Imapla

We weren't actually homesick - we just felt we needed to spend some time with the family in UK. and I now wish we had come back fro extended stays (holidays) rather than uprooting ourselves as we have done I don't know if everything will all be okay again if we go back ............... don't know what the answer is

We were in your situation and eventually we decided and came back to the UK in July (for the same reasons). I was v happy in Aus - I am finding it very hard here and working out how I can back to my Aussie life again. If its only going to be for 2 year it won't benefit your family much as they will have to say goodbye to you all over again whereas now they are probably used to the fact that you live in Aus. I wish we had taken a 'gap year' and done it that way - would have been cheaper (don't underestimate the expense of leaving) but then again if you know you are somewhere only temporarily - you don't really commit. There is no easy answer - you can read about everyone's experiences but I think most ping pongers have to go through it themselves because if they don't they will always be wondering if they made the wrong decision. I would leave it to fate - as someone else said - if your OH can't get a visa well that is your answer - you didn't decide it - fate did. Giving up a job that you like in this economic climate is also not ideal, I wish I had said we would only do it if we lost our jobs or something like that. Good luck

We had friends in Brisbane but visited the Sunshine coast on our reccie - it appealed to us . We lived there a few years and then moved down to Brisbane for better work opportunities. Lived in North Brisbane - love it - easy to visit the city but still lots of greenery around and close to beaches and Sunshine and Gold coast. The weather is wonderful - yes Jan/Feb can be a bit hot but then you can't expect perfection all year! Its a great city for older kids too - loads to do.

Hi we used Jet pets for one dog Brisbane to LHR - cannot fault the service and he seemed fine and happy when we collected him from LHR - cost was around $4000 including collecting him and 1 nights board.

Hi I agree it is not better in Aus just different - both are what you make them really. eg I never rode a bike over there as it is generally too hot ! If you're driving into a main city - you will experience traffic jams. Things people in Aus miss - old buildings, heritage, being close to Europe, Things you can't get in the UK - beautiful beaches - beautiful climate - I only know first hand of Queensland - beautiful bright colours. I would live in both countries if I could ! Another thing to consider when making people go against their will is the cost - it is very expensive to do the move and when you look back and see how much you spent you will get a shock - you don't really notice it at the time as you are just working on getting out there. Have you visited as a family ? how about a nice holiday - that might tempt them ? or it might make you see that you possibly have everything you need in the UK? Good luck

Hi Living in a different place to your kids sucks. On the other hand difficult to move as you need to be near OH job. Have you thought about joining a choir - google one voice - I did that and I met some lovely people - you don't have to sing well - its amazing the sound a good conductor can get of a group of randoms getting together - I would highly recommend it even though it might take you out of your comfort zone. Good luck - hope it gets easier

Hi good luck with your move - July is a great time as it is school hols in Aus and you have 6 weeks to get kids ready to start school in September - also the weather should be lovely to ease you back into it. Top Tips I would recommend planning to be ready either one week or even 2 before you fly. Then take a well earned holiday as you will find it very hard work getting everything ready and sold off, all your paperwork done, your plans finalized and then it is even more work to get started again at the other end. I would definitely factor in a break in between the leaving of one country and the arriving of another - especially as you are leaving Australia which has such lovely holiday destination on your doorstep. It might be a financial commitment but your mind and body will appreciate it (especially if you are travelling with kids) Also never under estimate how long it takes to pack up a home - you do not want to spend your last day in Aus cleaning, cleaning, clearing your rental - you want to have some fun and last memories to take with you

Hi We are flying back to UK and won't need the dog crate once we arrive - if anyone is bringing their dog out to Aus and needs a LARGE crate please PM me.

We are using jetpets - the service so far has been great - we'll never really know what its like for the poor old pooches to be stuck in a crate for so long but hopefully he will sleep a lot

The hardest bit was making the decision but once we told the family in the UK we were returning - there is no going back on it. I am so much more nervous to be returning to the Uk than when we came out here - came out pretty much without a second thought even though we had a whole learning curve to go through work, schooling but v. happy we have spent our time in Brisbane - I love it and will miss it - I literally love the city, the river, the lights, the air, the sky, the moon but i feel like I have been on a long holiday and you can't stay on holiday for ever. We have not progressed financially here at all in 9 years - I can't get ahead in my job, my husband's work is unreliable and I am looking forward to spending some time with my folks who have been doing it tough the last couple of years for one reason or another. So v. scary - lots of sleepless nights and mind overflowing with thoughts and a lot of organising which is hard when you work full time and when you are a little afraid to make the commitments but slowly the decisions are being made and deposits being paid - one step at a time I don't look at it as success or failure - our life is phases and the next phase is a UK one - I can't say I wont be back - I can't say I will - just gonna play it by ear. I do know I will miss it a lot and the Queensland weather is just so beautiful. Like many others when I lived in the UK I thought the whole of Australia was hot and lovely - it is not ! But SE Queensland (except for humid days) weather is pretty near perfect. But you can't stay somewhere just for the weather ........ I intend to embrace the UK weather - I have requested there be a pretty pair of wellies waiting for me ! - getting outdoors whether sun, wind or rain because after all one of the 'problems' here is that is actually too hot to walk or cycle some days so nowhere is perfect and it is up to us to see the best bits and let them make us happy. Good luck with your plans. I think the first thing is to book your flights - then you have a finite date to work to.

[TABLE=width: 346] [TR] [TD]Washing machine[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Fridge / Freezer Whirlpool[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Freezer[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Bookshelf[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Glass top table with metal legs[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Filing cabinet[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Dining table with 6 chairs[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]TV display unit[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]UPS MGE evolution 650[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Small monitor[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]King single girls bed [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]King single wooden bed & matching bedside table [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Tumble drier Bosch[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Epson printer XP-400[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Electric guitar and amp[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Outdoor table/6 chairs[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Beefeater BBQ[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Large sun umbrella[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] PM me for more details - they will be available preferably 29/6 or maybe a bit earlier if needed earlier

HI Appliance Repair Tech wanted to purchase owner operator electrical business on Sunshine Coast, Queensland. Great place to bring up your family - ideal for husband and wife team. PM for more info