Grandson Passport Interview/Jamaican TomTom

[Kaz]

[Fugitive]

I hated the sat-nav when we did what it told us and took us miles out of our way to avoid a closed road as it was obviously very wrong. But when we hit the wrong side of Yeovil, which we wouldn't have done if we'd ignored it in the first place, I was very glad to have it as we were caught up in a mass of huge roundabouts, one way systems, routes to here, there and everywhere and we would never have got to the interview office without it telling us which exit to take. Though several times when it said 'Next Left' I was all set to turn into a Tesco or an Asda and thankful GS stopped me!

I would choose a calming voice like actor Roger Allam or Juliet Stevenson.

[Suff]

So, Fugi, when the TomTom had got you in a mess, it was vitally important in getting you out of it…. Not something I’d be thankful for.

Personally I tend to look up my route on Google Maps, work out if it’s really as efficient as they think it is and then remember a few key points. Then I look at what the SatNav thinks it’s doing. Now Google Maps is always going to be more up to date than my TomTom as I won’t pay them annually to update it and they only update their maps quarterly anyway.

So when the TomTom goes off on one I just ignore it. However, as you say, it’s invaluable when in small congested streets where one small mistake in a turn off could cost you 15 minutes to get back.

It’s about understanding your technology. They are not a brain replacement, no matter how hard they want to tell you so.

[Fugitive]

That's funny Suff! Got us into a mess and then I'm praising it for getting us out of one! The bicker me and Grandson had when we were on our tour of Dorset and Somerset was me saying to him in a quiet but furious voice 'You've known about this <insert swear word> appointment for six weeks. Why didn't you do a Google map printout. Or even better use your <insert another swear word> iPad now and Google map where we are and where we are going?'

'There's no Wifi hotspot round here' he said!

'I bet there <more swearing> isn't! In the middle of nowhere aren't we?' and then the sat-nav and the evil voice tells us to 'Turn round as soon as possible!'

I made up some new swear words then

[debih]

Our passports have all lapsed and its the cost of them that is putting me off renewing them. Now I know about these ridiculous interviews that will also put me off!

Why on earth should I have to take a days holiday and Mick take a day off work (particularly when self employed) to go and answer a load of random questions to see if I will be allowed a passport to go in and out of my own country for a two week holiday!!!!!!

I think we will stick to holidaying in the UK.