Blue Flu

It was booked out pretty much back in December as well, when we stayed a few weeks in the region. (both Albany and Denmark) First weekend was the Festival with York Street, the main street closed and plenty of activity. Good but shut down a little early I thought. Quite probably why only passing two people the following Friday , walking up and back down York Street, at a quarter to nine came as such a shock. Eating places were doing quite a reasonable business. 6 Degrees is good. I wonder if they still have the Peruvian chief? Next door White Star also very good. Menu changed a little from pervious trip and partner a little disappointed her favourite no longer available on menu. But both worthy ale houses, big change from the rather rough beer barns of decades back that's for sure. We sometimes go to Albany purely to see something at the Entertainment Centre there. Due South is next to it and ideal in location by Princess Royal Harbour. Great place to watch the sunset sitting outside. Acoustics are not great so not a great fan of sitting inside. The food is hit and miss as well. Good selection of local wine (region produces some great wines) But even in moody weather , which can be often in Albany sitting outside, wrapped up viewing the vista is none too bad. The new Hotel next to there on the foreshore should have been opened by now (Hilton) but I believe they are building a further story. (floor) Also The Premier Hotel in York Street should be opening any week now for business. They've done what looks like a good job at restoring it with the verandah upstairs. The original was deliberately burnt down by the owner. Insurance job. Not great loss in a way as somewhat rough in the past. Yep ANZAC museum and restaurant up there worth visiting. Climb up to the memorial for a stunning vista over Albany. Albany is said to be home to one of the finest natural harbours in the world. I believe only Rio beats it. Or at least that the story they spin in those parts. Don't forget Middleton Beach. When not covered in seaweed, as can be at certain times of year is a great beach for walking. Walk to Emu Point and back then breakfast ay Bay Merchants and do The Broadwalk to town. Great views of The Sound and Harbour and stop off at the French La Gourmandaise (near 6 Degrees) for lunch. Yes a lot of money has been spent on The Gap. I'm divided as to if money well spent. Never been to Frenchmans Bay Whaling Museum, as find it expensive what they want. But used to go to the station as a kid, when it was in operation and can recall to smell to this day. Albany resembles somewhat an English seaside town I've always thought. I guess the weather and 7% of the population born in England helps maintain that somewhat. The Earl of Spencer an English theme pub in town, is usually voted one of the best in town. We were not impressed on last visit, but corvid had resulted in odd hours and many tables not being in use. All in all a decent little city. Just crack down on the meth (ice) problem there and other drugs, close that dreadful niteclub (was it really voted the worst in the Southern Hemisphere?) and the city's estimation will rise in my eyes.

WE can't really avoid it. It has entrenched itself and probable impossible or near as to move on. They don't directly bother us (previously had severe altercations with neighbours, but another story, they have moved on but was very feral to say the least ) It's not a matter of being asked to buy meth. These as I think I expressed are very middle class people who hold professional jobs or very clean cut looking students in the main. We are not talking the odd house or two but well lets say we know the score. I'm sure lots of mummies and daddies would be shocked if only they knew. As for FIFO , meth, as I understand does not show up in testing That's a reason it is so popular with those workers. But it seems popular across the board, many seem to hold professional jobs with no ill effects visible. With WA being one of the top hot spots in the world, I'd say it is a major problem. It is shocking Down South. Believe me contacts in Albany I approached when there some months ago even know some of the houses suspected of making it. Bunbury was an absolute shocker a few years back, expect it still bad. I knew of the drug scene in London rather well . But back in the day it wasn't the drugs that provoke aggression and violence. There was nasty stuff like the Big H (smack) cocaine was easy to get hold of, hash could be scored in a matter of minutes, but not the stuff that provoked as mentioned. Even today, with all UK's drug problems , meth (ice) barely features. If you came to my street you may well wonder what the fuss is. It is not in your face so to speak, nor junkies. It is seemingly about greed and making money. It is loading it into cars and so on. If I did not end up with the neighbours that rented for a year and brought utter mayhem to what was a quiet street , I probably would have little insight into meth (ice) in the way I do know. If a near neighbour hadn't knocked on my door and underlined the severe nature of the meth problem, I would not have known of its severity in how widespread in the area it is. Australia though does have a very serious issue with meth (ice) it should not be passed off as just another drug that a few kids to and it is no different when we were that age. This is far bigger. Many levels of involvement with serious longer term effects on society. Sadly I had no idea just how bad this was until it came to my street. I will certainly be looking to leave the inner city but most unclear as to where to locate. Property Managers whom I've been in contact with say it is everywhere. Nothing they can or will do. (most places are kept well. Next door lost the plot and loads of violence but still lasted out their year lease plus extra)

I do as well. Although The North is very special way up in The Kimberly. I lived Down South for many years. As I mentioned a fantastic coastline.

Leave? Why? It's a sporting contest not defending a foreign invasion by aliens. Surely the Norman Tebbit Cricket test as a pointer towards loyalty and belonging belongs to the eighties ? Where obviously it best remains.

Very much so. Don't find small town Australia by any means trouble free. Perth neither for that matter. England again a mixed bag. Experienced more 'serious' incidents around violence in England, but far, far more abusive and potential incidents of violence here. But I used to be out and about a lot very late and regular on late night trains.

Walkability is certainly a major point missed about London. I'm with you on being close to the city as possible. Hence prefer inner city. I know Applecross well. I lived two years beside the river. But found myself generally passing time in Fremantle or Perth. I've never been to Surfers but have been looking at property there and Sunshine Coast as well as Cairns. My desire is to get away from the infestation of drugs in the sense of production in inner city Perth. It is everywhere and apparently getting worse. (not too overt though) but I've learnt it is very bad at Surfers and FNQ so will stick it out here until travel restrictions lift and think to relocate overseas. I thought Surfers was more the younger crowd? Loud and brash and schoolies and short term party rents? Sunshine Coast a bit more in tune with the older gent? I thought you had made a parmanent move to SP? Are you remaining in Surry Hills? What were your overall conclusions regarding Perth after your second visit? I thought I detected less enthusiasm after second visit? It is often hard to go back to a place once known.

Indeed. It appears connection made. Now for some home grown herb, a bottle or two of Cow's Bombie chilled of course, a few surf lessons , from a spunky instructor obviously and the past will be foggy indeed. Stoke on Trent? Never heard of it. QLD is it? ...

I tend to agree. While policing I'm sure poses problems a small city like Mandurah wouldn't have to deal with, on a matter of personal safety I think it different. Bigger cities like Manchester tend to have loads of people around even late at night. (at least in the centre) The lack of people in such places like so many smaller Australian cities leaves one more open to abuse or worse.

Margaret River is way over rated and over priced IMO. It's quite far removed from the alternative surfie/hippie localities of the seventies. It obviously has its fans. It does produce some decent wine but the own is limited and during holidays crawling with day trippers and holiday makers. But saying that The South Coast of WA does have attractions in natural beauty. Parts resemble the West Coast of Ireland. Even Cornwall in places. I just hope they don't over play their natural attractiveness and greed destroys or displaces much of that.

Neither would fit the bill for me, but Manchester I believe has improved very much and taking on a cosmopolitan vibe. Now it's been explained that Mandurah too has improved so probably cancel out one another for different reasons. but chalk and cheese in comparison. A fair few MH (Mandurah number plate) cars in my street area over the course of a week . Usually short stays. Hardly needs explanation. Unlikely here for the cafe strip coffee.

End of the train line. Not that far from Perth. Indeed fast becoming part of the urban spread. This city has grown somewhat rapidly. In turn social issues blight it somewhat. It has high un/under employment and drug issuers. It can be a pleasant day trip from Perth by bus ot train, if not in mood to drive. I find it a little 'artificial' but then recall the old Mandurah when a child. Nice beaches . The canals are somewhat famous with the large houses lining them. Supposed to be dolphins sighted in them, but yet to spot one.

I'm afraid deserted town centres are pretty much the norm here after a certain time (not necessary very late either) We were in Albany five months back and passed all of two people walking up the main drag at a quarter to eight on a Friday night. It's just how it is and unlikely to change. Now the problem with meths (ice) is a major concern and getting worse. You are correct Mandurah is termed Methdurah for that reason. It's not only there of course, but much of the South Coast of WA is experiencing a meth drug problem of some proportion. Bunbury was very bad a few years back. Has it improved a little? No idea but easy to obtain everywhere. I would have thought that those working in a hospital setting or indeed in the area of mental health, would be very aware of the major problems being experienced in that area due to meth (ice) and other drugs. Perth was the world capital of meth abuse until Adelaide grabbed the title a few years back. (check out a Channel 9 expose on You Tube showing the problem in Murray Bridge SA) poor reflection on those places in my opinion. Just to round off on that matter, it is very prominent in the inner city where I live. I can point to many houses (alleged) manufacturing this (from home) as was pointed out to me in only recent months, after experiencing living next door to one that shall we say lost the plot. Not pleasant. Reason enough to want to leave. I have spoken to Property Management companies and they state it is everywhere. Thing being many don't necessary realize they are if they keep under the radar, kiddies, child things in display like swings and prams and bikes animals etc) I'm not sure about UK beach towns. I've witnessed quite a lot of anti social activity over the years but there remains an attraction to the English seaside. (no idea about Welsh, but looks very pleasant) so uniquely Englishness on display. My main knowledge though is living many decades ago close to Brighton and a rather large drug problem in that city. (nothing like meth (ice) and the violence stemming from that though)

Quite probably correct. Perth being of a mostly suburban layout as a area. My take would be Perth for the most part, not really suited to those preferring a cosmopolitan type city of variety and action. It simply isn't that. That's the reason we don't all live in the same few places I suppose.

Yes. My arguement would be London is a unique place in being an Alpha City. No matter what country it was situated it would be the so, all remaining the same. One either likes and thrives in such an environment or is diminished by it and loathes it. I loved London, what it would be unlikely to suit my personal needs at this stage. England itself, as I mentioned, I find a very mixed bag. I suppose a bit like the two posters you mention. Cheese and chalk in Perth opinions. Both being right in own way.

I suspect that poster meant more to do in Australia. But I'm with you. By and large far more going on and hence to do where I lived in UK than here. Far easier access as well. I barely watched any tv for at least a decade. But caught up with some of the things missed over the years since being in Australia. But I did live mostly in London. I found the smaller cities and towns a very mixed bag.

With German nationality a second passport can be obtained, if prove is provided to German authorities, that a citizen will be discriminated against or in some worse off not being able to take out the citizenship of the country they are living in. Quite a bit of paper work and supporting evidence, but have witnessed it done.

Australian citizenship while not automatic at birth, can easily be applied for if parent Australian born. Just a formality. There was a time when being born in Australia it was an automatic right. Hence giving birth here would allow child citizenship regardless of parents birth place.

Yes recall the song. Sounds appropriate with the suburb under discussion. Although I expect changes from the seventies. Recall their album Living In The Seventies.

Brunswick East. Sounds like the sort of area I'd feel in tune with. I know Docklands from decades back. I'm trying to recall but wasn't there some issue with some of the building? The longest spell I passed in Melbourne was on my first time in the city back in the nineties. Stayed in Balwyn and found it wanting. Lovely houses and seemingly cosmopolitan, but barely saw a soul around on the streets where I stated. Since stayed in other places and while not quite as lively as may have expected in places , certainly far more vibe than Perth. My friend lives out in Reservoir. Yet to make an acquittance with that area. Next time will check that out. I wonder if you find contact easy? Are people easy to engage from your experience?

My feelings exactly' Love as a rule the inner city vibe and things like walkability and convenience. Detest anywhere that relies on car dependency. Decent public transport a must. Green spaces as well. I loved London for that reason. Interesting points you make about inner city living in England. Probably the reason never found anywhere remotely compatible to desirability list outside of London and Brighton. Never been to Manchester or Liverpool though. Quite liked Newcastle, but only time there, experienced a heat wave. Very different experience to the norm and population were rejoicing in it for that week. I imagine there is far more opportunity to relocate to the countryside in England, than in Australia. There are some lovely villages, hardly remote in the Australian context worthy of consideration. I thought a lot of Melbourne inner city apartments were reliant on international students though? Is there a lot of middle aged living inner city as well? A healthy mix would be best, I guess. I live inner city but things have changed. Although mostly middle class, not very multi cultural as may be expected perhaps, drugs in the form of meth (ice) has become a very widespread issue. Not druggies as such, but the manufacture off. Very off putting and not overt unless know what to look for. Shame for me though, is I experience it of late from both sides .

Actually rather liberating. Home can be in many places minus the excess baggage being overly attached to any one place. . For example I could quite comfortably live many years in a city like London or Paris and not think myself as English or French. That doesn't play out in anywhere close to the same way in say Adelaide or Perth for example .

That term should be struck from the English language forth with. It has suddenly come out of nowhere into the mouths of babes and the family galah. At least giving the appearance of, in its over use and meaningless .

Thanks for replying. We were looking at possible relocations to England in recent years (along with other countries) and Bournemouth came top of the list. Pricey but less so than Brighton, a place I knew well and liked in the past. (Boscombe more affordable, but obviously more problems) Amazing how difficult a task that proved to be. But Australia proved much the same for me anyway. Did look at many cities and Southampton came out very badly for anti social behaviour and easy to dismiss. Thing being so many UK cities have severe social crime issues. They label it chav's, but in my view this is a product of austerity that has engrossed the land over recent decades, impacting mostly on the disadvantaged. Drugs as here way out of control, but at least the scourge of meth (ice) is not frequent in UK. But I digress. One city, still cheap, apparently not so youth crime ridden is Sheffield. Supposedly very friendly and safe. Newcastle came out good as well. But for places without the problems one would do better across The Channel (especially if retiring ) where the culture is not yet experiencing the levels of youth crime and alcohol abuse of too many English cities. Great you found Melbourne so much to your liking. Probably the only place, for people looking for certain cultural traits in Australia. That's one city that picked up their game in the latter decades of last century. I suspect you would need to chose well though. Many of those suburbs look 'disheartening' to say the least. Trust your hubby has adapted to live there with equal enthusiasm as yourself?

Even though born in Australia don't feel some overwhelming sense of being Australian. What does that even mean? I take on aspects of all countries I've lived in. Many not even consciously. Just a preference for a particular thing in this country and that in another. Nowhere will provide all requirements. I suppose if one lives most of their life in a particular country it may prove more clear cut, this question of nationality. I don't see it matters beyond the legal aspects of residency and all that entails. A bit like watching the World Cup in Germany in 06. I followed several countries in support watching them play and felt the intensity equally among that support.

In my view what makes a place interesting are the people that inhabit it. Is Perth a city that caters for all sorts? Hardly. It tends to be somewhat parochial and too conservative for its own good. It doesn't make Perth a bad place, it is just defied differently. People who prefer, for example a city possessing something of a street culture, a place to find their niche if not conformist, will likely be at home elsewhere. Plenty of people we know or have met in the past , have experienced kids in early twenties , leaving for elsewhere. Even if only Melbourne. Some returned, others not. They certainly found more elsewhere. Hardly hard to understand Perth has limitations. That's was why I left . If those things that niggle, no longer seem so important , or one can somehow navigate around such things, Perth can be a goer. The thing to realize is Perth has definite limitations. It is not an environment that all will prosper. There are serious social issues here as elsewhere. Drugs are a big, big problem. It is not being like anywhere near addressed to the degree that is deserved. If one is something of an 'introvert' I mean in the sense of preferring family around and rather house inclined then definitely a good chance of success. It can be quite lonely (hardly unique in that) it is somewhat shallow , with materialist values overly dominant. I don't think beach culture features largely all things considered. Most ball we know never venture to the beach. Saying that getting a parking space often, is near impossible. I'm outdoorsy but don't necessary find Perth super ideal for outdoor pursuits by any means. I have limited cycling after the third near miss being wiped out by a car. I do not find Perth a good walking city . I do swim and enjoy aquatic activity. I find the night life sucks seriously. Not easy place to escape. I fully understand why others would seek other alternatives elsewhere to what is on offer in Perth and WA. Nothing at all wrong with that. One thing I always wanted to ask you Marisawright. I seem to recall you moved to Southampton on return to UK? I'm just wondering of all possible places to pick why that city? Surely more friendlier options than there?