Zippi when were you out at OBA? Recently?
The current situation with the dollar does make the financial side of things less appealing though I think all in all the dollar rate of flying still has it which just leaves the weather as an advantage.
Think I will still be doing my PPL in the USA as I prefer learning in intense blocks but not all of my hours building. Going to do about 50% in the USA and then come back and spend some time in UK airspace with a local flying club.