george70

I used to go to Whitehaven on business. Depressing doesn't tell half the story.

I instigated a move back to the UK after 8/9 years here but the Mrs has kiboshed it, she had a couple of weeks back recently and hated it. Bit disappointed for myself but happy here if she is. Point is, as per the OP, no-one in the UK could even believe we were considering it.

We are in careers like yours and Perth isn't a great place for them. Firstly, there's not too many employers to choose from, secondly, there's a downturn on, thirdly Australians aren't exactly cutting edge when it comes to modern methodologies and practices, they are getting there but work seems a bit '2001' to me, if you know what I mean. No real problem with Perth in general but I wouldn't move here if I was career-committed. Also, we earn in excess of $200k, have no kids and, although very comfortable and happy socially etc. I wouldn't consider massively us well off. We have no savings although we do have a short mortgage. We spend up every fortnight. Good luck.

Mandurah, Freo, King's Park/City, Cottesloe, Hills, Matilda Bay/Point Walter/Applecross/Nedlands would be my suggestions.

I think the only British thing I really buy now is Mint Sauce as the local stuff is some weird jelly concoction. Oh, and Oxos.

I can understand the need for a comfort/junk food fix, I used to do it when we first got here. It wears off though when you start paying $100 every week for crisps and sweets. Plus, another poster is right, couple of years down the line, it tends to make no difference. In fact, similar to this topic, after spending my first few years here yearning for a British Chinese, I went back last year and found it greasy and stodgy so tastes and palate do change I reckon.

I saw a bit of one the other day and they asked the bloke what he was looking for in his ideal Aussie home. A pool? A sea view? A balcony? No .... storage space apparently. Laughed, I did.

Bought electrical stuff from Asian sites twice and both times have then had my credit card subjected to fraud.

Did a river cruise over Chrimbo and noticed there is a big new place on the bend between Barrack jetty and Claisebrook. Not sure if it is open yet.

Pizza Hut or Dominos not sure which. $5 for the basic pizzas kids like. It was opening night of the The Force Awakens and there were no promotions on. Also, I forgot to add in the 16 quid parking in Liverpool One.

I was last there when The Force Awakens was out, as I went to see it with my mate and his 2 kids. We did Pizza Hut first, 60 odd quid, then the flicks, 12 quid a ticket. Cost about 130 quid in total. Can you imagine going the pictures here and it costing $260 for 4!!!! As if. Don't say this very often but $10 a film and $5 pizza here, thank God.

Been there a good few times, always enjoyed it. Freo is much better than it used to be, used to be about having 10 cups of coffee a day, now I can think of at least a dozen decent bars.

We've just had my Mum here for 3 weeks and have done a lot of eating and drinking out. What struck me is no-one seems to be skint, despite the wavering economy. Virtually everywhere we have been has been busy. It is an expensive business though. I have differing thoughts on it, I paid 15 quid for a gourmet burger and chips last year in Liverpool (UK) and then 30 quid for a steak in Miller & Carter. We could have paid 5 quid in Wetherspoons but I wouldn't take my dog there. So, you can find expensive anywhere. And you are going to pay premium for a river view. Still, overpriced I reckon.

My Mum tells me they're struggling, clothes wise. Can't say I'm surprised, we were there last year and the clothes are naff (unless you're 67) and very expensive. The Mrs asked everyone for vouchers as a novelty but couldn't find anything worthwhile to spend them on. Apart from the food, which is ace by the way.

Give it a couple of months, some will be able to pretend it wasn't a cold winter. Like it didn't rain last year.