I do feel that Australia is a country of extremes - from the weather (one minute flash floods, next minute drought conditions) to the countryside (lush green tropical gardens to arid desert). It also seems to divide peoples opinions, there are those who love it and who slag off the UK, those who hate it and fondly think of the UK . Then there are those in between like me - I like Australia, I`m really happy here - according to some Im either stupid, boring, uncultered or easily pleased (they`re probably right but I like being me). I also like the UK - I didn`t leave it because I hated it, I left it because I needed to move on. I know it rains a lot, I know the place is getting worse, going to the dogs,blah,blah,blah.....but it made me what I am, it gave me a great education, a love of history and so much else and for that I will always be grateful.

People seem to hold on to their misery and hate, revelling in it, like a dog rolling in cow shit. They look for ways to snipe and pull apart another persons opinion just because it is not their view or experience - what happened to live and let live?? I get so annoyed when people slag off the UK, just as I get annoyed when they slag of Australia (I don`t mind the genuine stuff, like when life throws you a sucker punch and knocks you down) but belittling people with snide remarks is just bullying - no matter what side of the fence you are on.

I`ve said it before on the site and I will now say it again - spare a thought for those who are stuck in a place they don`t want to be in and cut them some slack - no matter whether it is UK or Oz.