watcha'

[IanL]

Hello,

I've only just found this site. I'm originally from Somerset, been here 17 yrs (all in Sydney). Read some interesting comments on people's expectations here. I tend to have a love/hate relationship with Oz, I go through periods where everything is cool and periods where I miss not so much being English, but being close to Europe. Tried moving home earlier this year (3mths) but my wife (who is Korean) didn't really take to it (she'd been before) so we came back.

I notice people saying, 'mix with the locals' and 'don't seek out the English' etc etc typically those comments seem to come from relatively new arrivals (5 yrs or less) but from my experience after some time you do tend to gravitate back and yearn for your 'roots' .

I'm a bit surprised at some of the comments here, people seem to be putting enormous expectations on what Oz can offer (and it can offer a lot) but its not an instant panacea for all that you perceive is wrong with life etc.

hmm looks a bit negative, which is not what I'm trying to say. Guess what I am saying is don't set yourself up for a big fall. People still have troubles in life, even when the sun shines. All in all its a great place to live, but when my wifes degree is finished we'll move to Canada. (maybe I'm just Nomadic :lol: )

BTW I'm on the Lower Nth Shore

[sparklypom]

Hi IanL,
Welcome, good to have someone with aussie knowledge!
As regards your view, I don't think it is negative at all. I agree that wherever you go if you don't sort your problems first being thousands of miles from home won't always sort it(can make it worse!)
We are hopefully moving to Oz next year as my husband is transferring to the aussie army. We are used to moving around and have seen lots of different places and have learn't to make the most of everything wherever we are. But I do think everyone should have an open mind and remember that it is not UK and to be prepared to live as the aussies do but there is nothing wrong either with missing Uk. (we all do that, at some point wherever we are)Some are better at change than others and as long as people realise that they will be ok., it's not for everyone and if they have to go back then that's ok too, at least it is something else you've experienced and that is mainly what life is about! :)

We are looking forward to a new challenge and being somewhere different and are initally going for 3 years, if we don't like it we come back, if we do, we might stay a bit longer,who knows !that's the way we're looking at it for now!
Good luck with Canada!

Sparklypom :D