Guest Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 Some posts here about the openness of the ozzies etc... have to disagree From my experience and many others I have talked to its totally the opposite. I find them open and friendly to have small talk like passing in the street or a lift or public transport. When it comes down to anything more there pretty straight laced and quite private people I find UK people less interested in small talk but more open to friendship in general, depends on where you live in both cases i guess. I live in a city in Oz so guess there less friendly but in the UK I lived on the outskirts of a town where it was more relaxed and friendly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aunt Agatha Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 I am moving back to the UK in the next 12 months and I will miss: My lovely Aussie friends The flora and fauna Opportunities to create my own career - Aus has been amazing for that Our back deck Our mango tree Blue skies & sunshine Cleanliness of streets Lack of hoodies Getting parked outside the shop/restaurant/venue I'm visiting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 Well I have been back six months now and the only thing I miss is the community school my son went too. I felt very much part of it and knew everyone, here he gets a school bus and I've only met one other parent so far! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortlepuss Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 Some posts here about the openness of the ozzies etc... have to disagree From my experience and many others I have talked to its totally the opposite. I find them open and friendly to have small talk like passing in the street or a lift or public transport. When it comes down to anything more there pretty straight laced and quite private people I find UK people less interested in small talk but more open to friendship in general, depends on where you live in both cases i guess. I live in a city in Oz so guess there less friendly but in the UK I lived on the outskirts of a town where it was more relaxed and friendly. What an interesting observation - One made frequently here, and certainly my experience. Seven years in, I have yet to meet a close girl friend - One I could ring up for a natter, or suggest a trip to the pub or coffee shop with. People I know here have very structured lives here - and there is none of the last minute 'hey pop round tonight and have a drink!' - It is all organised, and planned and I always feel that I am encroaching on people's time - work hours are long here and rest time is precious. I was happy to assume it was just me, that I was a miserable git with no capacity for making friends - But even working in the UK last summer for 5 months, I met new friends that I would socialise with on return, and I have a large number of long term friends back home. If hubby and I wish to chat to anyone apart from ourselves then we cater for people, who come around, have a great time - and in a notable few cases it is reciprocated. The people we know are lovely - but just not interested in a life beyond small talk - and I find small talk exhausting at times, I just want to relax around people. I find Ozzies who I work with very friendly, and there are always plenty of chances to meet others if business opportunities are to be discussed... But I do find it lonely to be honest, and I think it is one of the top reasons for me wanting to return to the UK. I miss (and I need) close relationships with people other than my immediate family... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina2 Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 What an interesting observation - One made frequently here, and certainly my experience. Seven years in, I have yet to meet a close girl friend - One I could ring up for a natter, or suggest a trip to the pub or coffee shop with. People I know here have very structured lives here - and there is none of the last minute 'hey pop round tonight and have a drink!' - It is all organised, and planned and I always feel that I am encroaching on people's time - work hours are long here and rest time is precious. I was happy to assume it was just me, that I was a miserable git with no capacity for making friends - But even working in the UK last summer for 5 months, I met new friends that I would socialise with on return, and I have a large number of long term friends back home. If hubby and I wish to chat to anyone apart from ourselves then we cater for people, who come around, have a great time - and in a notable few cases it is reciprocated. The people we know are lovely - but just not interested in a life beyond small talk - and I find small talk exhausting at times, I just want to relax around people. I find Ozzies who I work with very friendly, and there are always plenty of chances to meet others if business opportunities are to be discussed... But I do find it lonely to be honest, and I think it is one of the top reasons for me wanting to return to the UK. I miss (and I need) close relationships with people other than my immediate family... So true ! been here 40 years and found no difference. Even when you make a friendship if you move suburbs even just 10km it is oh i will pop round for coffee but they rarely do. Been in our current suburb for 2 year no idea who lives next door, have waved and said good morning a few times but got the look of " why are you smiling at me ? " Far worse in the city, you do get the odd smile and how are you as they walk past in the country. It never use to be like this, as i said we have been here a very long time. I remember about 20 year ago we lost most of our roof in a storm, whole house flooded, people came from everywhere to help even the local scout group one of the kids was a member off. You new the people next door people kept an eye out for each other those days are long gone. Sad really Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quoll Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 What an interesting observation - One made frequently here, and certainly my experience. Seven years in, I have yet to meet a close girl friend - One I could ring up for a natter, or suggest a trip to the pub or coffee shop with. People I know here have very structured lives here - and there is none of the last minute 'hey pop round tonight and have a drink!' - It is all organised, and planned and I always feel that I am encroaching on people's time - work hours are long here and rest time is precious. I was happy to assume it was just me, that I was a miserable git with no capacity for making friends - But even working in the UK last summer for 5 months, I met new friends that I would socialise with on return, and I have a large number of long term friends back home. If hubby and I wish to chat to anyone apart from ourselves then we cater for people, who come around, have a great time - and in a notable few cases it is reciprocated. The people we know are lovely - but just not interested in a life beyond small talk - and I find small talk exhausting at times, I just want to relax around people. I find Ozzies who I work with very friendly, and there are always plenty of chances to meet others if business opportunities are to be discussed... But I do find it lonely to be honest, and I think it is one of the top reasons for me wanting to return to the UK. I miss (and I need) close relationships with people other than my immediate family... Very true! After 32 years I didn't have those friends either! Plenty of acquaintances but none of your "call at 3 am I'm in a pickle" kind of friends like I do here. Unfortunately I think the Aussie attitude may have rubbed off on me and I see myself putting up those protective walls around me with my new friendships here. They're slowly crumbling though and I've met some wonderful folk who I think, given time, will definitely fall into the 3am category (along with the lifelong friends I still have here) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramot Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 Thread seems to have gone off the original subject! But if posters insist on changing the subject, than I will just add that I am a cup 1/2 full person, who has made great friends in OZ, so it can happen!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peccavi Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 Thread seems to have gone off the original subject! But if posters insist on changing the subject, than I will just add that I am a cup 1/2 full person, who has made great friends in OZ, so it can happen!!! OK. I'll get back on topic. "What do you miss about Australia?" Nothing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fizzybangs Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 My three kids and a couple of friends, otherwise nothing and the weather has been fantastic since I got to UK in April 2013. Mind you, we do live in Devon in a unit overlooking Paignton Harbour with balcony! I honestly cannot think of anything I miss which is a bit worrying considering I lived there over 30 years! umm... there must be something! (later - had to go outside and sit and think)...I honestly think it depends on where you live, if you love where you live, whether you have a job and like it or not and your family circumstances. I'm not sure it has anything to do with which country. My family have awed me and I no longer feel like a ghost on the wall who lives 'over there' and pops back for holidays occasionally. I no longer work which must make a huge difference. I can walk everywhere that I need and everything is so cheap other than petrol but as I haven't used the car for over a week now it is actually cheaper for me to live here. And I do love where I live but then my family are all awed by where I live to and our views. If I had gone back to my birth place in Nottingham my views might be very different and the weather might get me down there. We picked this area as it is warmer and a beautiful place but it is not our home towns. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortlepuss Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 Oops! My fault for diversion... There will be plenty to miss about Australia, things that I take for granted a bit now but knocked my socks off when I came - notably amazing flora and fauna - soppy things like spotting dugongs, dolphins never disappoint, mangroves, and incredible walks in Gokd Coast hinterland that make you feel you've walked into a film set! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisrich 5 Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 I hear so often about all the things we Brits miss about the UK and of course I miss all those things too. But I would be really interested to hear from those who have moved back to the UK (for whatever reason) What do you miss about living in Australia?? Or what WOULD you miss about Australia if you were to return to the mother land?? Thank you I moved back to Uk in August last year , and the only thing I miss is the blue sky but I new I would always struggle with the grey sky . But when the sun does shine it is an awsome place to be . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wakeboard1980 Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 I moved back to Uk in August last year , and the only thing I miss is the blue sky but I new I would always struggle with the grey sky . But when the sun does shine it is an awsome place to be . it is a good place to be when the sun shines. I just wish it did a bit more often. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buttercup Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 I miss the 'un PC'ness of Oz. I just found it quite refreshing sometimes, some of the things my aussie work colleagues would come out with and nobody batted an eyelid. OK, at times it was a bit 'out there' but never the less funny and refreshing...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Counting Stars Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 I miss the 'un PC'ness of Oz. I just found it quite refreshing sometimes, some of the things my aussie work colleagues would come out with and nobody batted an eyelid. OK, at times it was a bit 'out there' but never the less funny and refreshing...... We noticed that when we've been on holiday there. Much prefer it there. Everyone here is afraid to say things just in case it offends x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wakeboard1980 Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 (edited) We noticed that when we've been on holiday there. Much prefer it there. Everyone here is afraid to say things just in case it offends x I often get told at work and home that I'm 'very straight forward'. No point beating round the bush. If I want something done a certain way people can't complain I don't make myself clear, and when hey get it wrong i ask can they not understand my accent.... Edited February 1, 2014 by wakeboard1980 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quoll Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 I miss the 'un PC'ness of Oz. I just found it quite refreshing sometimes, some of the things my aussie work colleagues would come out with and nobody batted an eyelid. OK, at times it was a bit 'out there' but never the less funny and refreshing...... Huh? Obviously you never lived in Canberra!!!! I find the un-PC-ness around here incredibly refreshing in comparison with Canberra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flathead Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 I miss the 'un PC'ness of Oz. I just found it quite refreshing sometimes, some of the things my aussie work colleagues would come out with and nobody batted an eyelid. OK, at times it was a bit 'out there' but never the less funny and refreshing...... You obviously didn't work in the public sector then:laugh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garyupnorth Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 I miss the shoppers in Coles who either cannot afford shoes or who choose not to wear any form of footwear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garyupnorth Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 We noticed that when we've been on holiday there. Much prefer it there. Everyone here is afraid to say things just in case it offends x Doesn't bother me, if I offend then don't read my posts. The people who I work and associate with say it how it is, and they are from ALL walks of life, colour and creed. I prefer people who say it as it is because you know where you stand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wakeboard1980 Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 I miss the shoppers in Coles who either cannot afford shoes or who choose not to wear any form of footwear. We used to walk around in bare feet, especially after fishing, surfing or skiing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garyupnorth Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 Used to do my head in as the soles of their feet were black, I can under stand after fishing, surfing or swimming......but shopping na have to draw a line, I'm not judging maybe it's me but just didn't get it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa Anne Pope Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 My parents and sister are still over in Australia - so miss them and the fact that my children don't really know them well. I miss Kellog's Nutrigrain cereal (Iron man food) - not the bars you get over here. I miss not getting out as much due to weather. I miss my mailbox at the end of the drive way. I miss the big open plan houses. I miss being told I have a beautiful accent. The last thing I saw when we left was an Australia Post sign and feeling sad that I would never see it again (never felt like that about Royal Mail)?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest41161 Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 Veal chops and big steaks on the BBQ. Most meals involved a hunk of meat and a bowl of salad. Like my steaks thick, but here to get big steaks, you are looking about £20 for the two of us. And not the same on the stove and oven. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wakeboard1980 Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 (edited) Veal chops and big steaks on the BBQ. Most meals involved a hunk of meat and a bowl of salad. Like my steaks thick, but here to get big steaks, you are looking about £20 for the two of us. And not the same on the stove and oven. I've started buying large rump joints and cutting it up myself Edited February 2, 2014 by wakeboard1980 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buttercup Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 You obviously didn't work in the public sector then:laugh: Wrong! I did actually, all aussies apart from about three Brits. Sorry to burst your bubble. You seemed so sure of that:biglaugh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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