Originally Posted by banjo

we're in Victoria and flies are a HUGE problem for me.....cook the 'snags' on the bbq and then rush inside before any have a chance to land on the food. Screens on all windows and doors to stop the critters coming in but they still find a way.

Originally Posted by nurselindsey

When I first found this site although good and bad points were made about the whole emigration concept, the comments were constructive and my buzz for Oz heightened each time I logged on. Recently though upon reading some of the posts the 'am I doing the right thing' is at the forefront and somedays I feel downright depressed when I log off. Yes I am grateful for all those who can enlighten me with good and bad points of Oz - but lets face it England isn't perfect and we all moan about our lives here from time to time.

So a great big thanks to those of you who do reply without the slagging and the baglash. I look forward again to the day where I can post 'stupid' questions without the threat of vicious replys

Lindsey

Originally Posted by arkon

So whats the point of having a great outdoors if you can't stay out to enjoy it? And you never get used to the flies regardless of what people tell you. I've just been out on the tractor and its currently 27 with no breeze. Many years ago I used to work outdoors in the UK and give me cold and wet anyday. I now seem to have to have large rest periods punctuated with small dosses of work. We don't have many bbq's unless its in the middle of the day which seems to be a sweet spot where the insects are concerned, My usable insect free day is from about 10.30 am to no later than 4pm. Problem is its then baking hot!!

Originally Posted by TheCrone

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.

Originally Posted by sid_s

I agree entirely. I sometimes think twice about logging on because it can just make me depressed.

You have to keep it in perspective though. You could make a long list of complaints about any country in the world. I know that when people post things along the lines "here's what I hate about Australia and why you shouldn't bother going" they will have had an equally long list of complaints about the UK before they left there. And they will no doubt build another list when they return.

You have to be sensible and realise that there will be compromises and settling in is tough - but I think it's vital not to lose your enthusiasm before you even get there!

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.