HLSvictory

Love it! I actually live in the countryside - but Manchester is my nearest city and can often be found in Matt and Phreds!! Something I only learned recently - I love the fact that America gave the people of Manchester, a statue of President Lincoln to say thank you in our part in helping the abolition of slavery (by boycotting the cotton picked by slaves in our millls and by doing this plunged some families into poverty as they went without wages etc) which had a significant part (so I believe) in ending it!! Thus, the statue of Lincoln is housed in Lincoln Square. Lovely. edit - apologies if this was in the article - couldn't open it properly!

People are horrified when 'our' soldiers are killed (either home or abroad), but isn't that what this whole sorry business is about (i.e, we started this 'war' on terror, so we have to put up with the consequences)? Some people tend to forget about the thousands of people (many innocents) getting killed by our hands. Truly ridiculous attitude. My brother wants to join the army next year - I will do my very best to persuade him not to. (EDIT) - Just to add that Lee Rigby's killing was horrendous (any normal-thinking human would think that), but we mustn't forget what we are inflicting on others either.

I had £5000 for my first, and about £100 for my second WHV. I believe they randomly check - I took a chance

Haha, this made me laugh (the convo bit). My friend emigrated to Perth about 5 years ago (OH grew up there and always said he wanted to go back - so she went with him after getting married). Within a couple of weeks of arriving in Kelmscott WA, an Aussie said to her 'welcome to paradise' - I don't think she quite knew what to say! I was in Perth for a year - was ok for a short time. I worked for that year for a govt dept (admin), and I remember walking in on a conversation about 'the boat people'. One woman said 'I bet this really annoys you doesn't it? - these illegal immigrants coming over and given visas to stay, when people like you find it hard'. All I said was 'Whatever gave you the impression I want to stay?'. That was a conversation stopper! I found that Aussies were really baffled when you said you didn't want to stay permanently!! I found (and this is just what I found - not speaking for the people I didn't meet), that Aussies were full of their self-importance as a people/nation.

Sorry - just found a couple more!! This dropped from the sky in Queensland! Couldn't believe it! I think it's a rhinoceros beetle. Came across this little dude at a hostel. We fed it peaches.

What a nice thread Stacey! That's me and Jack!! Volunteered in Adelaide at AHWL- was a rescue - lived wild, but didn't think he could fly. Used to laugh at me. But, I used to share my banana with him every morning! Not sure what this fella was (I'll know it if I hear it!). We called him ET! This was in Brisbane - scared me to death! Was just looking in the water- and saw him suddenly!! haha Don't like spiders - but I liked the orb-weavers (didn't find them running about) - give you a fright if you went walking about though - had to watch you didn't walk into one - which I nearly did with this one!!

I first saw people wearing pj's in Aus!! Was a bit shocked at first. Seeing it more in the UK now. A guy came into where I work in a onesie the other week - it wasn't until he left that I thought about it!! haha - saw a girl in pjs last week -although it was in Manchester and it is rough there

We say 'like' on the end of our sentences sometimes, and we use 'man' a lot. For instance, 'Ah, man, that's no good'. Got a right mixture though. I live in Derbyshire, but on the border to Cheshire, so we have a mix of things going on. My mum's from Yorkshire and me nan was from South Shields, so all their sayings are thrown in for good measure too! We are the only ones round here to use the word 'radge'! Haha. The next town to us sounds very 'manc', but our village 4 miles away, sounds more Derbyshire-fied. I love accents and hope we never lose any!

I've been to all these places. I'm afraid Canberra would get my vote - as someone said before, it lacked any sort of vibe/soul. Has a good war museum though! Favourite would have to Brisbane.

Yeah, I went to a few all you can eats in Aus - in fact, we were regulars at one in Adelaide in the Chinatown bit - $5 for a plate full!! We were backpackers though, so didn't eat for two days to feel the benefit!! I get a bit scared going to eat somewhere new - regarding portion size - scared I'll leave hungry!! haha. It is a genuine concern, so I always order a starter and main in places I don't know!

Wow! Partners??! You must be kept busy eh? haha I don't have any kids and don't intend to. I really, really value my sleep

It's interesting you mention the quote about how many people suffer in Aus - does seem high, but I was astounded when I worked in Aus at how many people (I worked with and friends) who told me they were on medication for mental illness! It wasn't the odd one either. I remember thinking 'that's why everyone thinks they're happy!'. Wonder if that figure is true. It's interesting to me. I have had about four/five panic attacks - not nice. I feel for people who get them regularly. I don't even know what the cause of mine were - happened in about 2002/3. It was when I was in a quiet area, I'd hear the vibration from heating pipes - and that could do it (very strange) - and your heart starts racing, and this big enveloping feeling of terror and doom - like you are going to die, but you know too, that the feeling is irrational. Odd. Then they just stopped. I can't think what it was in my life what caused it.

Or, if you are interesting in volunteering work (like I did) - buy a Wwoofing book or register online and they give you places to try by region

Jesus! Is that the price of one choccy bar?? I knew they were expensive when I was there, but someone is taking the pish surely? It did make me stop eating it though while I was there

Brill post!!! Just wanted to say. I don't get the whole 'hero' label either (unless, like you rightfully say, they have done something heroic).

I had a cold last week (and after suffering from sinus trouble for years - here's what I did (and do!)- I take paracetamol/ibuprofen (or both if in lots of pain), Sudafed (excellent as a decongestant if bought from pharmacy), plenty of water and strawberries and lots of rest (if you can)!! No word of a lie, I was 95% better two days later!! Hope you feel better soon Oooh, and I also made noodles with lots of chilli in - also makes the tubes a bit clearer!!

On the subject of colds and stuff...I was ill more in Aus though and people always seemed to have colds and gastro was always doing the rounds... I blame air con in the office - there was always somebody ill! Couldn't open a window either - everyone laughed when I asked

I actually lost loads of weight while in Aus - despite all the goon (most backpackers put on weight!)...the sun motivated me to get out walking. I walked everywhere...I loved it. Got into bad habits here again

Yeah, I actually quite liked Fremantle best out of the Perth area - was always there at the weekends!! I don't think the leg room was that bad tbh - and you can go to the dining carriage whenever you like and have a beer

No, not that particular journey, but I've been on the Ghan - Adelaide to Darwin about 3 years ago! Stopped in Alice Springs. Got a good deal, I think it was only like $120 all the way up (cheaper then flying, and I quite like travelling by train). Was worth it - even in the cheap seats

Are you going on a WHV? I would wait until I was there if I was you. It is relatively easy to walk into hospitality jobs - just go round to them and ask - always people on the move! And join agencies too- they can be very helpful. And word of mouth - through the hostels of course.

I doubt it's things you are doing wrong. Employers just have more people to pick from these days....there are probably people equally as great as you going for the same jobs! It took me ages to find a job when I came back from Aus - and I knew it was nothing I was doing wrong...just had more people to compete with. I knew I'd get one - just a matter of time. It can get you down though! And an email (even an automated one) to say thank you for applying wouldn't have a gone astray. It can be quite disheartening to look for work, as you do question yourself! You've just got to remember how good you are and try and get that across!!

You say people refer to you as 'Scot', I'm sure people in the street wouldn't spit at you and say 'f**k off back home, you Scot' without you even opening your mouth. But, Ellie2 is right, the term 'Paki' was/is used in Britain in a derogatory way against anyone who looked Pakistani (could have been Indian, African or other nationalities btw) and probably went something like this 'f**k off back to where you came from, Paki'. Or worse. Can't you honestly see the difference? I know racial bigots are ignorant but surely you are taking the p**s?

As NSP and others have said previously, it is the manner and attitude in which it derives from. Using terms like 'Abo' and 'Paki' have all derived (historically) from abusive name-calling stemming from racial hatred and most probably teamed with an expletive. Using the term 'Aussie' or 'Scot' hasn't. That is the difference.

Not if what the Romans do/say is wrong - you have the choice to do/say the right thing no matter where you are! I certainly didn't join in the racist banter I heard while in Aus (of that there was plenty).