FatCat

I have just noticed this is an old link too. But it also popped up for me. Besides that, I am sure even now seven years later there will be someone struggling with the same question.

Mmmm To be honest, London and Sydney are so different on many levels, I am not sure you can really compare the two enough to come up with a satisfactory answer. They both certainly have similar problems - overcrowding, traffic snarls, cost of parking and expensive houses. I would say London has more of a social scene (theater, pubs, clubs), and Sydney has more of an outdoor lifestyle (beaches, sailing, picnics, walks) If you enjoy a beer whilst watching new bands, then London would be better choice. If you enjoy outdoor pursuits, then Sydney would be a better choice. I love the history and rituals of London (i.e.) the oldest pub is over 500 years old, and the ritual of having strawberries and cream at Wimbledon. But I much prefer living near the beach and working in the city - hence Sydney would be my choice

Ahhh dear. If only we all had such "problems". To be honest, you are very lucky that you have such a choice to make. Lots of people cannot even get into one country - let alone have the choice of ping-ponging between two. An old work colleague of mine spends six months in London and six months in Sydney, and just goes backwards and forwards each year. If you can afford it, this would be a good option, as you can have six months with family being close, then six months of a wonderful lifestyle. Given six months is a short period, it won't leave you yearning for the other, as you know you will be back to the other place quite soon. If you cannot afford to do that, then you just have to make a list of the pros and cons of each place - then live in the place with the most pros. I suppose the other option, is to live somewhere with a lifestyle that is similar to Sydney, but much closer to the UK - maybe Cyprus.

Goodness. Never heard anyone say that before....

Agreed. My last check-out time was officially 10am. I asked if I could have a later check-out, and it was extended to 3pm.

Pretty much only positives from me. My entire family group still live in the UK, and I am the only one who left. Left in the early 90s and never been back since. No desire to either. Even though been here for so long, I still on occasion marvel at how lucky I am. A lot has changed in the past 30 years, and the downside has been the huge increase in the cost of living, to what it was when I first arrived. But that is life in the world over today. It is what it is. (Then again, could never afford to live back in London again, as I have been told the rents are through the roof now. My rent in London was pretty expensive back in 1990 as it was). I think the best way to settle, is to adapt to your new country with all its challenges and changes to UK living, and really embrace the differences - rather than constantly pushing against them. That attitude worked for me anyway

Speak for yourself! Every day was the same: blue sky, no clouds, big yellow blazing ball of sun, day after day after day SOUNDS PERFECT TO ME............ I absolutely adore that kind of weather, and makes me feel happy to live in that environment If I wanted to experience British weather again. I would return to Britain or live in Melbourne. Funny actually. I adore hot weather. But my Aussie work colleague hates hot weather and is quite irritable in it, she is really only contented in winter or rain. I say we must have both been born in the wrong countries.

Well years ago I read this about Canberra from travel writer Bill Bryson...... "Canberra, why wait for death? And certainly back in the 1990s; I would have agreed with him. But recently visited again for the first time since 1995.......and absolutely loved the place. It had a really good vibe about it, and there was lots to see and do. Active local arts scene. Great wineries, eateries and bars too. Very easy to get around and rarely any congestion on the roads. I stayed in Kingston for six weeks and loved the area On the downside, it can get very icy cold in winter (as in British cold), and very hot in summer due to it being inland away from the coast. I believe it can get very quite when parliament is not sitting (but I would like that), and rents can be very expensive. Plus the layout was a little confusing and reminded me of Milton Keynes in that respect. Of course, visiting and living somewhere are totally different. Still I was very impressed on how much it had improved over the years. Cannot comment about cliquey, but it is basically a country town and I would imagine that may impact somewhat.

An old post but: I would love an update on this - as the difference between Katherine and New York City is so vast, that it is hard to comprehend the two together in one sentence. Personally I like both places

Yes. I am constantly sucked in by the thought of a sunny "adventure" and a romantic laid back lifestyle of living on an island or a remote hard to access location. (I looked at houses on Dangar Island and at Berowra Waters too). But every time I mention it, I am reminded about the nuisance of finding a parking space (SI car park is often full), or struggling with shopping bags from the car to the ferry to the house. Or reminded that yes sounds pleasant in summer, but I would quickly get tired of it in torrential rain. Pity (although probably good) that my other half is so boringly practical Maybe will have to do it for retirement and don't need to leave the island daily for work

Ohhhh. Very envious. I have looked at houses there. But other half reckons it will be too impractical.

I feel like I have fallen down with rabbit hole with Alice At least the post is from January and not April

Old post but: A friend recently flew in and went into hotel isolation. He was not allowed to open the hotel room door, let alone step out into the corridor. He was in a small room. It was windowless. He was not allowed to have more than half a bottle of wine a day (maybe in case he went insane and tried to drown himself in the toilet)........and go insane he nearly did. I would imagine it felt very much like solitary confinement in prison. He said the only saving grace, was the fact that he didn't have to also cope with children in such a situation.

Looks good on the surface only it seems - digging deeper and it takes on a whole new view

Interesting. What is the reason? Do you know?