come on lets have a debate.
Sep 9th 2005, 11:31 pm
#16
Karma earned, not whored
Joined: Apr 2004
Location: Perth
Posts: 1,001
Re: come on lets have a debate.
The whole thing about migration is, if you dont do it (if you have always wanted to) you will regret it for the rest of your life, because the place you always wanted to visit, will be on a pedestal in your mind. The fact is Australia is fantastic, there are one or two down points, but that would be true of anywhere, we have been here 15 months and are loving it. As are our children, (one born here, and one we already had).
Dont let people put you off, their comments are their opinion, everyone is entitled to an opinion, even if its one we dont agree with ourselves. The best thing you can possibly do, as with everything in life, is experience it for yourselves, then you can form your own considered opinion.
Dont let people put you off, their comments are their opinion, everyone is entitled to an opinion, even if its one we dont agree with ourselves. The best thing you can possibly do, as with everything in life, is experience it for yourselves, then you can form your own considered opinion.
Sep 9th 2005, 11:51 pm
#17
Account Closed
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,533
Re: come on lets have a debate.
Originally Posted by monkeymark
if , (for the people who have reached there destination) you could go back to Britain easily would you? I say this because there are a lot of you out there that don't seem that happy with the choice you made to seek out that better life. I'm just curious because were just about to go to Perth at the beginning of December and everyone gets them "am I doing the rite thing" question going on and every time I read something thats not that great it puts that little seed of dought in my mind. It is true England is going down the pan make no mistake but it is also a beautiful country apart from the weather, but for the cost of everything and the fact that there are so many people here, when you want to do anything it involves queuing for hours or the I'm sorry were full, or the M1 has a 30 mile tailback. so please i realise Aus is going to have its faults but someone tell me its not going to be like that there is it?
thanks!
thanks!
I know a hell of a lot of people (women especially) who would say exactly the same thing. Men seem to fair an awful lot better than us girls. 
We have been in Perth for just over a year. We came for the better quality of life, the more leisure time, more family time etc, etc...blah, blah blah. The usual reasons. We weren't running from anything, we had a lovely home in the UK, hubby had a well paid job, we had family close by, we just wanted to see if this was better for us as a family.
My hubby works just as hard here as he did in the UK, for a third less pay. He has to do the great big chunks of overtime to enable us to make ends meet. Therefore...no more leisure time than we had in the UK. Things are pretty much on a par with the UK living expense wise, especially food shopping. Therefore, we are just as skint as we were in the UK.
Our social life is much better here, that's fantastic. We've made some lovely friends and we do have some fun. These people I will miss when we return, I wish I could take them with us.
Climate; it's wonderful to be able to wake up to blue skies everyday in the summer, throw on shorts and a vest and that's it. Oh, that's after you've covered yourself up with factor 30+ everyday! But along with that glorious weather comes the plague of flies that are the rudest flies in the world! They are in your eyes, ears, nose...everywhere. So eating a peaceful meal outside can be rather a challenge...hold only a fork, you'll need the other hand to swat! Thank God for the Freo Doctor, at least that keeps them at bay a bit. We went down to the beach once on a very still day, no wind at all....we lasted 10 minutes, the flies were unbelievably bad. So, bring a swatter with you when you come.
Quality of life for our kids? Mmm...I can't say it's better, it's completely different. They do get to play outside more, trouble is when the weather is too hot they have to stay indoors, just the same as in the UK when it was too cold/wet. When they do play out they are slopped up to the eyeballs with suncream and God only knows what chemicals are getting absorbed into their skin. Education wise: well, if you want a good school for your child (especially high school) you will probably have to pay for it. There are the exceptions to the rule, but they are few and far between. So weighing up this difference in life for our kids, does it compensate for the lack of Grandparents/aunts/uncles/cousins? No way, not in a million years.
As for the safety thing, yes I will admit to feeling safer out here...at the moment. With the influx of people moving over here the crime statistics will change eventually. The only reason they are so low is the fact that so few people live here. You say that the UK is going to the dogs, didn't Enoch Powell say that back in the 60's too? It's still one of the strongest, wealthiest nations in the world. I agree that the immigration policy is barking mad and the law's dealing with the chavs on the streets should be toughened up, but England will still be an important nation 100 years down the line no matter what.
You will probably find that your house will end up a heck of a lot bigger than the one you're in at the moment in the UK. You may well end up with a pool too. If that's what floats your boat, then that's great....you'll love it here. Houses are spacious and still that bit cheaper than you'd pay at home. That's all changing though. You won't get anything decent in these northern suburbs for less than $350k, and that's if you're lucky.
This all sounds incredibly negative doesn't it? But it's the way I feel and I apologise if I have upset anyone. There are people who love this place and that's bloody fantastic for them. But there are way too many things lacking here for me to make it my home forever. And no, it's not the shops, the Sunday trading, more choice at the supermarket, the decent T.V or anything else so fickle that I miss about the UK (although a Tesco's would be lovely!) it's my family, my oldest friends, the history and heritage, the wonderful countryside. The opportunity to travel and see other cultures cheaply in Europe: getting out of Perth costs a fortune! All of those things that I took for granted when I lived in the UK before, when I go back I will look at them all with new eyes and appreciate what I have around me.
You have to do what you feel is right for you and your family. People are all individuals and have different perspectives on things. Just because this place hasn't worked for me, doesn't mean that it won't work for you. At least we've got rid of the "what if" question. Just give yourself a "Plan B,Opt Out Clause" leave yourselves a way to get back home. I wish we had.
Good luck to you.
Sep 9th 2005, 11:51 pm
#18
Ex BE ***** Addict
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,770
Re: come on lets have a debate.
Originally Posted by manxfamily
Yes a debate would be good but you cant debate with Trolls whose only intention is to put that little seed of doubt into your mind in the first place.
In fact those Oz based Trolls who say its crap and think twice before moving are probably already there and glad they made the move, and would under no circumstances move back to the UK.
Sounds a bit rose tinted yea but I also think there are plenty of people who have made the move and yearn for their old life back and eventually make the move back to the UK, be it difficult or easy (and in many cases return to Oz afterwards).
Without giving it a go you will not know which category you fall into and if you have decided you want to give it a go then you should. We are and who knows one of us may end up hating it.
We dont have a bad life at the moment, but we want to experience living in another country and living amongst a different culture. We understand that Oz will not be the UK with sunshine, we dont want that, we want the life experience and are prepared to take the risks to get it.
Hey we could always come back if it doesnt work out but at the moment bring it on.
In fact those Oz based Trolls who say its crap and think twice before moving are probably already there and glad they made the move, and would under no circumstances move back to the UK.
Sounds a bit rose tinted yea but I also think there are plenty of people who have made the move and yearn for their old life back and eventually make the move back to the UK, be it difficult or easy (and in many cases return to Oz afterwards).
Without giving it a go you will not know which category you fall into and if you have decided you want to give it a go then you should. We are and who knows one of us may end up hating it.
We dont have a bad life at the moment, but we want to experience living in another country and living amongst a different culture. We understand that Oz will not be the UK with sunshine, we dont want that, we want the life experience and are prepared to take the risks to get it.
Hey we could always come back if it doesnt work out but at the moment bring it on.
I remember when I came back from the recce trip, telling anyone that would listen that Australia was one of the best kept secrets from most of us in the UK and that they also had to go! Well now I’m here I know why its kept such a secret, It really isn’t all its cracked up to be and once you’re here and having made all the sacrifices with friends and family you now can’t possibly write home and say what a mistake you’ve made. This alone acts as a brake to slow your potential return home. So common all, just because some of us choose to paint a different picture doesn’t mean were all kill joys, just trying to improve your odds of not wasting your money and family.
Sep 10th 2005, 12:00 am
#19
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 15,526
Re: come on lets have a debate.
Originally Posted by arkon
II can't help notice most of you who are posting on this thread are still in the UK and so you really don't know what its going to be like, I was like you all too before we came here and I definitely don't have any reason to stop you all coming here, Just because I'm now here and not liking it and posting to that effect doesn't mean I'm a troll. I’m not even trying to spoil your excitement at the prospects of your new life down under. The fact is that a not so insignificant percentage of you WILL return home disillusioned with life here. I’m not going to get in to the statistical argument because it ranges anywhere from 15% to 50% depending on who you talk to. As I see it at the moment you are all taking a gamble with a considerable amount of money same as I did. If I said go to the casino and put down £10k to £30k on a 8 to 1 outsider you’d think I was mad, even putting the same amount on RED at 50/50 would be bonkers. But here you are all prepared to do exactly that and not even mitigate your risk by being open to the more negative posts on here.
I remember when I came back from the recce trip, telling anyone that would listen that Australia was one of the best kept secrets from most of us in the UK and that they also had to go! Well now I’m here I know why its kept such a secret, It really isn’t all its cracked up to be and once you’re here and having made all the sacrifices with friends and family you now can’t possibly write home and say what a mistake you’ve made. This alone acts as a brake to slow your potential return home. So common all, just because some of us choose to paint a different picture doesn’t mean were all kill joys, just trying to improve your odds of not wasting your money and family.
I remember when I came back from the recce trip, telling anyone that would listen that Australia was one of the best kept secrets from most of us in the UK and that they also had to go! Well now I’m here I know why its kept such a secret, It really isn’t all its cracked up to be and once you’re here and having made all the sacrifices with friends and family you now can’t possibly write home and say what a mistake you’ve made. This alone acts as a brake to slow your potential return home. So common all, just because some of us choose to paint a different picture doesn’t mean were all kill joys, just trying to improve your odds of not wasting your money and family.
Sep 10th 2005, 12:01 am
#20
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 199
Re: come on lets have a debate.
Originally Posted by arkon
II can't help notice most of you who are posting on this thread are still in the UK and so you really don't know what its going to be like, I was like you all too before we came here and I definitely don't have any reason to stop you all coming here, Just because I'm now here and not liking it and posting to that effect doesn't mean I'm a troll. I’m not even trying to spoil your excitement at the prospects of your new life down under. The fact is that a not so insignificant percentage of you WILL return home disillusioned with life here. I’m not going to get in to the statistical argument because it ranges anywhere from 15% to 50% depending on who you talk to. As I see it at the moment you are all taking a gamble with a considerable amount of money same as I did. If I said go to the casino and put down £10k to £30k on a 8 to 1 outsider you’d think I was mad, even putting the same amount on RED at 50/50 would be bonkers. But here you are all prepared to do exactly that and not even mitigate your risk by being open to the more negative posts on here.
I remember when I came back from the recce trip, telling anyone that would listen that Australia was one of the best kept secrets from most of us in the UK and that they also had to go! Well now I’m here I know why its kept such a secret, It really isn’t all its cracked up to be and once you’re here and having made all the sacrifices with friends and family you now can’t possibly write home and say what a mistake you’ve made. This alone acts as a brake to slow your potential return home. So common all, just because some of us choose to paint a different picture doesn’t mean were all kill joys, just trying to improve your odds of not wasting your money and family.
I remember when I came back from the recce trip, telling anyone that would listen that Australia was one of the best kept secrets from most of us in the UK and that they also had to go! Well now I’m here I know why its kept such a secret, It really isn’t all its cracked up to be and once you’re here and having made all the sacrifices with friends and family you now can’t possibly write home and say what a mistake you’ve made. This alone acts as a brake to slow your potential return home. So common all, just because some of us choose to paint a different picture doesn’t mean were all kill joys, just trying to improve your odds of not wasting your money and family.
Sep 10th 2005, 12:12 am
#21
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: Bournemouth > Bribie Island, Queensland>Brisbane
Posts: 234
Re: come on lets have a debate.
Originally Posted by monkeymark
if , (for the people who have reached there destination) you could go back to Britain easily would you? I say this because there are a lot of you out there that don't seem that happy with the choice you made to seek out that better life. I'm just curious because were just about to go to Perth at the beginning of December and everyone gets them "am I doing the rite thing" question going on and every time I read something thats not that great it puts that little seed of dought in my mind. It is true England is going down the pan make no mistake but it is also a beautiful country apart from the weather, but for the cost of everything and the fact that there are so many people here, when you want to do anything it involves queuing for hours or the I'm sorry were full, or the M1 has a 30 mile tailback. so please i realise Aus is going to have its faults but someone tell me its not going to be like that there is it?
thanks!
thanks!
Sep 10th 2005, 12:13 am
#22
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: come on lets have a debate.
Originally Posted by TraceyW
I can honestly say that if returning to the UK was an easy issue....I would go in a heartbeat. I know a hell of a lot of people (women especially) who would say exactly the same thing. Men seem to fair an awful lot better than us girls.
We have been in Perth for just over a year. We came for the better quality of life, the more leisure time, more family time etc, etc...blah, blah blah. The usual reasons. We weren't running from anything, we had a lovely home in the UK, hubby had a well paid job, we had family close by, we just wanted to see if this was better for us as a family.
My hubby works just as hard here as he did in the UK, for a third less pay. He has to do the great big chunks of overtime to enable us to make ends meet. Therefore...no more leisure time than we had in the UK. Things are pretty much on a par with the UK living expense wise, especially food shopping. Therefore, we are just as skint as we were in the UK.
Our social life is much better here, that's fantastic. We've made some lovely friends and we do have some fun. These people I will miss when we return, I wish I could take them with us.
Climate; it's wonderful to be able to wake up to blue skies everyday in the summer, throw on shorts and a vest and that's it. Oh, that's after you've covered yourself up with factor 30+ everyday! But along with that glorious weather comes the plague of flies that are the rudest flies in the world! They are in your eyes, ears, nose...everywhere. So eating a peaceful meal outside can be rather a challenge...hold only a fork, you'll need the other hand to swat! Thank God for the Freo Doctor, at least that keeps them at bay a bit. We went down to the beach once on a very still day, no wind at all....we lasted 10 minutes, the flies were unbelievably bad. So, bring a swatter with you when you come.
Quality of life for our kids? Mmm...I can't say it's better, it's completely different. They do get to play outside more, trouble is when the weather is too hot they have to stay indoors, just the same as in the UK when it was too cold/wet. When they do play out they are slopped up to the eyeballs with suncream and God only knows what chemicals are getting absorbed into their skin. Education wise: well, if you want a good school for your child (especially high school) you will probably have to pay for it. There are the exceptions to the rule, but they are few and far between. So weighing up this difference in life for our kids, does it compensate for the lack of Grandparents/aunts/uncles/cousins? No way, not in a million years.
As for the safety thing, yes I will admit to feeling safer out here...at the moment. With the influx of people moving over here the crime statistics will change eventually. The only reason they are so low is the fact that so few people live here. You say that the UK is going to the dogs, didn't Enoch Powell say that back in the 60's too? It's still one of the strongest, wealthiest nations in the world. I agree that the immigration policy is barking mad and the law's dealing with the chavs on the streets should be toughened up, but England will still be an important nation 100 years down the line no matter what.
You will probably find that your house will end up a heck of a lot bigger than the one you're in at the moment in the UK. You may well end up with a pool too. If that's what floats your boat, then that's great....you'll love it here. Houses are spacious and still that bit cheaper than you'd pay at home. That's all changing though. You won't get anything decent in these northern suburbs for less than $350k, and that's if you're lucky.
This all sounds incredibly negative doesn't it? But it's the way I feel and I apologise if I have upset anyone. There are people who love this place and that's bloody fantastic for them. But there are way too many things lacking here for me to make it my home forever. And no, it's not the shops, the Sunday trading, more choice at the supermarket, the decent T.V or anything else so fickle that I miss about the UK (although a Tesco's would be lovely!) it's my family, my oldest friends, the history and heritage, the wonderful countryside. The opportunity to travel and see other cultures cheaply in Europe: getting out of Perth costs a fortune! All of those things that I took for granted when I lived in the UK before, when I go back I will look at them all with new eyes and appreciate what I have around me.
You have to do what you feel is right for you and your family. People are all individuals and have different perspectives on things. Just because this place hasn't worked for me, doesn't mean that it won't work for you. At least we've got rid of the "what if" question. Just give yourself a "Plan B,Opt Out Clause" leave yourselves a way to get back home. I wish we had.
Good luck to you.
I know a hell of a lot of people (women especially) who would say exactly the same thing. Men seem to fair an awful lot better than us girls. We have been in Perth for just over a year. We came for the better quality of life, the more leisure time, more family time etc, etc...blah, blah blah. The usual reasons. We weren't running from anything, we had a lovely home in the UK, hubby had a well paid job, we had family close by, we just wanted to see if this was better for us as a family.
My hubby works just as hard here as he did in the UK, for a third less pay. He has to do the great big chunks of overtime to enable us to make ends meet. Therefore...no more leisure time than we had in the UK. Things are pretty much on a par with the UK living expense wise, especially food shopping. Therefore, we are just as skint as we were in the UK.
Our social life is much better here, that's fantastic. We've made some lovely friends and we do have some fun. These people I will miss when we return, I wish I could take them with us.
Climate; it's wonderful to be able to wake up to blue skies everyday in the summer, throw on shorts and a vest and that's it. Oh, that's after you've covered yourself up with factor 30+ everyday! But along with that glorious weather comes the plague of flies that are the rudest flies in the world! They are in your eyes, ears, nose...everywhere. So eating a peaceful meal outside can be rather a challenge...hold only a fork, you'll need the other hand to swat! Thank God for the Freo Doctor, at least that keeps them at bay a bit. We went down to the beach once on a very still day, no wind at all....we lasted 10 minutes, the flies were unbelievably bad. So, bring a swatter with you when you come.
Quality of life for our kids? Mmm...I can't say it's better, it's completely different. They do get to play outside more, trouble is when the weather is too hot they have to stay indoors, just the same as in the UK when it was too cold/wet. When they do play out they are slopped up to the eyeballs with suncream and God only knows what chemicals are getting absorbed into their skin. Education wise: well, if you want a good school for your child (especially high school) you will probably have to pay for it. There are the exceptions to the rule, but they are few and far between. So weighing up this difference in life for our kids, does it compensate for the lack of Grandparents/aunts/uncles/cousins? No way, not in a million years.
As for the safety thing, yes I will admit to feeling safer out here...at the moment. With the influx of people moving over here the crime statistics will change eventually. The only reason they are so low is the fact that so few people live here. You say that the UK is going to the dogs, didn't Enoch Powell say that back in the 60's too? It's still one of the strongest, wealthiest nations in the world. I agree that the immigration policy is barking mad and the law's dealing with the chavs on the streets should be toughened up, but England will still be an important nation 100 years down the line no matter what.
You will probably find that your house will end up a heck of a lot bigger than the one you're in at the moment in the UK. You may well end up with a pool too. If that's what floats your boat, then that's great....you'll love it here. Houses are spacious and still that bit cheaper than you'd pay at home. That's all changing though. You won't get anything decent in these northern suburbs for less than $350k, and that's if you're lucky.
This all sounds incredibly negative doesn't it? But it's the way I feel and I apologise if I have upset anyone. There are people who love this place and that's bloody fantastic for them. But there are way too many things lacking here for me to make it my home forever. And no, it's not the shops, the Sunday trading, more choice at the supermarket, the decent T.V or anything else so fickle that I miss about the UK (although a Tesco's would be lovely!) it's my family, my oldest friends, the history and heritage, the wonderful countryside. The opportunity to travel and see other cultures cheaply in Europe: getting out of Perth costs a fortune! All of those things that I took for granted when I lived in the UK before, when I go back I will look at them all with new eyes and appreciate what I have around me.
You have to do what you feel is right for you and your family. People are all individuals and have different perspectives on things. Just because this place hasn't worked for me, doesn't mean that it won't work for you. At least we've got rid of the "what if" question. Just give yourself a "Plan B,Opt Out Clause" leave yourselves a way to get back home. I wish we had.
Good luck to you.
Last edited by aussie73; Sep 10th 2005 at 12:21 am.
Sep 10th 2005, 12:20 am
#23
Account Closed
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,533
Re: come on lets have a debate.
Originally Posted by aussie73
Thats Perth, different parts of OZ are very different, over in the Eastern states, Vic and NSW theres a cooler climate, less flies, much bigger populations and cities, higher wages and more variety in the countryside.
Trouble is, no matter where I am in Aus, the rest of the family aren't there with me. That's the biggy for me. Didn't realise just how much they all meant to me when I was in the UK. I knew I loved them, but I just thought I would get used to not having them around me...I'm a big girl now, what do I need my Mum for eh?!!
Stupid me!!!
Sep 10th 2005, 12:21 am
#24
Ex BE ***** Addict
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,770
Re: come on lets have a debate.
Originally Posted by aussie73
Thats Perth, different parts of OZ are very different, over in the Eastern states, Vic and NSW theres a cooler climate, less flies much bigger populations and more variety in the countryside.
Sep 10th 2005, 12:21 am
#25
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2004
Location: vancouver island! BC Canada~ Lovin it!
Posts: 1,883
Re: come on lets have a debate.
Originally Posted by TraceyW
I can honestly say that if returning to the UK was an easy issue....I would go in a heartbeat. I know a hell of a lot of people (women especially) who would say exactly the same thing. Men seem to fair an awful lot better than us girls.
We have been in Perth for just over a year. We came for the better quality of life, the more leisure time, more family time etc, etc...blah, blah blah. The usual reasons. We weren't running from anything, we had a lovely home in the UK, hubby had a well paid job, we had family close by, we just wanted to see if this was better for us as a family.
My hubby works just as hard here as he did in the UK, for a third less pay. He has to do the great big chunks of overtime to enable us to make ends meet. Therefore...no more leisure time than we had in the UK. Things are pretty much on a par with the UK living expense wise, especially food shopping. Therefore, we are just as skint as we were in the UK.
Our social life is much better here, that's fantastic. We've made some lovely friends and we do have some fun. These people I will miss when we return, I wish I could take them with us.
Climate; it's wonderful to be able to wake up to blue skies everyday in the summer, throw on shorts and a vest and that's it. Oh, that's after you've covered yourself up with factor 30+ everyday! But along with that glorious weather comes the plague of flies that are the rudest flies in the world! They are in your eyes, ears, nose...everywhere. So eating a peaceful meal outside can be rather a challenge...hold only a fork, you'll need the other hand to swat! Thank God for the Freo Doctor, at least that keeps them at bay a bit. We went down to the beach once on a very still day, no wind at all....we lasted 10 minutes, the flies were unbelievably bad. So, bring a swatter with you when you come.
Quality of life for our kids? Mmm...I can't say it's better, it's completely different. They do get to play outside more, trouble is when the weather is too hot they have to stay indoors, just the same as in the UK when it was too cold/wet. When they do play out they are slopped up to the eyeballs with suncream and God only knows what chemicals are getting absorbed into their skin. Education wise: well, if you want a good school for your child (especially high school) you will probably have to pay for it. There are the exceptions to the rule, but they are few and far between. So weighing up this difference in life for our kids, does it compensate for the lack of Grandparents/aunts/uncles/cousins? No way, not in a million years.
As for the safety thing, yes I will admit to feeling safer out here...at the moment. With the influx of people moving over here the crime statistics will change eventually. The only reason they are so low is the fact that so few people live here. You say that the UK is going to the dogs, didn't Enoch Powell say that back in the 60's too? It's still one of the strongest, wealthiest nations in the world. I agree that the immigration policy is barking mad and the law's dealing with the chavs on the streets should be toughened up, but England will still be an important nation 100 years down the line no matter what.
You will probably find that your house will end up a heck of a lot bigger than the one you're in at the moment in the UK. You may well end up with a pool too. If that's what floats your boat, then that's great....you'll love it here. Houses are spacious and still that bit cheaper than you'd pay at home. That's all changing though. You won't get anything decent in these northern suburbs for less than $350k, and that's if you're lucky.
This all sounds incredibly negative doesn't it? But it's the way I feel and I apologise if I have upset anyone. There are people who love this place and that's bloody fantastic for them. But there are way too many things lacking here for me to make it my home forever. And no, it's not the shops, the Sunday trading, more choice at the supermarket, the decent T.V or anything else so fickle that I miss about the UK (although a Tesco's would be lovely!) it's my family, my oldest friends, the history and heritage, the wonderful countryside. The opportunity to travel and see other cultures cheaply in Europe: getting out of Perth costs a fortune! All of those things that I took for granted when I lived in the UK before, when I go back I will look at them all with new eyes and appreciate what I have around me.
You have to do what you feel is right for you and your family. People are all individuals and have different perspectives on things. Just because this place hasn't worked for me, doesn't mean that it won't work for you. At least we've got rid of the "what if" question. Just give yourself a "Plan B,Opt Out Clause" leave yourselves a way to get back home. I wish we had.
Good luck to you.
I know a hell of a lot of people (women especially) who would say exactly the same thing. Men seem to fair an awful lot better than us girls. We have been in Perth for just over a year. We came for the better quality of life, the more leisure time, more family time etc, etc...blah, blah blah. The usual reasons. We weren't running from anything, we had a lovely home in the UK, hubby had a well paid job, we had family close by, we just wanted to see if this was better for us as a family.
My hubby works just as hard here as he did in the UK, for a third less pay. He has to do the great big chunks of overtime to enable us to make ends meet. Therefore...no more leisure time than we had in the UK. Things are pretty much on a par with the UK living expense wise, especially food shopping. Therefore, we are just as skint as we were in the UK.
Our social life is much better here, that's fantastic. We've made some lovely friends and we do have some fun. These people I will miss when we return, I wish I could take them with us.
Climate; it's wonderful to be able to wake up to blue skies everyday in the summer, throw on shorts and a vest and that's it. Oh, that's after you've covered yourself up with factor 30+ everyday! But along with that glorious weather comes the plague of flies that are the rudest flies in the world! They are in your eyes, ears, nose...everywhere. So eating a peaceful meal outside can be rather a challenge...hold only a fork, you'll need the other hand to swat! Thank God for the Freo Doctor, at least that keeps them at bay a bit. We went down to the beach once on a very still day, no wind at all....we lasted 10 minutes, the flies were unbelievably bad. So, bring a swatter with you when you come.
Quality of life for our kids? Mmm...I can't say it's better, it's completely different. They do get to play outside more, trouble is when the weather is too hot they have to stay indoors, just the same as in the UK when it was too cold/wet. When they do play out they are slopped up to the eyeballs with suncream and God only knows what chemicals are getting absorbed into their skin. Education wise: well, if you want a good school for your child (especially high school) you will probably have to pay for it. There are the exceptions to the rule, but they are few and far between. So weighing up this difference in life for our kids, does it compensate for the lack of Grandparents/aunts/uncles/cousins? No way, not in a million years.
As for the safety thing, yes I will admit to feeling safer out here...at the moment. With the influx of people moving over here the crime statistics will change eventually. The only reason they are so low is the fact that so few people live here. You say that the UK is going to the dogs, didn't Enoch Powell say that back in the 60's too? It's still one of the strongest, wealthiest nations in the world. I agree that the immigration policy is barking mad and the law's dealing with the chavs on the streets should be toughened up, but England will still be an important nation 100 years down the line no matter what.
You will probably find that your house will end up a heck of a lot bigger than the one you're in at the moment in the UK. You may well end up with a pool too. If that's what floats your boat, then that's great....you'll love it here. Houses are spacious and still that bit cheaper than you'd pay at home. That's all changing though. You won't get anything decent in these northern suburbs for less than $350k, and that's if you're lucky.
This all sounds incredibly negative doesn't it? But it's the way I feel and I apologise if I have upset anyone. There are people who love this place and that's bloody fantastic for them. But there are way too many things lacking here for me to make it my home forever. And no, it's not the shops, the Sunday trading, more choice at the supermarket, the decent T.V or anything else so fickle that I miss about the UK (although a Tesco's would be lovely!) it's my family, my oldest friends, the history and heritage, the wonderful countryside. The opportunity to travel and see other cultures cheaply in Europe: getting out of Perth costs a fortune! All of those things that I took for granted when I lived in the UK before, when I go back I will look at them all with new eyes and appreciate what I have around me.
You have to do what you feel is right for you and your family. People are all individuals and have different perspectives on things. Just because this place hasn't worked for me, doesn't mean that it won't work for you. At least we've got rid of the "what if" question. Just give yourself a "Plan B,Opt Out Clause" leave yourselves a way to get back home. I wish we had.
Good luck to you.
Better to have given it a go..etc..than wonder forever...and also...you will remember the good things ..aswell as the negative ..and can always..say...i lived in australia for a time....'what an experience that was'..for even through the negative...it is still...an adventure and an experience.
Sep 10th 2005, 12:24 am
#26
been there........
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: Perth, WA
Posts: 349
Re: come on lets have a debate.
I remember reading - I think it was at Easter - that on the Monday, 20 million people would be on the British roads, making their way back home. And I thought "Hells teeth! That's like cramming the whole population of Australia onto the road between Perth and Carnarvon!" And last week a survey was published showing that a further 2.27 million people had emigrated there within the last year.
On my last trip to the UK, I was surprised how very claustrophobic I found it; yes, it was wonderful to re-explore York - always my favourite city - but now there were just too many other people doing the same thing.
Once you move outside the major cities in Australia, whether it's for a day or a week, that huge sky, uncluttered by roof-tops, power poles, or TV aerials, gives you a sense of space and freedom that it's almost impossible to find in contemporary Britain and it's this, I think, that many people find attractive.
On the other hand, people who prefer an urban lifestle can find it threatening. I know my mother did! I took her to Lancelin for lunch one day during her visit and she was horrified!
"Where are all the people? Where are all the shops? Aren't you scared, driving out here without garages and mechanics in case you break down?"
Poor mother! She never did see that it was precisely those things which make me love Australia.
On my last trip to the UK, I was surprised how very claustrophobic I found it; yes, it was wonderful to re-explore York - always my favourite city - but now there were just too many other people doing the same thing.
Once you move outside the major cities in Australia, whether it's for a day or a week, that huge sky, uncluttered by roof-tops, power poles, or TV aerials, gives you a sense of space and freedom that it's almost impossible to find in contemporary Britain and it's this, I think, that many people find attractive.
On the other hand, people who prefer an urban lifestle can find it threatening. I know my mother did! I took her to Lancelin for lunch one day during her visit and she was horrified!
"Where are all the people? Where are all the shops? Aren't you scared, driving out here without garages and mechanics in case you break down?"
Poor mother! She never did see that it was precisely those things which make me love Australia.
Sep 10th 2005, 12:26 am
#27
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: come on lets have a debate.
Originally Posted by arkon
Less flies! Well theres a subject that doesn't get mentioned much and if you live very close to a CBD you won't be affected. Live a little into the sticks and its a whole new ball game. All winter the only things to worry about was the mossies that only seem to come out every 6 weeks for a day or two and only a problem after 4pm. Now 1st few days of spring and all hell has broken out here on the mid north coast. I just went out to feed the paki's and hang the washing out and got swarmed by some persistant little buggers in the millions, heavier than mossies but not as big as flies. I'm now house bound in a nice outside temp of 25. Over last xmas we had normal flies by the millions too and not your nice docile UK variety but the "I'm gonna f*** your ears and nose" variety and theres nothing you can do about it so go indoors and lock up tight! Before anyone says it our nearest cow is about 2km away and the flies tend to stick near the poo, The flies we get are home grown from the trees and grass by the looks of it. Never thought I'd be praying for a spider infestation!
Sep 10th 2005, 12:39 am
#28
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 15,526
Re: come on lets have a debate.
Originally Posted by aussie73
l agree with you, flies can be be a real pain in summer in OZ, l much prefer spiders anyday, unlike flies, spiders leave you alone.
Fairdinkum, we got out of the car at two places to try and eat lunch, it was so bad, we got back in the car, eat in the vehicle, and drove straight back out of the place.
I've been right up to Cooktown, and west of adelaide, in as far as Broken Hill and Goondawindi, but never seen the likes of the flies on that day in Bright.
Horrible.
Sep 10th 2005, 1:07 am
#29
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2003
Location: South Perth
Posts: 307
Re: come on lets have a debate.
Originally Posted by monkeymark
if , (for the people who have reached there destination) you could go back to Britain easily would you? I say this because there are a lot of you out there that don't seem that happy with the choice you made to seek out that better life. I'm just curious because were just about to go to Perth at the beginning of December and everyone gets them "am I doing the rite thing" question going on and every time I read something thats not that great it puts that little seed of dought in my mind. It is true England is going down the pan make no mistake but it is also a beautiful country apart from the weather, but for the cost of everything and the fact that there are so many people here, when you want to do anything it involves queuing for hours or the I'm sorry were full, or the M1 has a 30 mile tailback. so please i realise Aus is going to have its faults but someone tell me its not going to be like that there is it?
thanks!
thanks!
Hi monkeymark,
We have just woken up here in Oz so you will probably start getting more replies from here.
We have been here for just over 9 months and absolutely loving it here. I would never move back to the UK unless cirmcumstances changed and I had to. Plenty of pros and cons. Worst for us is the cost of leaving Perth by air travel. We are earning 30% less here but live in a much bigger house with a pool - and love it ( hurry up summer!) Beaches, parks, BBQs....all brilliant!
Gotta keep it short but hopefully this adds to the positive moves here - Perth is a dream come true!!
Salonit
Sep 10th 2005, 2:17 am
#30
Ping Pong Wannabe
Joined: Oct 2003
Location: Edge of the Cotswolds
Posts: 657
Re: come on lets have a debate.
Originally Posted by aussie73
Thats Perth, different parts of OZ are very different, over in the Eastern states, Vic and NSW theres a cooler climate, flies less of a problem in summer, much bigger populations and cities, higher wages and more variety in the countryside.