Scratching your homesickness itch

[bug family]

Just curious what you all do to help with those times when you get a little homesick (if at all) ........me I love watching escape to the country and have pretty much exhausted all Britain and British life documentaries from the brilliant BBC Coast programme through to Canal walks with Julia Bradbury lol , any suggestions on something else  worth watching most welcomed

[Quoll]

Back in the day it was Midsomer Murders, Lewis, Morse, Who do You Think You Are  and similar - generally more fiction than reality, reality made me more depressed because I couldn't be there and have it all like they have but in fiction it was more generic impression and less real life. I've even  been known to follow old episodes of The Bill in bad moments!

[ramot]

I don’t think I have ever been homesick for England after 26 years away living in both Brunei and Australia.

However I thoroughly enjoy all the UK programs, mainly for the quality, and perhaps a feeling of familiarity, but then I enjoy Australian programs as well, The back roads for example, and many travel shows showcasing the variety of Australia, but apart from a few series I don’t think they quite have the right touch. A place to call home and Miss Fishers murder mysteries were good.

I do go to UK most years as our only grandchildren are there, obviously I love being with them and catching up with friends, but I have no desire to live there again, and if it wasn’t for our son and  grandchildren I doubt we would bother. Our life isn’t there any more.

 I feel for people who irrespective of which country they have chosen to live in that they never settle.

Edited August 14, 2019 by ramot

[Marisawright]

Never been homesick in over 30 years. I think anyone who has bouts of homesickness is probably in the wrong place and needs to go home, but I appreciate that’s difficult for those in mixed marriages 

[Toots]

7 minutes ago, Marisawright said:

Never been homesick in over 30 years. I think anyone who has bouts of homesickness is probably in the wrong place and needs to go home, but I appreciate that’s difficult for those in mixed marriages 

The only times I've had twinges of homesickness was when Mum left after a few months visit.  Funnily enough I was never homesick when I left Scotland after a visit.   I always looked forward to coming back to Australia.  It must be awful to be yearning for 'home'.

[Zack]

I have got to the stage now ,where i hate everything about Australia.Having Australia rammed down my throat 24/7 ,The cost for medication MRI x rays ect Waiting years to even get to see a specialist.,and years more to get into hospital.It's bad news getting old in Australia. And now they are deporting  sick aged  people who they say are a burden on the Australian  health service.We don't feel secure here anymore.My friend a Australian  recently died of cancer he had to sell his house ,to enable him to pay for his medication of $2,500 p/m That was not on the PBS.His wife said the LNP have still no included his type of cancer on the PBS. Since the Election the LNP have only added another 4 types of Cancer onto the PBS. Many people will still have to pay, if sadly they get cancer that's not on the PBS.. Just can't wait to sell up and go home.After 35 years,although we did go back  in 2012 and returned in 2013. I took too much notice of how different the system was in the UK compared to  Australia .Stupid things really.the way we were treated  at the banks.The Social services,About our  aged pension etc.Even the carry on about the TV licence.We still have our life long friends there. And they kept saying  give it time. And they were right.WE so regret coming back. Our friends that went back just after the 2011 floods in QLD are still there. And are loving it.I have to say i never ever really settled here.I always said i want to die in my own country and i will.We don't think that Australia is the best place to immigrate to .Those up themselves  on this site, that want to criticise  me or my spelling or Grammar ,do so at your leisure.I couldn't care less.

[Toots]

2 minutes ago, Zack said:

I have got to the stage now ,where i hate everything about Australia.Having Australia rammed down my throat 24/7 ,The cost for medication MRI x rays ect Waiting years to even get to see a specialist.,and years more to get into hospital.It's bad news getting old in Australia. And now they are deporting  sick aged  people who they say are a burden on the Australian  health service.We don't feel secure here anymore.My friend a Australian  recently died of cancer he had to sell his house ,to enable him to pay for his medication of $2,500 p/m That was not on the PBS.His wife said the LNP have still no included his type of cancer on the PBS. Since the Election the LNP have only added another 4 types of Cancer onto the PBS. Many people will still have to pay, if sadly they get cancer that's not on the PBS.. Just can't wait to sell up and go home.After 35 years,although we did go back  in 2012 and returned in 2013. I took too much notice of how different the system was in the UK compared to  Australia .Stupid things really.the way we were treated  at the banks.The Social services,About our  aged pension etc.Even the carry on about the TV licence.We still have our life long friends there. And they kept saying  give it time. And they were right.WE so regret coming back. Our friends that went back just after the 2011 floods in QLD are still there. And are loving it.I have to say i never ever really settled here.I always said i want to die in my own country and i will.We don't think that Australia is the best place to immigrate to .Those up themselves  on this site, that want to criticise  me or my spelling or Grammar ,do so at your leisure.I couldn't care less.

 

I do hope you get back to live in the UK one of these days Zack.  It's not good for you to be so unhappy here.  Make the most of your life and good luck.  

[Toots]

13 hours ago, bug family said:

Just curious what you all do to help with those times when you get a little homesick (if at all) ........me I love watching escape to the country and have pretty much exhausted all Britain and British life documentaries from the brilliant BBC Coast programme through to Canal walks with Julia Bradbury lol , any suggestions on something else  worth watching most welcomed

I don't watch Escape To The Country - can't be doing with those sort of shows but I do like to watch documentaries about the UK.  I am enjoying The History Of London on SBS.  Of course the British TV dramas are always the best!  

[Quoll]

2 hours ago, Zack said:

I have got to the stage now ,where i hate everything about Australia.Having Australia rammed down my throat 24/7 ,The cost for medication MRI x rays ect Waiting years to even get to see a specialist.,and years more to get into hospital.It's bad news getting old in Australia. And now they are deporting  sick aged  people who they say are a burden on the Australian  health service.We don't feel secure here anymore.My friend a Australian  recently died of cancer he had to sell his house ,to enable him to pay for his medication of $2,500 p/m That was not on the PBS.His wife said the LNP have still no included his type of cancer on the PBS. Since the Election the LNP have only added another 4 types of Cancer onto the PBS. Many people will still have to pay, if sadly they get cancer that's not on the PBS.. Just can't wait to sell up and go home.After 35 years,although we did go back  in 2012 and returned in 2013. I took too much notice of how different the system was in the UK compared to  Australia .Stupid things really.the way we were treated  at the banks.The Social services,About our  aged pension etc.Even the carry on about the TV licence.We still have our life long friends there. And they kept saying  give it time. And they were right.WE so regret coming back. Our friends that went back just after the 2011 floods in QLD are still there. And are loving it.I have to say i never ever really settled here.I always said i want to die in my own country and i will.We don't think that Australia is the best place to immigrate to .Those up themselves  on this site, that want to criticise  me or my spelling or Grammar ,do so at your leisure.I couldn't care less.

Do it Zack! I know how you feel. We came back on holiday in 2011 and (I) have loved every minute and been astonished at the services my oldie relatives have got. Of course, now we are about to sell dad's house to pay for his care but we would have to do that in Australia too. There's just so much to do and see that I still haven't got round to and am very anxious about having to return to Australia - I will, of course, because my DH has been amazing in helping me support my oldies and he wants his life back in Australia (he's Australian, no brainer) but if I had a choice, I would stay.

[Drumbeat]

I go back for a holiday and that fixes it. Flying back to Perth tomorrow and can’t wait to get home

[bug family]

8 hours ago, Toots said:

British TV dramas are always the best

absolutely agree.....also the comedy shows...nothing like the British sense of humor 

[bug family]

8 hours ago, Toots said:

 I am enjoying The History Of London on SBS

I have not seen this! you found me one thanks

[bug family]

8 hours ago, Zack said:

i want to die in my own country and i will

I know this feeling well zack, I hope you get home and get settled

[bug family]

8 hours ago, Zack said:

It's bad news getting old in Australia

I work in a busy emergency dept zack and I see what getting sick and being elderly means on a regular basis...... I would give words of advice on this, but then this would be futile as you know what you need to do and where you need to be...just don't leave it too long ..good luck 

ps I will be going home myself one day .....hopefully sooner rather than later ...take care

[Nemesis]

8 hours ago, Zack said:

. And now they are deporting  sick aged  people who they say are a burden on the Australian  health service.

Ah that old chestnut....how many times do you have to be told that is not true?

[BacktoDemocracy]

10 hours ago, Zack said:

I have got to the stage now ,where i hate everything about Australia.Having Australia rammed down my throat 24/7 ,The cost for medication MRI x rays ect Waiting years to even get to see a specialist.,and years more to get into hospital.It's bad news getting old in Australia. And now they are deporting  sick aged  people who they say are a burden on the Australian  health service.We don't feel secure here anymore.My friend a Australian  recently died of cancer he had to sell his house ,to enable him to pay for his medication of $2,500 p/m That was not on the PBS.His wife said the LNP have still no included his type of cancer on the PBS. Since the Election the LNP have only added another 4 types of Cancer onto the PBS. Many people will still have to pay, if sadly they get cancer that's not on the PBS.. Just can't wait to sell up and go home.After 35 years,although we did go back  in 2012 and returned in 2013. I took too much notice of how different the system was in the UK compared to  Australia .Stupid things really.the way we were treated  at the banks.The Social services,About our  aged pension etc.Even the carry on about the TV licence.We still have our life long friends there. And they kept saying  give it time. And they were right.WE so regret coming back. Our friends that went back just after the 2011 floods in QLD are still there. And are loving it.I have to say i never ever really settled here.I always said i want to die in my own country and i will.We don't think that Australia is the best place to immigrate to .Those up themselves  on this site, that want to criticise  me or my spelling or Grammar ,do so at your leisure.I couldn't care less.

I would just say, talk to people who are here in the UK, getting old here  is no picnic, govts everywhere are making cuts and the cuts are affecting the old and incapacitated very badly, especially for those with limited resources and few family.

The Nhs is underfunded and from referral to action is supposedly 36 weeks, in reality it is more likely 40 weeks plus,  and to get to see a GP is a three week wait now at my surgery.

[Toots]

10 hours ago, bug family said:

I have not seen this! you found me one thanks

Tuesday night SBS at 7:30.  It's the 3rd episode next week and we are now up to the great fire of London.

[bug family]

3 hours ago, Toots said:

Tuesday night SBS at 7:30.  It's the 3rd episode next week and we are now up to the great fire of London.

Thanks, Toots I shall book this in on the planner

[Toots]

12 minutes ago, bug family said:

Thanks, Toots I shall book this in on the planner

I'm very glad that I spent a  lot of time when I worked in London (for a year) exploring most of the city.  Used to spend the winter weekends in the museums and the rest of the weekends walking around the parks/heaths and the old part of the city.

[bug family]

2 hours ago, Toots said:

I'm very glad that I spent a  lot of time when I worked in London (for a year) exploring most of the city.  Used to spend the winter weekends in the museums and the rest of the weekends walking around the parks/heaths and the old part of the city.

I used to love visiting London, my most favourite city on the planet, I am from a small Welsh town, and going to London was a big day out when I was younger, there is a special feeling in the city that I have never had elsewhere it is hard to put your finger on it.... love the place 

[bunbury61]

22 hours ago, BacktoDemocracy said:

I would just say, talk to people who are here in the UK, getting old here  is no picnic, govts everywhere are making cuts and the cuts are affecting the old and incapacitated very badly, especially for those with limited resources and few family.

The Nhs is underfunded and from referral to action is supposedly 36 weeks, in reality it is more likely 40 weeks plus,  and to get to see a GP is a three week wait now at my surgery.

In relation to getting old or ill

Here in the u.k .

My sister in law has just died of cancer , but the level of service was absolutely first rate , both in the QE hospital , and at home where she wanted to be in the last days .

Prescriptions delivered to the door- at the end ,these were on an industrial scale , and £8 a time 

McMillan and district nurses there at the end - unbelievable service at 2.30 in the morning 

The polar opposite , a relatives partner has just returned to canada , and had to wait 3 months for any healthcare to kick in ,as they are a Canadian citizen 

In the meantime , a long term kidney issue , developed into an issue bordering on kidney failure .

This has to date cost them 200,000 dollars - plus ongoing dialysis , and medication at 1000 dollars a month- it is wiping them out .

It could have been worse , they have just left Dubai,  which is even more expensive 

Yes the nhs is under funded , over utilised and abused , but from my recent experiences it takes some beating .

Growing old here , is the least of my worries 

[bunbury61]

8 hours ago, bug family said:

I used to love visiting London, my most favourite city on the planet, I am from a small Welsh town, and going to London was a big day out when I was younger, there is a special feeling in the city that I have never had elsewhere it is hard to put your finger on it.... love the place 

Love london , along with paris the greatest cities on the planet .

Love visiting , couldn't live there though 

Always glad to get back to solihull

[Saurer Pfirsich]

On 15/08/2019 at 00:01, bug family said:

Just curious what you all do to help with those times when you get a little homesick (if at all) ........me I love watching escape to the country and have pretty much exhausted all Britain and British life documentaries from the brilliant BBC Coast programme through to Canal walks with Julia Bradbury lol , any suggestions on something else  worth watching most welcomed

Lived in Australia 11 years - came here because my Australian wife was miserable in the UK - and homesickness is an everyday occurrence. I find that I’ve learned to live with it, but it’s like a wound that never really heals. Sometimes it hurts a little less, and sometimes (Christmas, family birth days etc) the ache is a little stronger.

Best remedy is a trip home. I generally have 2 trips every 3 years, one with family, one without. That way, I get to see all the other people I love, and to reconnect with who I am. That’s vital for me - the familiarity of the countryside, the bustle of the cities,  British humour, and that sense of connectedness. That feeling of belonging. I’ve never managed to establish that in Australia, and in truth, I never expected to, but a person needs it in their life I believe. 

I also live a very anglicised life here. Outside of my wife and kids, my interests are British politics, current affairs and sports. No disrespect to Australia, but I’ve never been able to develop an interest in the equivalents here. One of the advantages that ex-pats today have over their predecessors is that the internet has shrunk the world and put it on a screen in front of you. Nowadays you can watch British tv programmes, news and sport at the click of a mouse, and that makes being a foreigner a little easier too.

[AliQ]

Well, we're back in the UK for a second time, to "scratch that itch".

It's been well & truly scratched now.

Next stop  ? no idea !

[Toots]

11 hours ago, AliQ said:

Well, we're back in the UK for a second time, to "scratch that itch".

It's been well & truly scratched now.

Next stop  ? no idea !

Are you pinging back to Australia or trying somewhere new Ali?