cartertucker Posted May 19, 2012 Share Posted May 19, 2012 Glad your feeling a bit better ~ Try & keep as busy as you can & the time will fly by :wink: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Somgirl Posted May 19, 2012 Share Posted May 19, 2012 I'm really emotional & down today and I just want to be "home " so much! I know I should be enjoying my last weeks in Perth but today I am just not in the mood! I don't like feeling like this as I am usually quite a positive person. Anyone else who is heading back get days like this? Emma :hug: Not heading back at the moment Emma, but i'm sure this will quickly pass and you will feel better soon!:hug: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Somgirl Posted May 19, 2012 Share Posted May 19, 2012 Chocolate is your friend! Just break it down into days and get a count down marker and cross off the days with a big red pen! :hug: Is that break the chocolate down into days? Lol!:biggrin: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anniefrombath Posted May 19, 2012 Share Posted May 19, 2012 I'm in the UK and feeling bummed cause I'm waiting to head to Oz: it's hard being stuck when you know you want to be somewhere else (whichever direction you're heading in). Hang in there and know that it's still pretty grey and nippy here (brrrrr): but it'll be glorious British Summer by the time you head back. Yay! Summer is waiting for yoooou! xx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legal angel Posted May 19, 2012 Share Posted May 19, 2012 I know exactly how you feel - I leave in 10 weeks. I still have alot to organise though - are you selling furniture etc, I have that to do and my daughter which keeps me busy. Good luck on your move, I know I can't wait for mine but its hard when you have mentally left a place, even though you are physically still there for the moment. Hang in there, it will happen for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flag of convenience Posted May 19, 2012 Share Posted May 19, 2012 I'm really emotional & down today and I just want to be "home " so much! I know I should be enjoying my last weeks in Perth but today I am just not in the mood! I don't like feeling like this as I am usually quite a positive person. Anyone else who is heading back get days like this? Emma :hug: It's almost over so you know the end is in sight. My OH is away working up north doing a six week on ten day off so am seeing life in Perth with another perspective ... just how conservative this place is..twice now have called mutual friends about meeting up or a meal outside and a few drinks only to be asked when the OH is due back to agree. Just so different from Europe or London.....more convinced than ever that this is not the place to be... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghost Posted May 19, 2012 Share Posted May 19, 2012 Had my wife spend a whole day in tears two weeks before she was flying home. Just wanted to be " out of here " Saying that she was generally much better after we had booked the flights ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vixxy666 Posted May 19, 2012 Share Posted May 19, 2012 I can empathise I'm off in the other direction in 17 days and I'm up n down like a yo yo but harder as my oh has been there 6 weeks and the separation is awful but he's enjoying it which is keeping the excitement going which helps so plan all the fun things I'll do when you get back might help I also have a countdown time on my phone to the second I fly lol it's nice seeing the days drop away and they really are going quick now good luck love Edinburgh looked at getting married in the caves fab place! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flag of convenience Posted May 19, 2012 Share Posted May 19, 2012 I found Perth a lonely place,,,, ESP the northern side,,,,, can you not go away for a week etc,,, mag river or something alike... Just a thought in making the most of your remaining time down under. Wish you the very best. D. I'm not sure going away makes a lot of difference to be honest. I have been living here sixteen years and have done reasonably well in the material sense but socially it has been very backward especially if compared to London...but also Europe in general... Perth is just too socially conservative for me and would appear aimed at a specific profile...namely married couples with children. Being alone over the past few months has re enforced this suspicion with OH working away... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunshine111 Posted May 19, 2012 Share Posted May 19, 2012 I'm not sure going away makes a lot of difference to be honest. I have been living here sixteen years and have done reasonably well in the material sense but socially it has been very backward especially if compared to London...but also Europe in general...Perth is just too socially conservative for me and would appear aimed at a specific profile...namely married couples with children. Being alone over the past few months has re enforced this suspicion with OH working away... I think you may have hit the nail on the head there. Also have to add, we were a couple with kids & we couldnt crack the social code either! Is it because its spreadout? is it because a high proportion of the people there just want to keep themselves to themselves? or do they not know how to start with a bit of polite banter?! (which I experience in every day life in the UK more often than not!) is it a fairly transient place & not enough established communities? Is it mining folk? wonder what it is?!! We have friends that had been out there 40 yrs & in their late 60's & when we first met them (out dog walking!) they often talked less than fondly of the locals & initially we didnt get it, fast forward a couple of years & then we started too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flag of convenience Posted May 20, 2012 Share Posted May 20, 2012 I think you may have hit the nail on the head there. Also have to add, we were a couple with kids & we couldnt crack the social code either! Is it because its spreadout? is it because a high proportion of the people there just want to keep themselves to themselves? or do they not know how to start with a bit of polite banter?! (which I experience in every day life in the UK more often than not!) is it a fairly transient place & not enough established communities? Is it mining folk? wonder what it is?!! We have friends that had been out there 40 yrs & in their late 60's & when we first met them (out dog walking!) they often talked less than fondly of the locals & initially we didnt get it, fast forward a couple of years & then we started too! I have tried to fathom reasons and think mainly locals here are socialized differently. It is more family related and folks don't feel in need of or even very comfortable around the unfamilar...Then distance does play a part. The need to drive in many circumstances does limit social interaction to a degree but only to a point. Not as evolved in the conversation process also plays a part. Small talk does have its limits and allows time lags of considerable periods before the need to catch of on more of the same. Shyness plays a part as does social conservatism,which I find rather dominant here.. then perhaps elements of recent social media/networking comes into play as well. Just the way it is don't plan to be here for ever but still deciding on the next country to go after here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunshine111 Posted May 21, 2012 Share Posted May 21, 2012 I have tried to fathom reasons and think mainly locals here are socialized differently. It is more family related and folks don't feel in need of or even very comfortable around the unfamilar...Then distance does play a part. The need to drive in many circumstances does limit social interaction to a degree but only to a point.Not as evolved in the conversation process also plays a part. Small talk does have its limits and allows time lags of considerable periods before the need to catch of on more of the same. Shyness plays a part as does social conservatism,which I find rather dominant here.. then perhaps elements of recent social media/networking comes into play as well. Just the way it is don't plan to be here for ever but still deciding on the next country to go after here. Agree completely, especially the highlighted. If you have family there or you have your own big family & are self sufficient, maybe works well in Perth? if not, I wonder as a newbie you really have to tap into the expat network, find other people in the same boat whether that be people from UK or interstate Aussies. Perhaps even create their own community rather than find one to belong too! (but open up to all rather than create it in an insular way) Which goes against the Brit way, where we feel we have to do it on our own & avoid our fellowman like the plague! One things for sure a different tact is needed from a social perspective otherwise I believe it can lead to social isolation. Have travelled/lived in other parts of Oz & not experienced it & lived in Nz & again never had any issues. Great to be able to have a choice re countries. Good luck with your next adventure! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasepom Posted May 28, 2012 Share Posted May 28, 2012 Good luck with your move back. I hear a lot of poms not settling in Perth must be something to do with the conservative attitudes of the locals. I've found that people in Melbourne are more European in nature. Not sure why migrants dont consider an interstate move before moving back to UK but there's always that pull of the homeland to resist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perthbum Posted May 28, 2012 Share Posted May 28, 2012 I'm really emotional & down today and I just want to be "home " so much! I know I should be enjoying my last weeks in Perth but today I am just not in the mood! I don't like feeling like this as I am usually quite a positive person. Anyone else who is heading back get days like this? Emma :hug: If I ca cheer you up the weather has been fantastic over the last week or so but is set to change when you get back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunshine111 Posted May 29, 2012 Share Posted May 29, 2012 Good luck with your move back. I hear a lot of poms not settling in Perth must be something to do with the conservative attitudes of the locals. I've found that people in Melbourne are more European in nature. Not sure why migrants dont consider an interstate move before moving back to UK but there's always that pull of the homeland to resist. We may have considered a move interstate to Sydney. Enjoyed it as backpackers, spent 8 mths there but when you got school aged kids in the equation for us too risky, (until recently, each state had a different education system , they are striving at the mo to get all states the same so then a move interstate would be no big drama for kids) also wanted our kids to get to know their family. Guess we were ready to find somewhere we could put roots down for our kids, UK was a safe bet & for us as a family the right move. Everyone's different & at different stages of our lives need something different. When we were 20 somethings, Uk couldnt offer us what Australia could. Now we are late 30 somethings & with kids, Uk is now offering what Oz couldnt! Who says you got to be in the same country all your life?! Good to have choices thats what i say! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cartertucker Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 We may have considered a move interstate to Sydney. Enjoyed it as backpackers, spent 8 mths there but when you got school aged kids in the equation for us too risky, (until recently, each state had a different education system , they are striving at the mo to get all states the same so then a move interstate would be no big drama for kids) also wanted our kids to get to know their family. Guess we were ready to find somewhere we could put roots down for our kids, UK was a safe bet & for us as a family the right move. Everyone's different & at different stages of our lives need something different. When we were 20 somethings, Uk couldnt offer us what Australia could. Now we are late 30 somethings & with kids, Uk is now offering what Oz couldnt! Who says you got to be in the same country all your life?! Good to have choices thats what i say! What would you say the Uk is offering your kids, that Oz wasnt? So many people say the opposite on here & even some of those living back in Uk can be heard saying 'great for the kids in Oz' etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunshine111 Posted May 31, 2012 Share Posted May 31, 2012 What would you say the Uk is offering your kids, that Oz wasnt? So many people say the opposite on here & even some of those living back in Uk can be heard saying 'great for the kids in Oz' etc We are benefiting greatly from what the UK has to offer, as follows (just off the top of my head, as I think of more, I will add!) Fantastic early childhood system (especially for 2-5 yrs) the ages before school, great transition into school system (teaching independence/socialisation/behaviour etc proper structure but in a fun environment) Adhoc play - can go to park & find other kids in the park to play with that maybe from school or around our village (rather than having to orchestrate playdates everytime) especially after school. (both in our village & where my son goes to school) Sooooooo many different playgrounds all over the place with different things to swing on climb on etc Outside play more (just dress up accordingly) Seasons - we had great fun playing in the snow a few months ago, as well as the sunshine we are having now Football encouraged from an early age (really good if you got boys with lots of energy) very good from a socialisation point of view too Great after school sport options for the early years too (my son happy does football & tennis after school & has more than enough energy & lurves it) Diverse things to do whether that be theme parks (we went to Lego land on Monday after cashing in our tescoes vouchers. Didnt cost a penny!) Kids lurved it. Beaches/parks/museums/events/swimming/lidos/farms/zoos/nature trails If you are bored of an area, there is somewhere else to go, a different pool a different park a different zoo or museum. (later being free in London. Science museum in itself is a weeks holiday!) I have found the kids at my son schools more confident, outgoing & social too Different trees to look at, different bugs to look at (again a boy thing!) & at different times of the year (& helicopters as we call them - those funny things you throw in the air!) More interaction with different generations, so to learn from etc (we had mothers groups in Perth which was great in the early years but not enough experience with older generations (for us who had no family in Oz) who bring so much more, especially as kids get older. Found that the older generation kept to themselves as did the younger generation. Seemed to be no or not enough crossing over, things that brought the two together. On bank holiday/long weekends, people to catch up with (less of an island) whether that be with our family members or other people seem happy to invite us into their own fold. Rather than us on our own for that extra day. We could go 3-4 days without seeing anymore unless we had planned to meet them. Sometimes it is nice to just go out to a park & know there is someone to see or for the kids to play with Play outside any time of day any time of year (again not hampered by heat & having to come home at 11am & stay inside until 5-6pm Loads & loads of community events, everyone intergenerationally involved, in different villages/towns. There is a picnic on the green this sunday & there must be an event on every weekend over the next couple of months. From Punch & judy on the beach to various Fetes with all the usual traditional stuff. Got a carnival in another town on the river in a couple of months. Plenty of indoor options/places to go if the weather isnt great I lurved the simplicity of our life in Perth but tbh, we are semi-rural & have actually re-created that here & when/if the kids get bored of village life & want to chase the bright lights, I lurve the fact they only got to get into a car & be at London or Brighton! or anywhere else in the UK come to that Thats just for starters.... I honestly hadnt realised what was available until we got back, not till you start getting out there that you realise! (so much I took for granted!)The trick I think is, like moving anywhere new whether that be Uk or OZ is, know what you want & choose your area carefully! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emmylou Posted May 31, 2012 Share Posted May 31, 2012 We are benefiting greatly from what the UK has to offer, as follows (just off the top of my head, as I think of more, I will add!) Fantastic early childhood system (especially for 2-5 yrs) the ages before school, great transition into school system (teaching independence/socialisation/behaviour etc proper structure but in a fun environment) Adhoc play - can go to park & find other kids in the park to play with that maybe from school or around our village (rather than having to orchestrate playdates everytime) especially after school. (both in our village & where my son goes to school) Sooooooo many different playgrounds all over the place with different things to swing on climb on etc Outside play more (just dress up accordingly) Seasons - we had great fun playing in the snow a few months ago, as well as the sunshine we are having now Football encouraged from an early age (really good if you got boys with lots of energy) very good from a socialisation point of view too Great after school sport options for the early years too (my son happy does football & tennis after school & has more than enough energy & lurves it) Diverse things to do whether that be theme parks (we went to Lego land on Monday after cashing in our tescoes vouchers. Didnt cost a penny!) Kids lurved it. Beaches/parks/museums/events/swimming/lidos/farms/zoos/nature trails If you are bored of an area, there is somewhere else to go, a different pool a different park a different zoo or museum. (later being free in London. Science museum in itself is a weeks holiday!) I have found the kids at my son schools more confident, outgoing & social too Different trees to look at, different bugs to look at (again a boy thing!) & at different times of the year (& helicopters as we call them - those funny things you throw in the air!) More interaction with different generations, so to learn from etc (we had mothers groups in Perth which was great in the early years but not enough experience with older generations (for us who had no family in Oz) who bring so much more, especially as kids get older. Found that the older generation kept to themselves as did the younger generation. Seemed to be no or not enough crossing over, things that brought the two together. On bank holiday/long weekends, people to catch up with (less of an island) whether that be with our family members or other people seem happy to invite us into their own fold. Rather than us on our own for that extra day. We could go 3-4 days without seeing anymore unless we had planned to meet them. Sometimes it is nice to just go out to a park & know there is someone to see or for the kids to play with Play outside any time of day any time of year (again not hampered by heat & having to come home at 11am & stay inside until 5-6pm Loads & loads of community events, everyone intergenerationally involved, in different villages/towns. There is a picnic on the green this sunday & there must be an event on every weekend over the next couple of months. From Punch & judy on the beach to various Fetes with all the usual traditional stuff. Got a carnival in another town on the river in a couple of months. Plenty of indoor options/places to go if the weather isnt great Thats just for starters.... I honestly hadnt realised what was available until we got back, not till you start getting out there that you realise! (so much I took for granted!)The trick I think is, like moving anywhere new whether that be Uk or OZ is, know what you want & choose your area carefully! Hmmmm I lived on the Gold Coast in Oz and my friends that had kids would argue all this is available there. Added to that the better weather and what more could kids want? Like anything you can find what you need if you look for it or are prepared to take the time to make it happen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunshine111 Posted May 31, 2012 Share Posted May 31, 2012 Hmmmm I lived on the Gold Coast in Oz and my friends that had kids would argue all this is available there. Added to that the better weather and what more could kids want? Like anything you can find what you need if you look for it or are prepared to take the time to make it happen. Not really meant to be a debate about UK v Oz. Is only my experience of Perth v West Sussex & surrounds! For us, no contest the later wins hands down for us as a family. Like you say, you can find what you need if you look, maybe you dont always have to emmigrate to find it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhampa Posted May 31, 2012 Share Posted May 31, 2012 Hia, just wondering, why would you have to come in side from 11am to 5pm ? I grew up in Johannesburg and don't remember living like this. just curious. interesting to hear that you feel there are more sports activities and outdoor play in the UK for your kids. I would have assumed Australia is FAR more active for kids than the uk. Again coming to the UK from South Africa I defiantly noticed how "different" the school/after schools sports opportunities were. Im not saying any of this to upset you in anyway btw, I just hope your view of the UK is not rose tinted and your really looking at things objectively. Would hate to see you are anyone regret the decisions they make.. and hey whats good for me is not necessarily what makes you happy Hope it all works out for you and you get out of life exactly what you want Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunshine111 Posted May 31, 2012 Share Posted May 31, 2012 Hia, just wondering, why would you have to come in side from 11am to 5pm ? I grew up in Johannesburg and don't remember living like this. just curious. interesting to hear that you feel there are more sports activities and outdoor play in the UK for your kids. I would have assumed Australia is FAR more active for kids than the uk. Again coming to the UK from South Africa I defiantly noticed how "different" the school/after schools sports opportunities were. Im not saying any of this to upset you in anyway btw, I just hope your view of the UK is not rose tinted and your really looking at things objectively. Would hate to see you are anyone regret the decisions they make.. and hey whats good for me is not necessarily what makes you happy Hope it all works out for you and you get out of life exactly what you want I know a few South Africans that moved to Perth for the heat, so you would probably quite enjoy it, they said it was the same as J'berg. Infact, when I lived in Nz there were many who emmigrated to Nz firstly, couldnt get on with the climate too cold!! & went onwards bound to Oz! Just to confirm, already home my friend & have been for the last 9 mths! not rose tinted glasses is how it actually is for us. We had x2 kids under 5 yrs & for us just found it too hot from December - March. Anything over mid 30's was just too much. We would often come home from parks around that time. Not all parks had adequent shade. Only had to drive about between say 11-4pm & see nobody out in any of the parks playing. Like I say this is not a debate of this v that, more to highlight that the UK does have plenty to offer, funny really if my list was about any other country other than the UK I just dont think people would batter an eyelid! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunni1234 Posted May 31, 2012 Share Posted May 31, 2012 One thing we noticed here is the lack of after school clubs by the school. Quite a few run separately but little in the way of the actual schools. eg, drama club, sports club etc run by the teachers. We found school clubs in uk more affordable and accessible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cartertucker Posted June 1, 2012 Share Posted June 1, 2012 Like I say this is not a debate of this v that, more to highlight that the UK does have plenty to offer, funny really if my list was about any other country other than the UK I just dont think people would batter an eyelid! Your so right ~ It drives me mad on this forum sometimes!! :rolleyes: I really appreciate your honest post about what the Uk is offering your kids ~ Please read your PM ;0) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harpodom Posted June 1, 2012 Share Posted June 1, 2012 Not really meant to be a debate about UK v Oz. Is only my experience of Perth v West Sussex & surrounds! For us, no contest the later wins hands down for us as a family. Like you say, you can find what you need if you look, maybe you dont always have to emmigrate to find it! I love West Sussex, gorgeous countryside! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cartertucker Posted June 1, 2012 Share Posted June 1, 2012 ^^ WTF!!! Loving your new 'ticker' Harpodom! :twitcy: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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