Homeward Bound

[Guest guest36762]

I guess Quoll and I are never going to agree but there are a few things in here which are questionable.

Canberra is actually one of the better places in Aus to live - seasons, not big city but bigger than a country town, close enough to beaches, snowfields and big cities, good transport, reasonable education, great facilities.

 

Canberra is quite close to snowfields and we certainly wouldn't be able to go snow skiing from Perth easily, but to say it is close enough to beaches is taking things a bit far. Batemans Bay is the closest, 2 hours drive away. If you were that far away from a beach (as we were in England) you only go there during summer holidays. Even living 30 mins drive away from a beach is enough to put people off visiting. We live 2mins away so we can pop down to a really nice beach on a whim. There are lots of cafes, restaurants, pubs which make the most of the location.

 

 

having to pay handsomely for the privilege of warming yourself up or cooling yourself down. Having kids playing outside is a nightmare - they have to be either slathered in sunscreen (how good is that for a growing child???) or covered up - interesting that rickets (lack of Vit D) is actually very common in Australia!!!

 

You have to pay handsomely in the UK to warm yourself up so this is going to be the same in either country (apart from cooling yourself down which wouldn't apply so much to the UK). I've not experienced the nightmare of having kids play outside. They do have to wear sunscreen a lot of the time but very rarely during the winter months. It's common sense when you spend as much time as we do at the beach. Rickets is a common problem (it is in the UK too) but I think that is more to do with the kids spending so much time indoors playing on computer games and checking out facebook and the like.

 

well when your water is rationed and your water rates are through the roof you do begin to have a bit of a different view of life.

 

Water rationing in Perth means restrictions on when you can have reticulation on the garden. If you saw how much water gets wasted on watering lawns and gardens when you're not used to it you would be amazed. Water rates are expensive and will get more expensive wherever you are. Water rationing has been around in the UK for years and the UK has been recycling water for years (sewage processed through sewage farms and goes straight back into the river system). I used to work for Severn Trent Water Authority.

 

So we lurch from disaster to disaster on a regular basis - bushfires to floods and back again.

 

Depends where you choose to live. Not seen any disasters around Perth all the time we have been here. There was a pretty bad hailstorm a few months ago. Fair anough there have been bushfires where a lot of people have died but that is like comparing where you live in the UK and then finding some disaster in the whole of Europe and then making out it's on your doorstep.

 

School bullying is endemic and the suicide rate and other mental health disorders amongst our adolescent population is an indictment. Better opportunities for kids are always touted as being the reason for coming - different opportunities, sure but better? That may be why so many young Aussies cant wait to escape once they have the skills/money to do so. Many end up staying away and those with dual citizenship for Europe are particularly lucky with their options.

 

Both my kids have gone through school here (one is still in school) and the bullying situation is certainly no worse than in the UK. Going from personal experience the school I was at in the UK was bad. The ones my kids have attended have been fine. As for opportunities again it depends where you are from in the UK. I have read a few posts where some areas of the UK are fine but it's the same old story. The South of England seems to be doing OK but the North is really struggling. I have written in other posts what my eldest is up to and the opportunities available here so if anyone wants to follow it up it's there.

So many young Aussies want to travel (including my eldest) because they can. It seems to be the thng to do now. Why not travel around and see the world whilst you are still young. Dual citizenship is a bonus and opens up a lot of options. It doesn't mean to say they are running away from Oz. I have a few friends at work who have done the travelling round Europe and working holidays but they have been happy to return to Aus and Perth when they feel like settling down and getting a real job.

 

Politically we are heading down the track that the UK went 13 years ago - we have an ineffectual leftist government supported by a load of green and independents. The nett result will be a continuation of the nanny state and reduction of individual freedoms. Personally I doubt their capacity if the world has to weather a double dip recession, they ballsed up the first one and left us in debt again.

 

We were one of the few countries not to really suffer an affect from the global recession. The government was praised widely around the world for the actions they took. If you blame the government when things go wrong you must surely give them a bit of credit when things go right. I'm not a massive political supporter of either party. I think one is as bad as the other and we were just lucky and have massive amounts of natural resources which every other country needs. I don't think it would have mattered which government was in power and I dont think it matters much now. Aus is in a lucky position and especially WA where most of the natural resources are. The government the UK has in now is not exactly filling everyone with confidence.

 

friendships have been easy to make but with the itinerant nature of the place, they have not been easy to retain and as one moves out of developmental stages or workplaces so the friendships fizzle (unlike those I have back in UK which share a much stronger common bond)

 

Maybe the itinerant nature of Canberra workers but where we live we have just as strong friendships as we had in the UK. Our circle of friends don't move around much at all, maybe because they are a bit older and settled. We have a lot of interests in common. Maybe that's the common bond Quoll is talking about. I have friends at work but don't socialise with them a lot.

 

I'm not the only person who has noticed the likeness of Canberra to Milton Keynes I have had quite a few poms mention that exact same thing. Man made lake and all. I reckon there would be a few people surprised to hear about the snow fields though. There are quite a few who wouldn't even realise you can have a fairly good skiing season here. They thing it's all sunshine and beaches lol.

 

I gave up the will to live half way down

what are you doing on this thread?

what relevance does it have to Connie going home?

[Quoll]

I gave up the will to live half way down

what are you doing on this thread?

what relevance does it have to Connie going home?

 

LOL, aint that the truth. there is always a need to gainsay anything that even verges on criticism and I wasnt actually trying to be critical, just pragmatic. Perhaps it just goes to show how disconnected Perth is from the rest of Australia :twitcy:

 

I am really envious of Connie and all the others who have reclaimed their lives, got some buzz back, seeing their kids advance in careers (like one of mine has!), taking trips here and there and just experiencing the wide variety of scenery, activity, culture, etc. Good luck to them I say! Why waste a life watching the sun go up and down when you can really live it to the max!

[Guest KAS]

Hi

 

Nobody has to justify why they are on any thread......everybody is entitled to their own opinion,and that's all they are! I'm very homesick but somebodys elses opinion is not going to make me get on a flight home tomorrow.

[Guest JulieW]

This thread is called 'Moving back to the UK'. Hardly surprising then that it is here that many posts negative about Australia and positive about the UK are found. Why do so many feel the need to defend Australia on this thread? I repeat - it is called 'Moving back to the UK'!

[Guest guest36762]

Hi

 

Nobody has to justify why they are on any thread......everybody is entitled to their own opinion,and that's all they are! I'm very homesick but somebodys elses opinion is not going to make me get on a flight home tomorrow.

 

I think when they picking apart someone else's post, bit by bit, on a thread called 'homeward bound' on MTBTTUK then yes I do question why they are on this thread.

If it was called 'let's dissect every minute detail of the last person's post-you start first', then it would be entirely appropriate.

TBH Quoll's rant was off topic a bit, but if I know Connie I don't think she'll mind that much.

[Quoll]

I think when they picking apart someone else's post, bit by bit, on a thread called 'homeward bound' on MTBTTUK then yes I do question why they are on this thread.

If it was called 'let's dissect every minute detail of the last person's post-you start first', then it would be entirely appropriate.

TBH Quoll's rant was off topic a bit, but if I know Connie I don't think she'll mind that much.

 

Yes, it was, and I apologize but it followed on the usual "you must be nuts to return to UK type comments". Ranting is definitely in the air today!

[Parley]

Quoll, You really should go back.

Best time to do it.

[Quoll]

Quoll, You really should go back.

Best time to do it.

 

So I should divorce my husband? Hmm, probably not. However I am leaving in 23 days for a 6 week break which might see me through until mid next year. Cant wait to feel alive again.

[Parley]

Either that or be miserable the rest of your life.

[mrsindecision]

So I should divorce my husband? Hmm, probably not. However I am leaving in 23 days for a 6 week break which might see me through until mid next year. Cant wait to feel alive again.

 

Not long now then - autumn is coming but it is still warm (I was expecting to feel freezing). The sun has been shining and I just love how the countryside smells everyday when I wake up - different all the time. This morning dew on the ground, and a little fresh with the sun ready for another warm day (21 degrees). Cambridge was beautiful at the weekend - leaves were falling and I was wearing long pants for a change and my uggs and felt lovely and comfortable (not too hot or cold). Dinner at Jamie's Italian in the Guildhall was gorgeous - as good as any Melbourne restaurant I have been to and half the price. Am coming out of reverse culture shock I think and am really starting to love being home.

[Guest chris955]

Yes the weather has been beautiful since I have been here, I still haven't worn anything but shorts and t-shirt. I'm finding things amazingly cheap which apparently is just down the exchange rate, it's not really cheap. :wink:

[Paul1Perth]

Yes the weather has been beautiful since I have been here, I still haven't worn anything but shorts and t-shirt. I'm finding things amazingly cheap which apparently is just down the exchange rate, it's not really cheap. :wink:

 

I don't think anyone said it's not cheap Chris. It obviously is.

[Guest chris955]

Are you following me ? :wink:

[Paul1Perth]

Are you following me ? :wink:

 

Isn't technology amazing. On the other side of the World too. Ah well off home now.

[landv]

Conniebygaslight..... I have read your previous post and I thought you were pretty objective, advising people to go for it if that is what they wished.... But I think you are missing the point.... People wishing to emigrate to Australia are not wishing to go there with as I have said before "rose tinted" glasses. We don't wish to read everything that is positive about Australia. We want to read about the pros and cons of making this huge move. Reading posts from people who seem to be so depressed that they are not looking at things objectively does not help. So again I thank Tracy 123 and others who help me to think objectively about my move as I know it won't be a bed of roses. It will be hard work. Catherine

 

 

 

I can't see why Connie or anybody else for that matter should justify why they are going back to the UK. If you ask these guys why they are going back, they will give their reasons and why shouldn't they? Why should they lie and sugarcoat their opinion, it is their life and decision after all.

If you feel you're not prepared to hear their reasons or the negative side of it, you shouldn't read posts on the Moving Back to the UK thread.

 

I still cannot understand why moving back to the UK from Aus is viewed as a step back or an unthinkable thing to do, it is simply a different chapter in some people's life (and for some the right thing to do) and is definitely not something to be ashamed of.

[Guest chris955]

I know, I talk to my wife on Skype and I send her an email with a photo attached and she gets it a few seconds later on the other side of the world, scary.

[bryansc]

I can't see why Connie or anybody else for that matter should justify why they are going back to the UK. If you ask these guys why they are going back, they will give their reasons and why shouldn't they? Why should they lie and sugarcoat their opinion, it is their life and decision after all.

If you feel you're not prepared to hear their reasons or the negative side of it, you shouldn't read posts on the Moving Back to the UK thread.

 

I still cannot understand why moving back to the UK from Aus is viewed as a step back or an unthinkable thing to do, it is simply a different chapter in some people's life (and for some the right thing to do) and is definitely not something to be ashamed of.

 

The thread said HOMEWARD BOUND. The Forum was moving back to the UK.... I didnt check the Forum (silly me)!!!! But will check in the future....

 

The posts were initially very good to read. It is great to read how people are fitting in back in the UK very easily. If I do emigrate to Australia, it is good to hear that if I choose to return back to my home, that I too should be able to fit right back in. Since a few people wish to know why, I, and others are reading these threads - this is one of the reasons for doing so (for me at least anyway)

 

There is a post at the minute which advises they are HOMEWARD BOUND and the are going back to ............AUSTRALIA for a holiday....

[Conniebygaslight]

Goodness me...what a talking point this has turned into!

 

If people ask me why we left I say we didn't like it, however sometimes that's not a good enough answer. Although to be honest most people in my village love where we live so they are happy with my response.

 

It does beg the question as to why people who are happy in Oz come onto the MBTTUK forum to defend Australia, and the people who have never lived in Australia come on lookin for realistic posts but they have to be 'balanced'

 

I didn't like living there, I found that it didn't offer us anywhere near enough stimulation or opportunities.

 

People can think what they want to think...and I'll know what I know.

 

Good luck to all....WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT

[Conniebygaslight]

I think when they picking apart someone else's post, bit by bit, on a thread called 'homeward bound' on MTBTTUK then yes I do question why they are on this thread.

If it was called 'let's dissect every minute detail of the last person's post-you start first', then it would be entirely appropriate.

TBH Quoll's rant was off topic a bit, but if I know Connie I don't think she'll mind that much.

 

 

Mind? are you kidding I'm so happy and free right now I really couldn't mind about anything. Good old Blighty....!

 

(They even wear shoes in the supermarkets).

 

P.S has anyone heard from Oz....he left just after me?

[Guest valleylass]

P.S has anyone heard from Oz....he left just after me?

 

You're right Connie he did and he seems to have gone quiet. Possibly having too much fun! Glad it's all working out well for you x

[tracy123]

(They even wear shoes in the supermarkets).

 

 

 

wonder if that has anything to do with the weather???? :idea:

[mrsindecision]

wonder if that has anything to do with the weather???? :idea:

 

We all know what going barefoot in the s'market in Oz represents. Thongs aren't likely to be make much difference to your body temp than bare feet but somewhat cleaner. It was a common joke amongst ozzie friends about bogans walking barefoot and wearing their wife beaters to the bottlo to buy there VBs. Equates to chav jokes here. Pretty much the same. Living in Qld I was shocked to see someone walking along the road barefoot - I suspect he was drunk or on his way to the methadone clinic - not being contentious - truthful about this particular area where my OH and son had to witness the extent of heroin addiction in "paradise". (tin helmet at the ready!)

[bryansc]

Think this thread is about to get out of control...

[tracy123]

We all know what going barefoot in the s'market in Oz represents. Thongs aren't likely to be make much difference to your body temp than bare feet but somewhat cleaner. It was a common joke amongst ozzie friends about bogans walking barefoot and wearing their wife beaters to the bottlo to buy there VBs. Equates to chav jokes here. Pretty much the same. Living in Qld I was shocked to see someone walking along the road barefoot - I suspect he was drunk or on his way to the methadone clinic - not being contentious - truthful about this particular area where my OH and son had to witness the extent of heroin addiction in "paradise". (tin helmet at the ready!)

 

Well I must be a bogan......

 

Love walking barefoot, on a nice day I even do it in the UK. Nothing to do with body temp, I just like the feeling :wideeyed: OMG I even drink VB

[Petals]

When I lived in Africa as a child we all walked bare foot, in fact I think that the recommend walking barefoot to rectify flat feet :laugh:

 

I would not walk barefoot now though as the pavements are not that clean and goodness knows what I would stand in :laugh:

 

Have seen quite a few walking around the shopping centres here without shoes, think they are very brave.