landv

Sometimes I wish we had never bothered coming, it would have saved us a lot of money and heartache, having said that, in some ways, I am grateful for the experience, it has opened my eyes and as a result, I have become a lot wiser.

Have you actually read the link in my previous post? If you haven't, I suggest you do. It has obviously chenged since you first came.

The exact opposite would happen :wacko: If this would ever happen, the pound wouldn't stand a chance against the strong dollar.

That is how I've read it too.

This is interesting then as I've just looked up the eligibility for a Health Care Card, and although families who are entitled to the maximum rate of FTB A are eligible to have a HCC, they would still need to meet the two year newly-arrived resident's waiting period. http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/health-care-card

I do wonder though how low someones income must be in order to qualify Do you have a link to this scheme? I've been looking, but all I could find earlier was some articles 'bigging' up this scheme and how much the government invested into it, but doesn't actually go into details.

What is a HCC?

Sounds great and I bet your boys had a blast. Did you manage to get to Ashridge?

I think you really need to follow your own advice and 'divorce the UK' as you put it. If you were really as happy as you've been describing, you wouldn't be coming on here and putting the knife in at every opportunity. Just let it go, let the UK go and get on with your life in Brisbane. Also, somehow I very much doubt that your thread is any helpful for those who are and have been struggling with homesickness (and that includes myself - 4 years and still counting!) and the mods should move this thread out of this section.

It is only like that if you choose to have it like that. Plenty to do in the UK too, but you need to open your eyes to see what's in front of you.

Nothing specific, just the general feel of the place, the community, primary schools, not too bothered about what sort of shops or pubs it has (or hasn't) got. I have been around Somerset many times, but never been to Crewkerne itself, the surrounding countryside is stunning though.

How much????? Then we have to get passports as well which will cost us another 200 bucks or so each.....:swoon: Thanks for the info BTW.

Does anyone know this place at all? What is it like? I've been looking on Rightmove lately and I have come across this town and I've noticed that a quite few cottages (many of them Grade II listed) that are for sale are reasonably priced, dare I say, almost quite cheap. I was just wondering why was that. Seems to me like a really nice place, but then surely properties to buy would be expensive?

We're eligible to apply for our citizenship in two weeks, and I was just wondering how much does it actually cost. I couldn't find any info on fees on the DIAC website.

So very true Blobby.

Their (estate agent) slack attitude is outrageous, however I'm not surprised at all. I'd imagine they'll recoup the rent from your bond and I very much doubt they would chase you for the remainder once you're back in the UK. A word of warning though... you might need references if you're planning to rent in the UK initially.

I always liked your honesty in your posts Blobby, straight to the point, no sugarcoating and I think your self-reflection in this thread shows that you've recognized and embraced what is important to you and that you have remained true to yourself - which is one of the greatest attributes to possess. Good luck with your return to Cornwall - you've chosen well.

or something like this. OK, it's not London, but it is the Cotswolds. http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/property-39053246.html

Anyway... back to the OP which has started off on a positive note until it has been dragged down into the gutter..., Warwickshire is beautiful, enjoy the lovely country walks and the pubs PB.

Was it difficult to secure a rental and school from here? Good post BTW!

I didn't know that they were considered as a weed, they'd be a welcomed weed in my garden!

Oh please do change the record... is getting a bit tiresome. Did you call yourself a 'failee' when you moved back to the UK for 12 years or your 'own rule' doesn't apply to you?

Is it just me or the wildflower display this year is exceptionally spectacular? This is our 4th spring here and I've never seen it so beautiful and varied before, with so many new and different flowers I haven't come across in previous years. The geraldton wax can be seen in all different shades of purple and pink, but the biggest surprise has been for me is seeing freesias growing in the wild, deep in the bush, dotted everywhere like in some kind of fairytale with their delicious scent heavy in the air. Again, I haven't seen them previously. Here are some pics

Ha ha ... same here, I was tempted before to tick all boxes, or draw smiley faces on it, or whatever...

Make sure you don't tick the 'leaving permanently' box on your departure card, will you :wink: