Why do people say it's "bland"..?
Mar 7th 2005, 5:19 pm
#61
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Re: Why do people say it's "bland"..?
I look at Aus from a slightly different perspective than many I suspect, because I have no interest in living in a city or even large town. For me, the Aussie outdoors is all important.
I love wildlife, especially birding, and found it easy to get on with fellow birders in Aus as we tend to all be outsiders in our own countries, and we had a common interest.
I would have found it bland and boring if I didn't have this social network, and certainly if I'd lived in a soulless estate.
As others have said, it's what you make of it. Go out and meet like-minded individuals and all kinds of possibilities will open up for you making your time in Aus more fun. Hopefully!
I love wildlife, especially birding, and found it easy to get on with fellow birders in Aus as we tend to all be outsiders in our own countries, and we had a common interest.
I would have found it bland and boring if I didn't have this social network, and certainly if I'd lived in a soulless estate.
As others have said, it's what you make of it. Go out and meet like-minded individuals and all kinds of possibilities will open up for you making your time in Aus more fun. Hopefully!
Mar 7th 2005, 5:40 pm
#62
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Re: Why do people say it's "bland"..?
As many people have said I think it is what you make of it, which is why I'm happy to move there having never been before. (Although I do have a 3 week holiday in Easter as a get out clause to be sure I don't hate it ). I think there are many countries that I could live in, as it's more important to me to be there with my boyfriend (and in future with kids 
) than anything else. At the risk of sounding like Pollyanna (the book character, not the forum poster 
), you make the best of wherever you are, and I can't see that there's anything I do now that I couldn't do in Oz - in fact quite the reverse.
I'm currently living in a pretty soulless development of identikit houses, and am looking forward to having some space around me, land for horses, etc. which isn't possible here. It is different things for different people, but I think that you have to put work in to making a place 'right' - it's not a passive thing where a place has to entertain you and stands or falls by how well it can do so. It's all an adventure....
(except scrap booking... that just sounds wrong....
)
Sophie
). I think there are many countries that I could live in, as it's more important to me to be there with my boyfriend (and in future with kids ) than anything else. At the risk of sounding like Pollyanna (the book character, not the forum poster ), you make the best of wherever you are, and I can't see that there's anything I do now that I couldn't do in Oz - in fact quite the reverse.I'm currently living in a pretty soulless development of identikit houses, and am looking forward to having some space around me, land for horses, etc. which isn't possible here. It is different things for different people, but I think that you have to put work in to making a place 'right' - it's not a passive thing where a place has to entertain you and stands or falls by how well it can do so. It's all an adventure....
(except scrap booking... that just sounds wrong....
)Sophie
Mar 7th 2005, 10:08 pm
#63
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Re: Why do people say it's "bland"..?
Originally Posted by Sophie Louise
you make the best of wherever you are, and I can't see that there's anything I do now that I couldn't do in Oz - in fact quite the reverse.
Sophie
Sophie
Mar 7th 2005, 10:53 pm
#64
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Re: Why do people say it's "bland"..?
Originally Posted by tonyk38
I would have found it bland and boring if I didn't have this social network, and certainly if I'd lived in a soulless estate.
As others have said, it's what you make of it. Go out and meet like-minded individuals and all kinds of possibilities will open up for you making your time in Aus more fun. Hopefully!
I have found Australia bland and boring!
BUT the reason for this, I think, is that I have't met anyone with a decent sense of humour, no one that I would like to be good friends with, have not worked as I was the bored housewife so that husband could work all hours. I have socialised with other bored housewives and escaped many a scrapbooking shindig!!!!
The country itself is fascinating and beautiful - but for me I have found the whole essence of my being is to be with good friends who have known me for years, who I can have a good laugh with, I missed that side of life too much to want to stay here. And am desparate to work flexible hours....but I won't rant on about that one!
As someone posted previously, my personal view is that people who are very much into their material goods, houses, cars, and not so worried about the deep rooted friendships they have back home, will enjoy living in the suburbs of Australia.....although bland you can get some great houses and keep the 4 wheel drive quite clean.
Although I have not experienced living in more rural areas I am sure there are some great people with character to meet there.
Mar 7th 2005, 11:14 pm
#65
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Re: Why do people say it's "bland"..?
Someone mentioned about the houses in Australia all being the same, and that has me a bit puzzled, and in fact I wonder if they were talking about the same country, or maybe some areas of Australia are in fact the same as the UK house building style.
In the UK I found that the house builders would build an estate of identical houses, eg: Wimpy would buy a block of land and then divided it up and build loads of near identical houses themselves. I've lived on a few of these estates in the UK.
Here in Australia, at least in the QLD and NSW areas that I have lived and looked at houses in, a block of land will be sold for development, and often split up between many different builders, or even private owners, and then you get a multitude of different house designs, as most builders actually build to a customers requirements. The end result is a street full of differently designed houses. And i've lived on a few of these also.
In the UK I found that the house builders would build an estate of identical houses, eg: Wimpy would buy a block of land and then divided it up and build loads of near identical houses themselves. I've lived on a few of these estates in the UK.
Here in Australia, at least in the QLD and NSW areas that I have lived and looked at houses in, a block of land will be sold for development, and often split up between many different builders, or even private owners, and then you get a multitude of different house designs, as most builders actually build to a customers requirements. The end result is a street full of differently designed houses. And i've lived on a few of these also.
Mar 7th 2005, 11:28 pm
#66
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Re: Why do people say it's "bland"..?
Bland and boring mean different things to different people.
It's quite interesting reading this post on various comments on scrapbooks...
I don't do scrapbooks, yet. However I do like crafts. I like knitting, sewing, crocheting, and would love to make a quilt or learn silk embroidery some day. I've seen some amazing scrapbooks some people have made - not all are bored housewives with too much time on their hands. Some are men (and no they're not gay) and some children as well. There's a lot of creativity that goes into all these crafts. They are hobbies/pastimes just like computer games. Just because you find it boring doesn't mean it's boring for all. I don't like any computer/video games, but there are people (like my own husband and my own little brother) who can spend hours in front of the computer/TV playing the same PS2/XBox games day after day.
True many of those that do crafts are ladies/old ladies with a bit extra time. And to them and the crafty men and crafty kids, I say thank you very much for carrying on these lovely traditions.
Cheers,
Mrs JTL
It's quite interesting reading this post on various comments on scrapbooks...
I don't do scrapbooks, yet.
However I do like crafts. I like knitting, sewing, crocheting, and would love to make a quilt or learn silk embroidery some day. I've seen some amazing scrapbooks some people have made - not all are bored housewives with too much time on their hands. Some are men (and no they're not gay) and some children as well. There's a lot of creativity that goes into all these crafts. They are hobbies/pastimes just like computer games. Just because you find it boring doesn't mean it's boring for all. I don't like any computer/video games, but there are people (like my own husband and my own little brother) who can spend hours in front of the computer/TV playing the same PS2/XBox games day after day.True many of those that do crafts are ladies/old ladies with a bit extra time. And to them and the crafty men and crafty kids, I say thank you very much for carrying on these lovely traditions.
Cheers,
Mrs JTL
Mar 8th 2005, 6:47 am
#67
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Re: Why do people say it's "bland"..?
Originally Posted by ABCDiamond
Someone mentioned about the houses in Australia all being the same, and that has me a bit puzzled, and in fact I wonder if they were talking about the same country, or maybe some areas of Australia are in fact the same as the UK house building style.
In the UK I found that the house builders would build an estate of identical houses, eg: Wimpy would buy a block of land and then divided it up and build loads of near identical houses themselves. I've lived on a few of these estates in the UK.
Here in Australia, at least in the QLD and NSW areas that I have lived and looked at houses in, a block of land will be sold for development, and often split up between many different builders, or even private owners, and then you get a multitude of different house designs, as most builders actually build to a customers requirements. The end result is a street full of differently designed houses. And i've lived on a few of these also.
In the UK I found that the house builders would build an estate of identical houses, eg: Wimpy would buy a block of land and then divided it up and build loads of near identical houses themselves. I've lived on a few of these estates in the UK.
Here in Australia, at least in the QLD and NSW areas that I have lived and looked at houses in, a block of land will be sold for development, and often split up between many different builders, or even private owners, and then you get a multitude of different house designs, as most builders actually build to a customers requirements. The end result is a street full of differently designed houses. And i've lived on a few of these also.
The irony is, yes Aussie suburbia, at its worst, is contrived and bland.The best ones are the ones where all houses are sprawling and different like the above average Melbourne burbs.
UK suburbia is, at its worst, mucky, cramped and all exactly the same 1930s houses, barratt houses, terraced houses.I can't see the difference in a way. I don't want to live in either.
The best are fantastic.
So its all about what you can achieve with your money and aspirations.
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Mar 8th 2005, 7:41 am
#68
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Re: Why do people say it's "bland"..?
Originally Posted by Merlot
A rather strong sentance there! Going out and meeting people can be a struggle for some who could be very shy or may not have the immediate avenues such as going to work.
The burbs is not me in any country, I had to live there a while Oz as that is how it was, my circumstances but I tried to make the best of it as I could then decided a return to the UK was in order.
Going out and meeting people can be a struggle for some who could be very shy or may not have the immediate avenues such as going to work. The burbs is not me in any country, I had to live there a while Oz as that is how it was, my circumstances but I tried to make the best of it as I could then decided a return to the UK was in order.
My wife is ACE at scrap booking.... so on the face of it..Australia will be our utopia. Its a matter of finding what suits..who you are and what you are.
After running a business for 17 years and being robbed by the people I have empoyed whlle watching my wife drive herself to a near breakdown working in Education Welfare and dealing with s--t families who have no parenting skills and s--t teachers who have no interest in the job. Australia with all its many faults..as some percieve...sounds just the place where we can retire to walk in the sun, be with or ignore people as we choose and accept that Australia is a country with the same problems most other "civilised" countries have.
Mar 8th 2005, 8:48 am
#69
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Re: Why do people say it's "bland"..?
Totally agree with Vinny, If the whingers who are slagging off Australia don't like it why don't they come back to the UK, maybe live in a nice council house in Slough or Salford or somewhere else equally as nice?
At lot of us on here have the dream to emigrate and we are spending loads of money and time to be able to do this. If it doesn't work well that's fine, but I would rather find out for myself rather than some loser or misfit telling me so.
If your life evolves around pubs and fags I would suggest living in the east end of London, loads of pubs and loads of people selling fags bought in France. Horses for courses!
Kevin
At lot of us on here have the dream to emigrate and we are spending loads of money and time to be able to do this. If it doesn't work well that's fine, but I would rather find out for myself rather than some loser or misfit telling me so.
If your life evolves around pubs and fags I would suggest living in the east end of London, loads of pubs and loads of people selling fags bought in France. Horses for courses!
Kevin
Mar 8th 2005, 9:55 am
#70
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Re: Why do people say it's "bland"..?
OK .. Who mentioned scrapbooking first ?
My daughter has just been invited to another birthday party, and it's being held at a "scrapbooking" venue !! 14 years in this country, and never a whisper before, but the day I say something about it, and I get to see it in real life !!
Now my wife wants to buy some tupperware, but doesn't know anyone that sells it. Making that comment should now get an invite to a tupperware party soon enough
My daughter has just been invited to another birthday party, and it's being held at a "scrapbooking" venue !! 14 years in this country, and never a whisper before, but the day I say something about it, and I get to see it in real life !!
Now my wife wants to buy some tupperware, but doesn't know anyone that sells it. Making that comment should now get an invite to a tupperware party soon enough
Mar 8th 2005, 1:50 pm
#71
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Re: Why do people say it's "bland"..?
Originally Posted by halflinggirl2000
Scrapbooking - done by bored suburban housewives.Never tried it, as I don't fit the category, I'm not that bored, and I'm not a housewife, and I don't live so close to my neighbours that I can hear them fart . But if you walk around some of the shops such as "the warehouse" you will see an aisle where it's packed by bored housewives buying scrapbooking things . Not quite sure what it is, do they make books, picture albums or something?
Scrapbooking the art of the decrative photo/life album, well at least that was what the the women on the tv told me. Crafty friend told me about shopping chanel where I could get some stuff, for an art package I am making up for my god-daughter. So duly switched on to to find a whole hour dedicated to this hobby. It entails making photo/certificate frames and title labels and special pieces of art to commerate happenings in your life. Best one to imagaine is baby first everythings! So hope that helps (If anyone needs to know it is sky channel 664 for all you uk based people) So it seems at least something that is optional!!
The thing that grips me that I keep getting told is about the weekly tupperware parties that seem to be an essential part of the afternoon/evening social scene, hopefully it is just an excuse for a good shindig, but if it is a tupperware party with tea/coffee, I am sunk. Will be going to work in self defence, or just getting myself a bad name, as the women that is leading my wife astray (will not be the first time!)
This aside, boring is as boring does, so we can all look forward to new and unusual happenings, engineered by ourselves. No worries
Scrapbooking the art of the decrative photo/life album, well at least that was what the the women on the tv told me. Crafty friend told me about shopping chanel where I could get some stuff, for an art package I am making up for my god-daughter. So duly switched on to to find a whole hour dedicated to this hobby. It entails making photo/certificate frames and title labels and special pieces of art to commerate happenings in your life. Best one to imagaine is baby first everythings! So hope that helps (If anyone needs to know it is sky channel 664 for all you uk based people) So it seems at least something that is optional!!
The thing that grips me that I keep getting told is about the weekly tupperware parties that seem to be an essential part of the afternoon/evening social scene, hopefully it is just an excuse for a good shindig, but if it is a tupperware party with tea/coffee, I am sunk. Will be going to work in self defence, or just getting myself a bad name, as the women that is leading my wife astray (will not be the first time!)
This aside, boring is as boring does, so we can all look forward to new and unusual happenings, engineered by ourselves. No worries
Tupperware - now thats a different story, really, really want to go to tupperware party just to see what its like but no matter how many hints I drop, none of my aussie neighbours or work collegues have ever mentioned tupperware parties taking place
Could these be east coast things ?
Mar 8th 2005, 2:00 pm
#72
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Re: Why do people say it's "bland"..?
Originally Posted by Vegemite Kids
Checked the scrapbook thingy out with all my (female) work mates today. Not a single one out of the 23 have ever done scrapboooking. In fact about half of them said "whats scrapbooking?"
Tupperware - now thats a different story, really, really want to go to tupperware party just to see what its like but no matter how many hints I drop, none of my aussie neighbours or work collegues have ever mentioned tupperware parties taking place
Could these be east coast things ?
Tupperware - now thats a different story, really, really want to go to tupperware party just to see what its like but no matter how many hints I drop, none of my aussie neighbours or work collegues have ever mentioned tupperware parties taking place
Could these be east coast things ?
Scrapbooking I had also never heard of. And still don't know anyone who does it.
BUT, there is a scrapbooking shop in Maddington that I pass everyday.
Mar 8th 2005, 2:26 pm
#73
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Re: Why do people say it's "bland"..?
Originally Posted by G'Day
I don't know what the go is but from what I'm reading here you'd forgive me if I got the idea that only countrified gentlefold were immigrating from the UK to Australia. I certainly get that impression when I read disparaging remarks about subburbia - didn't you all live in boring old subburbs in the UK? Or were they all spiced up with grafitti? All interesting and fantastic?
I think what they mean, Sophie Louise, is that you get "bland boring" sunshine most days over here with the occational bit of "weather", unlike bland boring rain and grey skies back in the UK. Also here you get "bland, boring" brick, wood and other types of houses on decent properties as opposed to the ever-popular bland, boring upstairs-downstairs-with-a-yard-you-can't-swing-a-cat-in of the good old UK. Then there is the "bland, boring" food. Choices vary between the "bland, boring" Japanese cuisine, Thai cuisine, Chinese cuisines, American cuisine, French cuisine, Aussie cuisine and the ever popular, never boring meat-and-two-vegs or fish-'n-chips from the good old UK. God-forbid that we should be expected to venture into anything as "boring" as a stylish night club or bar to drink anything new or different from the "ussual"! No give us a good old boring stuffy pub with the same-old-same-old, just like good old England.
I think anyone who complains that Australia is bland or boring whilst in the same breath whinging about there not being any decent pubs around is an unimaginative idiot.
Australia is a facinating country that combines within it's states the weather and pleasures of Bali, the weather, wine and pleasures of Cape Town, or the Med, the joys and glories of deserts accross the globe, and it even has Perth, which doesn't really fit in anywhere but is probably as close as you'll ever get to a major city posing as a small town in your life. We have country towns that are honest to gosh country towns, farms so vast they bring the cattle in with choppers, underground cities in Coober Pedy. Very few other countries have the diversity in people and climate that Australia offers. It has amazing architecture and art, many musicians and artists have made it their home and wouldn't be anywhere else.
I don't know what the go is with scrapbooking, since I've never come into contact with it in two years of roaming the place so all I can guess is that it was posted by someone without an ounce of appreciation for other people's hobbies in their soul, who happen to have been in the position of meeting someone who does this for a hobby. I didn't know it was a group-thing but who knows....
It is what you make of it, but it certainly has a hell of a lot of potential to start with. Certainly it doesn't have huge mountain ranges, but the Grampians & Blue Mountains are plenty beautiful for those who care to get out of the pub and out into life.
I think what they mean, Sophie Louise, is that you get "bland boring" sunshine most days over here with the occational bit of "weather", unlike bland boring rain and grey skies back in the UK. Also here you get "bland, boring" brick, wood and other types of houses on decent properties as opposed to the ever-popular bland, boring upstairs-downstairs-with-a-yard-you-can't-swing-a-cat-in of the good old UK. Then there is the "bland, boring" food. Choices vary between the "bland, boring" Japanese cuisine, Thai cuisine, Chinese cuisines, American cuisine, French cuisine, Aussie cuisine and the ever popular, never boring meat-and-two-vegs or fish-'n-chips from the good old UK. God-forbid that we should be expected to venture into anything as "boring" as a stylish night club or bar to drink anything new or different from the "ussual"! No give us a good old boring stuffy pub with the same-old-same-old, just like good old England.
I think anyone who complains that Australia is bland or boring whilst in the same breath whinging about there not being any decent pubs around is an unimaginative idiot.
Australia is a facinating country that combines within it's states the weather and pleasures of Bali, the weather, wine and pleasures of Cape Town, or the Med, the joys and glories of deserts accross the globe, and it even has Perth, which doesn't really fit in anywhere
but is probably as close as you'll ever get to a major city posing as a small town in your life. We have country towns that are honest to gosh country towns, farms so vast they bring the cattle in with choppers, underground cities in Coober Pedy. Very few other countries have the diversity in people and climate that Australia offers. It has amazing architecture and art, many musicians and artists have made it their home and wouldn't be anywhere else. I don't know what the go is with scrapbooking, since I've never come into contact with it in two years of roaming the place so all I can guess is that it was posted by someone without an ounce of appreciation for other people's hobbies in their soul, who happen to have been in the position of meeting someone who does this for a hobby. I didn't know it was a group-thing but who knows....
It is what you make of it, but it certainly has a hell of a lot of potential to start with. Certainly it doesn't have huge mountain ranges, but the Grampians & Blue Mountains are plenty beautiful for those who care to get out of the pub and out into life.
I have to say i totally agree with this post. I like it. Funny and witty. God some people are never happy wherever they are. So i think they will always find something boring and bland with a city, country or whatever. If you dont like it move. But then you would probably find the new place boring and bland after a while. Its a vicious circle. As for the OP. Come to Oz. You'll love it. Its sure beats the UK. You also as you said can find things to do that you enjoy. You are young. Live life and dont worry about these people who paint a boring bland Oz. You will soon see for yourself what its all about. Enjoy!
Mar 8th 2005, 2:29 pm
#74
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Re: Why do people say it's "bland"..?
Originally Posted by scoobydoo
I have found Australia bland and boring!
BUT the reason for this, I think, is that I have't met anyone with a decent sense of humour, no one that I would like to be good friends with, have not worked as I was the bored housewife so that husband could work all hours. I have socialised with other bored housewives and escaped many a scrapbooking shindig!!!!
The country itself is fascinating and beautiful - but for me I have found the whole essence of my being is to be with good friends who have known me for years, who I can have a good laugh with, I missed that side of life too much to want to stay here. And am desparate to work flexible hours....but I won't rant on about that one!
As someone posted previously, my personal view is that people who are very much into their material goods, houses, cars, and not so worried about the deep rooted friendships they have back home, will enjoy living in the suburbs of Australia.....although bland you can get some great houses and keep the 4 wheel drive quite clean.
Although I have not experienced living in more rural areas I am sure there are some great people with character to meet there.
BUT the reason for this, I think, is that I have't met anyone with a decent sense of humour, no one that I would like to be good friends with, have not worked as I was the bored housewife so that husband could work all hours. I have socialised with other bored housewives and escaped many a scrapbooking shindig!!!!
The country itself is fascinating and beautiful - but for me I have found the whole essence of my being is to be with good friends who have known me for years, who I can have a good laugh with, I missed that side of life too much to want to stay here. And am desparate to work flexible hours....but I won't rant on about that one!
As someone posted previously, my personal view is that people who are very much into their material goods, houses, cars, and not so worried about the deep rooted friendships they have back home, will enjoy living in the suburbs of Australia.....although bland you can get some great houses and keep the 4 wheel drive quite clean.
Although I have not experienced living in more rural areas I am sure there are some great people with character to meet there.
Dont go back to the UK. Come join the Perth Ladies Pole Dancing group instead . Can guarantee you will not be bored ever again.
Mar 8th 2005, 2:31 pm
#75
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Re: Why do people say it's "bland"..?
Originally Posted by Simone
BUT, there is a scrapbooking shop in Maddington that I pass everyday.
oooohhh, could this be the next PLPD clubs day out ? Nah I think not
