area)

I think Rural areas are less safe because the bad guys have access to forests for camping and escape.

Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by lightnlife: 3:44pm On Jan 02, 2023

Thanks for your insight.

Good way to start the ride to getting a Lexus, innit? grin

Lexusgs430:

You can pay AA/RAC to conduct vehicle inspection..... Most dealers don't like this type of inspection, because they would tear the vehicle apart ..........

https://www.theaa.com/vehicle-inspection/

https://www.rac.co.uk/buying-a-car/vehicle-inspections/comprehensive-inspection

Buying from a dealer, pay using a credit card (your purchase is protected by S75)..... If vehicle is not as described, simply leave your CC company to fight your battles.........

Buying from a private seller ....... Vehicle must be as described (if not, small claims court/ or seller might be nice) .........

Also conduct an MOT history check + HPI check.......

NB : NEVER PAY A DEPOSIT, FOR ANY VEHICLE...... Unless you're 1000% certain to proceed.........

1 Like

Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by jedisco(m): 3:47pm On Jan 02, 2023

STENON:
Thank you very much. We have pure water and poor water water sachet everywhere but both are very unsafe for drinking.
Thanks for the immunizations advice, I would work on it

Hehe...
Its
There's sachet water by trusted companies or bottled water by same. Still drink both to this day. If there is a well sited machine drilled borehole or even a private well with pump, then water needs are largely settled asides drinking.

I would not be advising long-term use of dettol in water and certainly not to use it in water for brushing moreso for a kid that'd typically swallow such.

As an adult, I've always tried to avoid using mosquito repellant creams or sprays except on certain late outings and wouldn't be keen on using them on a toddler (except very very occasionally as I'm unsure what the long-term effects might be.
As he'd be on malaria prophylaxis, the main concern is the irritation of the bites not contracting malaria. A well netted house + occasional insecticides/nets would keep off most mosquitoes. Worse still an insectinator is an option. I'd consider all these before using repellant creams.

Yes, it's important to be health conscious but the main thing to appreciate is that kids in the Southwest are not dropping dead by the second. I believe on subsequent visits, things would be easier.

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Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by jedisco(m): 3:57pm On Jan 02, 2023

hustla:

What kind of questions do you get? Trying to learn here too

Not only questions but statements stemming out of ignorance. Too many to list.

I remember an adult (parents are Nigerian but she's never been) telling me she's not visited Abuja or Lagos as she's scared of being kidnapped but she'd rather travel to Ghana where she has no roots.

When you come across those who had been to Nigeria reasonably well, their perception is very much different. They understand there are challenges but are not guided by media driven stories. I calmed her down by explaining that in many parts of Abj, she'd be considered poor and richer folks back home have not all vanished.

One thing I've noticed is the cultural dilemma 1st gen kids experience moreso in less diverse/smaller town. I feel for them. They struggle to connect with newly immigrated Nigerians who'd burst into pidgin whenever we see ourselves. They also struggle to immiate with white folks in these smaller towns (as they're less accomodating). It's like they're stuck in the middle of different cultures and struggle with an identity that fits them. Of course not all.

5 Likes

Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Peerielass: 3:57pm On Jan 02, 2023

STENON:
Just making our bucket list for 2023
I am planning of going home with my family at some point in this year, I am from the rural part of South Western Nigeria.

My son is 2 years old and has never been to Nigeria. His Dad is white Scottish .

Please what are the safety precautions for food and water safety? Do I need to go with bottled water from here or just boil water at home for them? What are the dos and don't? Do you think it is wise to go now that he is 2 years old or I should wait a bit longer? What are the necessary immunisations to take? Please kindly help a confused mum. Thank you xx

Hello, I’ve been to Nigeria with my daughter who is mixed race and her Scottish dad yearly except for 2020 when Covid was rife. We returned in July 2021 and also visited last Oct.

We usually stay in an Airbnb in Lekki that's centrally located, secure and with all the modern day facilities to make their stay comfortable and we’ve had no issues (touchwood) in any of our previous stays. Most of the Airbnb accommodations have the Cway water dispensers so you would need to refill this from time to time.

The best thing to do regarding vaccination is to visit your GP or local travel clinic. The travel nurse will tell you which vacs are compulsory for travel to Nigeria and which ones are just recommended. Your hubby would definitely need a yellow fever vac for sure. I’m not sure about your son but it will depend on if he is travelling on a Nigeria passport. I think they may ask you to get tetanus, rabies etc but some of these jabs have long validity so you don’t need to get them that often. I find that the most expensive element is the anti malaria drugs as they tend to push for Malarone which is very dear. In addition to the Malarone, I use to buy jungle formula/deet creams for use but always end up not using them and haven’t had any malaria incidence.

For food depending on what your two year old fancies, I usually take a lot of food with me, mainly breakfast stuff and snacks because my daughter is fussy. This last trip I took a polystyrene cool box full of Aberdeen Angus steak, fresh haddock, sausages and salmon. It was still very frozen when we got there. I used to just buy from shop rite but my daughter and hubby always complained that the steak was too ‘toug’h’, chicken too ‘hard’, too much ‘bones’ in the fish and sausages tasted ‘funny’ so I resorted to taking my own.

Last October, my daughter and I ventured to the East for the first time in 10years while hubby returned to UK. He didn’t feel brave enough but said he will come next time after the elections. You will need to be vigilant and take all the necessary precautions you would normally take when visiting a foreign place.

Also just to add to what Chreze said about boundaries, be prepared to see people come up to you in the mall to stroke your child’s hair/face etc. You just need to shine your red eye for them and they will run away. They will also constantly ask your spouse for money in the airport.

Get travel insurance too.

Let me know if you have any specific questions you would like answered,

18 Likes

Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Messyodi(f): 4:35pm On Jan 02, 2023

Im in need of a live in or live out nanny in Birmingham. Perry barr area. Pay is negotiable.

Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Phayie(m): 5:26pm On Jan 02, 2023

I can see people suggesting any sachet or bottle water will do which I strongly disagree. Please always go for EVA water by Coca-Cola for your rest of mind

STENON:
Just making our bucket list for 2023
I am planning of going home with my family at some point in this year, I am from the rural part of South Western Nigeria.

My son is 2 years old and has never been to Nigeria. His Dad is white Scottish .

Please what are the safety precautions for food and water safety? Do I need to go with bottled water from here or just boil water at home for them? What are the dos and don't? Do you think it is wise to go now that he is 2 years old or I should wait a bit longer? What are the necessary immunisations to take? Please kindly help a confused mum. Thank you xx

1 Like

Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Nobody: 6:16pm On Jan 02, 2023

Gemma11:

The facts remain as given to by the person to posed the question

Everything you said is tangential, and that was the same issue with your original response.

You didn't give facts - everything you said was opinion. The question was if it's possible to access council housing and the answer should be 'yes', 'no' or 'I don't know' but you instead began pontificating about the morality of coming into the country and wanting to access this and that - all despite having zero context of why the person is considering that at this point.

Ultimately, it was a legal question, not a moral one. Same as the prime minister's wife was exploiting tax loopholes and several other people are here using LISAs to get 'free' money from the UK government, the only thing you needed to clarify was whether it was possible or not from a legal standpoint, if you had that knowledge.

If the person finds out it's not legal, surely she'll make her way and live somewhere regardless. If it is legal though, it would be completely stupid of her not to explore it for fear of offending you and your 'British' sensibilities.

That's what she needed clarification on, not a Sunday sermon.

7 Likes

Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by rezzy: 7:42pm On Jan 02, 2023

STENON:
I was once asked by my Student, Do you live in a house or under the trees in Nigeria

I remember this name way back 2017 or there about on one teaching vacancy thread.

All these UK students sef, did you answer him/her?

Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Goke7: 8:05pm On Jan 02, 2023

hustla:

LOL

I believe they ask intentionally foolish questions. They literally have the internet on their mobile phones

It's the pictures they usually show them about Africa are the primary reason for such questions, My wife has worked as an assistant teacher and the pupils were once shown videos about poverty in Africa, my wife said immediately they started looking at her kind of like having pity on her cos to them she must have passed through such. Pictures, Pictures, Pictures pass stronger messages.

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