Welshgirl

But, that said, it's a great country! I miss it when I'm home for long periods, and despite the media Pom-bashing, most of my friends here are terrific. Just wish Australia could focus on a positive vision for itself in the next 50 years, instead of harking back to Gallipoli all the time!! Can you last long enough to get dual citizenship? Then if you change your mind later, it's not such a problem coming back again.

Hi Truegreen, I have a houseful of stuff in pretty good condition to sell, as my work is ending here soon. I gave 3 settees and 2 matching chairs, coffee tables, tv and video, a dining table and four chairs, a fridge/freezer, washing machine, dryer, glasses, cups, crockery, assorted kitchen stuff, vacuum cleaner, ironing board and iron, queen sized bed and single trundle, pine dining room dresser base, occasional tables, office table and 2 office chairs, bookcase, BBQ and outdoor chairs, table and large heavy duty sun umbrella. I paid $2,500 for all of this when a friend's apartment hotel closed, so it's all good quality. Would take $2000. Any interest? X

Jacaranda, that was a really kind suggestion to Beachbum. I think Beachbum could try and work out- is how she's feeling just culture-shock, and might wear off, or is it a longer lasting feeling. I used to live here for 15 years or so, but now live back in the UK, and come here for work occasionally. I thought the anti-Pom stuff was wearing off, but I'm seeing a resurgence if it with the myths of Gallipoli this year starting to rile up young Aussies. I think it is the media preparing Oz for the independence debate that will happen big time when a) Turnbull replaces Abbott, and b) when QEII leaves office. I'm not enjoying this trip! ?