Blue Flu

Probably since the train line ended up there. But Merth never one to miss out claiming to be something or other, seems to wear that badge as fact now.

Yes. I believe The Golden Visa has been cancelled. It seems popular with digital nomads and retirees in the south. Would be high up the scale as a favourite choice for self.

Without doubt. But living in pain and/or discomfort should not be considered to be 'acceptable' by any health system in the advanced world.

NHS is in a more advanced state of decay than the Australian equivalent but give it time here in Australia. Even aged care facilities are closing in Perth. Truth is neither system is performing well . One is not aware probably of the extent of mistakes and at times incompetence within the medical system in Australia. Unless it happens to some one you know of course. This is a country where much is under cover and I have come to question a lot of stats , as in not being the full picture. I have over recent years learnt of more people getting procedures done overseas , in both dental and medical (not forgetting cosmetic) due to cost primary , but also the service and positive outcomes from others who went before. I've heard (read) some great things about the system in Portugal , and the world standing in medical outcomes in that country. May well be a reason Portugal has climbed so high up the retirement location rankings.

Which doesn't go towards answering the question in regards to why Australian cities in general are so poorly planned? Indeed the decline in livability stakes within world measurement, (even if in doubt of the validity of such things) will to many go a way towards underlining the declining living standards in Australian cities.

Silly hype maybe. A bit akin to Perth being the longest city in the world. Oh well, is it Coffs Harbour with the biggest banana?

I doubt if Perth is more advanced than Adelaide. In fact quite a lot of similarities. Rentals are hard to find. We have comparable beaches and I'd suggest a longer summer . The negatives are the isolation and cost of going anywhere else. A parochial mentality and a most inept State government that completely ignores the substantial issues facing the state.

I've been to both places. I did not notice anything untoward when visited Ballarat back in 1994. A long time ago and much must have changed. Although hardly there long enough to make much of a value based judgement. My information informs me Country Victoria, as does Country WA, has seriously high issues of drug activity so expect this may be a flow on.

Same thing happened but in a quiet suburban street in my former home town down in the south of WA. Fair to say drugs the most likely reason, as that town (termed city) like most all The South is full of drugs and manufacture which tend to result in the increased occurrence of such things. (and worse) Interesting you mention Brazil. No Australia is not Brazil, but learning quickly. Large numbers of Brazilians as well as Colombians among others have become increasingly visible at least out West . Only a few years ago I recall remarking on how much Spanish language heard on the streets of Sydney, when almost none over heard at the time in Perth. (not to mention Portuguese) Those days are long passed . Numbers have increased as the drug manufacturing business has taken off. I'm sure some will suggest a coincidence , while others will continue to proclaim "what drug manufacturing business" But most honest observers to what is going on will admit drugs are everywhere and posing severe issues on many fronts , others with shall we say an interest to 'muddy the waters' will claim otherwise. Also fair to say as foreign cartels gain more leverage that such incidents will likely become more the 'norm' along with worse outcomes as found in other countries.

Not me it is the stats. Take a look if don't believe me.

It must be a competition between Country Victoria and Country WA for where is worse in drugs. It would be fair to say that the drug issue inflates the crime .

Odd that. I can't believe how much Australia has gone down the tubes. The apathy is killing. Not positive just as the short termism. Not much thought how the country is in decline. Massive immigration. Difficult to find a place to live. I recall the homeless in London in the early nineties . Australia has become far more tense. Very money focused. (greed paramount) shades of what London became in the eighties. There are still cities not so inclined. For instance Newcastle and Glasgow are pretty safe bets. A shame Glasgow is blighted by drug useage though. At least it is not an alternative occupation as in WA .

Of course the selling of $1.6 Billion worth of Australian property to Chinese has further aggravated the matter. In a time of housing stress, overseas buyers should be barred from buying housing .

That is more the probability for most. Very easy to fall into bad company in such locations , which in todays world is probably all that is affordable for all but the wealthiest.

None. But I don't have a business or a house over there. If so, I would be most unlikely to consider Australia. But this is based largely on the reality I witness around me. This country is in incredibly bad shape. Sydney is now the second most expensive city in the world. We have close to the highest personal debt. Rentals are all but unobtainable. Drugs are so rampant as to entrenched into society (or the money made from their manufacture, that this must seriously impact the nation. Both in the black economy and associated risks. How will this nation function on this level ? How long before cartels get into other things worse? Our hospital system is not so far removed from NHS. Violence in our schools at record highs. Immigration at record highs of over 300,000 in a year. (unneeded) This places further burden on house prices and competition in employment. No unless escaping persecution, or in fear of life, or from a nation so poor that anywhere will be an improvement, I just don't see many advantages these days in moving to Australia.

Think carefully. I'd keep Australia as a holiday destination , if it were me. What exactly makes it better than UK ? Outside of the weather, which you can find closer to home. Both countries have 'issues'. Just don't over glamourise Australia. In a time of uncertainty, having security is not a bad thing at all.

An example of the changing fortunes within Australia. Previous generations going back to last century left home usually after education, if not before and experienced the world, after a few years working and saving. Life was far simpler and Australia had clear living advantages over many other countries.

I guess one just needs to pick the magic that suits. Many countries seem to possess it. Ireland, UK, Africa, India, and so on. I've heard it said about all the latter plus others. As anywhere there is much to appreciate and equally a lot to abhor.

A lot changed over that time. I was there in that era. Probably one of the biggest for people from that region is their ability to travel and live abroad. We've met so many with houses back in their former homeland along with another either here in Australia or elsewhere. Back in the days you were there, you could sell a pair of blue jeans and live some days on the proceeds. Don't recall if it was as long as a week but something like that. You are correct. People were very 'friendly' as you say. Probably it was a little subversive to speak with Westerners but also a strong interest to practice their English or German. These says Aussies have a bit of a bad reputation in Croatia(Dubrovnik) for their inability to handle their alcohol. Well that was the case several years back. I suspect if the war spreads few areas will be able to guarantee complete safety. UK seems to be a prime target of the Russians if indeed it did blow up.

Portugal is probably the best value of the more desirable countries in Europe. I say probably as I've heard Romania is great value but never been. A few other Eastern countries seem to be of value like Slovenia, Montenegro, possibly Croatia but not in a position to have much insight or particular interest in those countries. I do know though Portugal is considerably cheaper than Cyprus (although probably not Northern Cyprus, the Turkish part of island) A lot speak English and it has been since the early 90's probably my favourite country in Europe. Germany, used to have some great dining places in small villages. I think all I used to frequent when there have now disappeared. The owners having retired and no interest by children to carry on the tradition. I've always found shopping in Germany very good. Great place for good quality clothes. (as well )

Most any tourist area will have higher prices anywhere in the world. In France , best eat out if wanting a cheapish meal at a Pizzeria in the evenings , keeping other places for occasions. Vietnamese food bargains can be had if in Paris @the 13 th a, in Place D'Italie (China Town) Some good deals for lunch with 'Plat du Jour' during the day in most cafes everywhere. Eating out can be kept very acceptable doing this. Of course, as in a lot of Europe , things like breakfast can be kept at an acceptable price by standing at the counter, A table outside will cost more than a table inside as well. Then the tip adds to the cost.

Only thing i find accord with is the bit about tanning beds. Leave that artificial alone at all costs. I'd say if me, I would welcome winter sunrays, if they at all exist, during a Scottish winter. We need Vitamin D for remaining healthy.

The 'kids' around me are all doing very well . A young girl, P plater drives a new MG, other side couple early twenties bought the house , drive a VW Caddy. Noted a girl not more than eighteen dropping a $50 note into the cap of a homeless person a few months back in Northbridge. The list of affluence goes on. ( Not too much sign outwardly of hardship among young in Perth and especially inner city, who frequent cafes, restaurants and have plenty of free time. I'd say the kids are alright. More outward signs of affluence than when I was at their stage in life.

Seems far too strong in such a climate. Hopefully you are not doing more damage than going without?

Late? I'm born here and grew up in the sun until leaving . It has a lot to do with type of skin, but I find sun inspired activities tone the skin . I'd imagine not too much younger than you.