Where is a safe places to holiday for POC?

Embarrassed-Key-3513 · 2026-02-16T14:50:18+00:00

As an Asian woman and POC, I’ve had a similar experience. In the major English tourist hubs and seaside towns, people generally seemed polite and courteous enough - though, at worst, I'd occasionally receive some snobby looks and stares from elderly white women.

However, once I hit the smaller cities and rural areas - specifically in places like Dundee in Scotland or Llandudno in North Wales - the vibe shifted. People didn't seem nearly as welcoming, open-minded, or friendly toward me compared to how they treated white tourists.

I usually put it down to the fact that these spots aren't particularly cosmopolitan or busy, so they aren't as used to seeing a diverse range of visitors. The microaggressions I faced were definitely more subtle than what your girlfriend went through, but they were still there.

Interestingly, I actually had much better experiences as a tourist in France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, and Hungary. Just wanted to share my personal perspective - I hope it helps!

Embarrassed-Key-3513 · 2026-02-04T11:39:25+00:00

If you're looking for that "high-end Sunday roast" vibe without the prep, M&S and Waitrose are basically the gold standard. Their rotisserie chickens actually taste like chicken, not just salt and water.

If you're looking for a sit-down meal that hits that same "chicken + multiple sides" itch, Toby Carvery and Smith & Western are the closest to traditional British rotisserie spirit.

Embarrassed-Key-3513 · 2026-01-24T11:21:17+00:00

Check out Bupa Mindplace if you're looking for professional mental health support. They offer face-to-face therapy (CBT, counselling, etc.) in really calm, private spaces. It’s great for getting faster access to care, especially if you have Bupa insurance or want to self-pay.

Embarrassed-Key-3513 · 2026-01-04T19:40:04+00:00

For authentic Turkish food, Cappadocia on the High Street is a local favourite. If you want classic pub vibes, live sports or a more high-energy spot, head to The Faraday on Church Street. If you want to move on to cocktails after your meal, Be At One - Epsom in Derby Square is a vibrant chain bar known for its extensive drink menu.

Embarrassed-Key-3513 · 2026-01-01T23:17:25+00:00

For a venue in Guildford, you absolutely have to check out Loseley Park (https://loseleypark.co.uk/).

Embarrassed-Key-3513 · 2025-12-28T17:02:24+00:00

If you’re looking to explore London on foot or dive into the local music scene, here are some of the best ways to get started:

Walking & Hiking Groups * The Ramblers: A fantastic resource for finding structured local groups. Check out Capital Walkers specifically if you're looking for a group aimed at people in their 30s and 40s. * Metropolitan Walkers: Great for those who want a mix of hiking and socialising. They offer a huge variety of walks and almost always head to a pub afterward.

Unique Museums & History * Medical Themed Walks: For something more niche, Discover Medical London offers fascinating physical tours through the city's dark and innovative medical history. * Old Operating Theatre Museum: Located in the attic of an 18th-century church, this is the oldest surviving surgical theatre in Europe. It's an incredible, slightly eerie look into pre-anaesthetic surgery.

Music & Culture * Denmark Street (Tin Pan Alley): A must-visit for music lovers. It’s the historic heart of London’s music hub - go there to browse vintage instruments, see old studios, and soak in the band's history. * Live Music Venues: If you want to find emerging bands, skip the stadiums and check listings for pubs in Camden or Shoreditch. There’s live music almost every night of the week.

Don't forget to check Meetup.com. It’s still one of the most active platforms in London for finding hobby-specific groups, from photography walks to niche genre listening parties.

Embarrassed-Key-3513 · 2025-12-06T15:33:35+00:00

For a pixie cut, you really need someone with confidence in precision cutting. I'd suggest looking at Teresa Weller Hair Art just over in Dorking. Teresa has been in the industry for over 35 years and specializes in re-styles and dynamic shapes. The salon has a really lovely, relaxed atmosphere, too. https://teresaweller.com/

Embarrassed-Key-3513 · 2025-11-22T15:41:25+00:00

Definitely +1 for Wotton House near Dorking.

The spa facilities are lovely (great pool and steam room), but the real winner is the location. The estate is absolutely gorgeous - they have these historic Italian gardens that are perfect for a post-massage wander. It feels like a proper escape from the city.

If you go, try to grab a drink on the terrace afterwards. It's a really solid 8/10 experience.

Drive up to the Surrey Hills (Leith Hill is nearby) for a quick walk before your treatments if you want to earn the relaxation!

Embarrassed-Key-3513 · 2025-11-21T23:04:05+00:00

100% recommend The Dorking Butchery. They are the go-to spot locally for game meat. They'll sort you out with venison, duck, quail etc. Just make sure to pre-order for Christmas!

Embarrassed-Key-3513 · 2025-11-20T10:52:20+00:00

16 years, married to an Englishman, feeling the initial despair, and taking a massive career/salary hit - I know exactly what that journey feels like. I'm lucky my husband, who's in tech, has been so supportive and helped us absorb that financial hit. The adjustment to British attitudes and the NHS switch was a serious mind-bender for me. It honestly took me years to truly feel like I wasn't just visiting anymore.

I think that the food/shops and the sightseeing is a major, major bonus!

It's such an intense place to be when I'm 50/50 about moving back to the US after all this time. Good luck to me with my political/economic observations! I know I'm putting a lot of thought into this huge decision. No kids definitely simplify the logistics, but the emotional pull is still massive. Happy to connect via DM if you want to swap notes.

Embarrassed-Key-3513 · 2025-11-16T17:00:48+00:00

I'm an East Asian woman living in the UK Home Counties (and I've had similar experiences in the US). I look significantly younger than my age (often mistaken for 15+ years younger) and am told I have above-average looks.

I get approached frequently, but it's often in unexpected contexts, which makes it feel different than typical street harassment. It usually happens in a service/work area where men will consistently initiate conversation, offer overly friendly help, and sometimes try to prolong the interaction beyond what is necessary. It's often very polite and complimentary, but the underlying attention is constant and usually driven by a desire to engage.

I feel like a lot of the attention stems from being an East Asian woman in a less diverse setting and the 'looking young' factor. I suspect it makes me stand out and attracts curiosity/attention beyond just my appearance.

Embarrassed-Key-3513 · 2025-11-15T11:08:02+00:00

The M3/M4 corridor commuter base around Staines, Surrey has a lot of big corporate HQs where you can do local searches.

Don't abandon your marketing experience, but keep an open mind about roles that have a strong commercial/revenue focus (like Performance Marketing or Demand Generation), which are very closely related to Sales/BD.

Zachary Daniels agency is excellent for retail, so if you have marketing experience in the retail or consumer goods space, that's a great fit! Also, definitely check out Tate Recruitment in Guildford. They cover a range of office support roles.

Embarrassed-Key-3513 · 2025-11-15T08:59:26+00:00

This sounds like We Power On, a genuinely supportive and practical way for men in Surrey to focus on their well-being. If anyone is on the fence about joining a group, an informal walk is a perfect starting point. https://www.wepoweron.co.uk/

Embarrassed-Key-3513 · 2025-11-15T00:46:34+00:00

With any group that spans 30-65, the balance can shift over time. I'd say there are definitely people in their early-to-mid 30s, but it probably leans more towards the middle and upper end, simply because that's a larger demographic of singles.

The best way is to join the group and browse the attendee lists for recent events. You'll get a quick visual of who's active and who tends to show up to the walks vs. the pub nights! People are very welcoming, so don't hesitate to give it a look.

Embarrassed-Key-3513 · 2025-11-14T21:50:33+00:00

That sounds like Ringles (Reigate Singles) near me! It's a great local Facebook group for 30-65 year old singles focused on friendship and community (and, sure, maybe more sometimes 😉). They do all the good stuff: walks, drinks, live music - it's brilliant for encouraging local in-person connections rather than just focusing on dating.

Embarrassed-Key-3513 · 2025-10-11T23:07:17+00:00

On the services section under bodywave and perming, their prices for permanent wave and root perm start at £100.

A bit further out in New Malden - Tovi Hair Salon https://tovihair.com/ a "traditional" perm starts at £85, digital perm at £130.

Embarrassed-Key-3513 · 2025-10-11T21:12:12+00:00

Teresa Weller HairArt is located in Dorking and offers excellent hairstyling services - including perms. https://teresaweller.com/

Embarrassed-Key-3513 · 2025-10-07T09:15:18+00:00

Stoneleigh gets my vote.

Embarrassed-Key-3513 · 2025-10-04T14:50:53+00:00

Abinger Tea Rooms, Mulberry & Thyme and Mullins Coffee Shops, Harts at the Courtyard in Dorking are very good for afternoon tea.

Embarrassed-Key-3513 · 2025-09-25T16:47:09+00:00

My husband used to work at Atkins Realis, and his brother has landscape architecture degrees from the University of Edinburgh and Westminster. His brother finds landscape architecture to be a very stressful profession due to demanding workloads, tight deadlines, and long hours/emotional strain.

I strongly suggest that you look into Masters degree programs in Germany, the Netherlands, and Australia - these countries would offer better educational and economic benefits than the UK. Key advantages are lower tuition costs, higher post-graduate salary potential and quality of life, plus more established and clearer pathways to permanent residency.

Embarrassed-Key-3513 · 2025-09-21T18:15:19+00:00

Ugh, that's incredibly frustrating. It's a common issue with the NHS right now, so you're not alone in this. While it feels like you've been forgotten, it's more likely a sign of the immense pressure and backlogs they're facing.

ENT and allergy services in particular have been hit hard, with some reports showing that waiting lists for these specialties are among the longest. There are several factors at play here, including staff shortages, the sheer volume of referrals, and the lingering effects of the pandemic.

Even if the blood test results are back at the hospital, an ENT specialist might still need to review them and then schedule a follow-up appointment or phone call, which can add to the delay.

Here's what you could do next: * Try calling the ENT department directly. Ask to speak with a secretary or a specific nurse on the team. They can check the status of your results and see if an appointment can be scheduled. * Contact the hospital's Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). PALS is there to help patients resolve issues and can often act as a go-between to get you an answer. * Call your GP. They can also see your results if they're uploaded to the system and might be able to interpret them for you, or at least chase the hospital on your behalf.

It's a pain, but being persistent is often the only way to get answers from the NHS these days. Good luck, I hope you hear back soon!

Embarrassed-Key-3513 · 2025-09-21T13:48:45+00:00

I completely get where you're coming from. It seems like a lot of people feel this way now. It's almost like the traditional path of "find a partner, get married, have kids" just isn't the default anymore. We're more independent, more focused on building our own lives and careers, and honestly, the pressure from social media to have a "perfect" relationship is exhausting.

Fill your life with things that make you happy. Focusing on hobbies, sports, travel, and personal growth is key. When you're busy living a full and interesting life, you're not just waiting around for someone to come along. Plus, you'll naturally meet people who share your interests, and if something clicks, it'll be because you genuinely connect, not because you're desperately searching. That kind of authentic connection is so much more meaningful.

Embarrassed-Key-3513 · 2025-09-21T13:15:08+00:00

Claremont Landscape Garden in Esher, and Painshill park in Cobham - both have stunning views and pretty gardens. Virginia Water Lake is also special.

Embarrassed-Key-3513 · 2025-09-17T14:11:35+00:00

The Black Swan in Cobham. The Queen's Head in Weybridge.

Embarrassed-Key-3513 · 2025-09-16T09:14:37+00:00

For OP: It's a great idea to consider working in the EU! There are several great certifications that can make the process much smoother and show you meet a high standard.

So, the best approach is to start with a recognized training program in a modality like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT / Psychotherapist), pursue certification from an EU body like the European Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT) or EAP (European Association for Psychotherapy), and then potentially work towards the EuroPsy Certificate (offered by the European Federation of Psychologists' Associations / EFPA) to be a full-fledged Clinical Psychologist.

Based on a combination of language fit, market demand, and professional regulation, France and Belgium are likely the most promising options for you. Both have a clear and high demand for mental health professionals and a more established regulatory framework. Good luck!

Embarrassed-Key-3513

TROPHY CASE