Snoozy

Quoll, If only I had the knowledge when I was young. I would never have come here. I came with my ex like a good wife. He had asthma and was very ill back home. He was cured by the hot climate. He told me it just like England only a bit bigger and a bit more heat in summer. I was so naive I believed him. I never wanted to leave but felt I had to give it a try for his health. I'm trapped in exile here. I've been down the counselling road. I studied Psychology and can find my own ways of coping. I busy myself with my art and various other interests. I can't go out in the unbearable heat. My life is behind roller shutters, blackened out windows, as I can't bear the glare in the sky. I long for grey cloudy skies, rain and so much more.That's all I see is a vast ocean, shopping malls, (yawn) endless boring suburbs. Empty streets no children playing. Superficial people too busy buying the next big car, house or boat etc. I have no desire for material wealth. I have learnt to be alone and I'm ok with it now. I have one trusted friend and I feel grateful for that.

No, I've never considerd myself to be Australian. I've lived here for 43 years and I'm still a permanent resident. I cannot bring myself to be a citizen of Australia. I don't belong here and never will.

You have no idea about my life and how hard I've tried to fit in. I am a friendly woman, and have helped many people here. I can't be bothered with this convesation. I knew if I opened up on here I would cop it. I will never talk on this forum again.

I too never lived in neighbours pockets. It was just nice to know they were there if needed. Every time I walked out the door, it was nice to be recognised and spoken to, instead of the hostility I have received here. There's not one neighbour here I could call on in a crisis. I''ve accepted that I'm alone, and now don't want anyone around me. This is what I've turned into since living here.

tea4too, Thank you, that's exactly how my life was in the valleys. My friends are still there, and have kept in touch with me all these years. We went through many hardships, but always helped each other, and our humour kept us going. I am grieving for Wales, my heart is there, I merely exist here. I have never experienced a community like that ever again. I'm not sure where there are communities here, like Paul1 Perth mentioned. x

bug family, Thank you so much for your understanding. I have been reading the posts for a few years now. It brings me some comfort being on here. I'm having a hard time now I'm older and have ill health, and knowing that I will never return home xx

Bulya, Yes, it's the isolation that has made me very depressed. I wish I could have explored other parts of Australia. Maybe I could have settled and not been so unhappy.

Red Rose, There have been so many changes, especially housing and the roads, railways etc. I can hardly recognise the place now. There are so many new suburbs that never existed in 78. I miss the old Australiana homes. They had a certain charm, that will never come back. It's more costly now to live in Perth, than it was back then. Places like Subiaco are ruined. They shut down the lovely markets. Personally I think that was a very foolish move. Maybe people think it's all for the better, personally I don't. I guess it's what they call progress. I've never liked Perth, so no, there's no parts that I'm really fond of. Sorry, I have such a negative attitude towards living here. I miss the friendly community I grew up in. It still exists today. For me Perth is all about wealth and status. There are many more changes, I just can't list them all here.

newjez, I came with my son and ex husband. The rest of my family lived in Wales, but have since passed away, except for my sister.

Bulya, Not all of us have the money to move around. It was not a case of pin the tail on the donkey for me.

Hi ali, No I've never been before. In 78, I knew nothing about Australia. I came with my son and ex husband who had been here before and loved it, and assured me I would too. I have tried so many things, joined groups etc. I just feel I have never fitted in here, and Aussies are not so friendly. Sorry, that's been my experience. I've never been able to afford to move back without some help. My family were not welcoming to the idea of me coming home to them again.

Thank you tea4too. I have been to the Welsh Society. It's too far away from where I live now xx

I realised it the moment I stepped off of the plane in Perth, that I had made a big mistake. I hoped that one day I would return, if only for a holiday. Circumstances have prevented me from ever going home. Forty two years I have endured living here. To many it's paradise, for me it's a hell hole.

Hi Lcgeordie.....I feel for you. It's only natural to feel homesick and to question everything. I know what it's like to have all those thoughts swirling around in your head. It's always good if you can talk to someone about your feelings. I hope you have some support from your friends etc. It's great that you and your children like it here. I do hope things will get better for you. Take care.

Tears are a release, otherwise, I would not have coped out here. I never think of it as a long time to be crying.