HappyHeart

The longer I’m away, the less I miss. Crisps, I still miss the variety of English crisps. Pudding, chips and gravy. What else? Not much.

If she doesn't get struck off I'd be surprised.

You got me!! The most absolute highlight of my memories in sad, sleepy old Perth was your disappearing act a decade ago when we were all so keen to say hello! You should never have let on you were there at all....at least maintained the illusion.....international man of mystery. Yes it certainly got some tongues wagging back then....we clearly had nothing better to talk about with Perthbum AWOL. It is nice to put faces to names I think...... Yes, back on topic. Rentals in Perth. When will the situation change? My daughter got a lucky break only last week due to her old landlord offering her a break lease on their old house!! The letting agent knew they were looking and had a word with the owner. He was happy to relet to an old tenant and save on advertising. Who knows where they'd be if not for that? They were knocked back for 50 plus properties even when offering above asking. Lucky for us it's a 1 minute walk from our place. Happy days....

My friend in England who works in Education in our home town says ‘if they’re easily led that’ll happen wherever they are.’ I tend to agree but in hindsight shifting a pre pubescent is not a great plan. Shift them as early as possible. Not just before High School. Too much adjusting to do at the most difficult time. I’m sure others had good experiences but less resilient kids can struggle.

Well said. However the opportunities here are far greater for my 2. Growing up where we come from is not a good proposition but they could have done well anywhere, maybe? I'm glad they're not there and I'm glad we are here. So are they. That's all that matters. 12 years on with one adult and 1 man child.

Its never about the kids being better off, coming here or going home. Parents use that as an excuse to do what they want to do in their heart of hearts.

In terms of extended family, just remember families fall out and the memories are often better than the reality. My kids, when younger used to say they missed growing up with a larger group of cousins, Grandparents etc. We do have family here, they live in the next suburb. They moved here to be near us. How often do we see them now? Nowhere near as much as we used to. As they got older they now have nothing at all in common. Maybe its a younger child thing to want to be with cousins and Grandparents. My son used to beg to go back for.holidays. Now he's not interested, wants to go to Canada, Sacndinavia and the US. Remember, they grow up. Build the life that suits you. The kids will make their own plans when the time comes.

I think you listen to your gut about what you want to do, then you tell people. Tell them when thw timw seems right. Dont overthink it. The reactions are theirs to manage not yours. You can't predict how people will react. My opinion is that pure selfishness drives those who react badly. They are in no way thinking of your opportunity, just their loss. Possibly ruing their own lives and lack of drive or opportunity to make a similar move. If my kids up and move away I'll be thrilled for them and cry my tears in private. I would never hold them back or expect them.to.consider me in their future plans. I fully expect at least one of them will move away. I hope my children have amazing fulfilled lives. Live for yourself and your immediate family. For the record my Mother was the only one to react badly. She basically didn't speak to me about it at all, from the day I told her to the day we were on the plane. Pure denial but then, that's her modus operandus.

You did some people watching at a Perth PIO meet up many moons ago I seem to recall? Or is that different?

Yes I like a good back track. Just ask @Parley. I didn’t say anything about people watching being useful to understand the human psyche? You think there are only free spirits in a few world locations?! Yes I think people can be quite different in terms of world view and understanding of their place in it.

Is that not possible in your location? There are plenty of interesting people in all walks of life. Have you ever frequented Satchmo in North Perth? That’s a great people watching cafe. Fabulous food and coffee too.

Oops- guilty as charged No, but seriously people fascinate me. I love to see how different people live and think. We are such a diverse species. I find the human psyche so interesting.

My honeymoon was in Lanzarote. Windy as hell

Hmmm you lost me at company….having said that my job provides me with the opportunity to meet many ‘interesting people’ and I really love those interactions so maybe some thinking about how to recreate that in retirement.

Indeed. Everything you describe are things I ‘think about’ doing but never get around to because I’m ‘too busy’. Busy doing what? Walking, cooking and gardening and catching up with close friends and family over food usually. When I make ‘plans’ I tend to regret them instantly. Having ‘things to do’ and engagements gives me anxiety. I like to play it by ear. Our lives didn’t change much during lockdown but I did miss my cafe lunches.Perth is too busy for me. Too many people. I hate shopping centres. People tend to irritate me. I do like people watching though. I like it when I get so far south the crowds thin right out. Where we are headed it’s never busy busy, even in peak times. I like the idea of voluntary work, probably with the greyhound rescue group I’m part of. That and maybe some craft type groups. I’d like to learn to make pottery and glass work.

For rural.coastal this ticks our boxes. What diversions do people need? I always wonder?

Yes I would. That’s why we are planning our move. I think our 12 plus years in Perth is long enough to know what we like and don’t. There’s about another 10 beaches within 10-20 mins. Not to mention walk trails, waterfalls, forest. The cape to cape track is spectacular. Look forward to having time and proximity to complete more sections. We like the simple life. There must be reason the Margaret River region is recipient of many awards? I can’t wait to be there full time. Each to their own.

Agree. There’s much more to the beach than ‘sunbathing’ though you do still see the leather handbags. We live about 20-25 mins from the nearest beach. Most weekends will involve either a coastal walk followed by coffee or lunch at a beach cafe. In Summer we might head down to cool off, read a book and have a wander along the beach. I tend not to swim but hubby and son snorkel. If I’m with the littlest kids we might wade in with them. A winter walk along the beach is fantastic. When in the SW our greyhound loves the soft sand and water and it’s very therapeutic for her old aching bones. Sometimes we still take her up to 2 rocks, though she struggles with the walk on the path to the actual sand nowadays, the other dog beaches are much too busy. Down south at Gnarabup they have a chip van in Summer months at sunset. Attracts crowds taking pics and having a chippy dinner with a glass of wine on your picnic blanket. No need to go onto the beach itself. Countless other spots to enjoy photography, beachcombing, generally relaxing. Perth is really all about the beaches. Of course there’s more to life here but the coast is a big attraction and pull for many. Certainly suits my lifestyle. Part of the reason we are building a house in the South West too. Best of both worlds, country and coast. We are 6 mins drive from one of the best beaches in the state. Hamelin Bay.

Mine overheats easily and will get into any body of water at any opportunity. Even on ‘freezing’ cold winter days.

Poor dog. Get her to the ocean! Dogs love the beach. She might be too old for change now though Does she go in the pool then on hot days?

You are going to LOVE Perth (or WA) My advice- go South West

Finding rentals is very tough right now. Social media is full of posts from people experiencing impending homelessness. If you can put up a large amount upfront and pay over the asking price you stand a much better chance. Prices have rocketed over the past year. Many people have applied for dozens of places and been knocked back. In the South West the situation is even more dire. There is literally no accomodation available. This has led to staff shortages in local business and hospitality. The jobs are there but nowhere for people to live. If it were me I’d probably wait 6 months. Things will look very different then with opening borders. If exploration is the goal agree with others who say Perth may not be your best base. I guess it depends on your definition of exploring. I’ve lived here for 12 years plus and still not seen half of what we want to. Work tends to get in the way. If given the choice and you like a quiet relaxed life, go South. Further than Bunbury and probably Busselton. Think Margaret River, Augusta, Denmark, Albany, 20 mins from coast will still be cheaper than Perth down South too.

Nice place to live too.

Some people?!

I’m so bored with these discussions about Perth. Tiresome and puzzling. Let’s just agree, it’s shit. Stay away.