It depends why you are doing it. At 35 I am guessing you are not thinking of making a career of it. For me the training was a large part of the fun - why hurry over it. I probably have pretty average aptitude and I did mine in about 60 hours over 18 months. With reading and exams that is plenty of aviation intensity.
The flying here (California) can be great but the airports can be pretty soulless. I would still have chosen to train over there. Get yourself along to Sherburn (I lived in S Yorks myself at the time it's an easy drive if you pick your time) or Netherthorpe and soak up the whole experience. The price of flying and the petrol to get there are horrible (anywhere) compared to those happier times and the social scene is not what it was when Sue would keep the cafe and bar open all hours but it is still not a bad spot. Hang out before and after your lessons - learn stuff , meet people and cadge a few free flights.
I flew with more instructors than you can shake a stick at which is probably not the most efficient way but there were none I didn't learn from and only a couple I would choose not go go with again. By and large they are not using it as a staging post on the way to the airlines.
Last edited by sherburn2LA; 1st June 2012 at 14:14.