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2 Years Today
2 years on
2 years ago this morning I flew into Australia. I could do a Badge and say I had been here 3 years 3 months taking into account working holidays and other trips but that is a bit misleading. The first few months were at the start of winter and despite getting work quickly were a bit depressing. That’s what living with the mother in law can do. Mrs BP got work a couple of months later when we moved out to Bondi. Unlike most here I am not after the 5 bedroom house with mammoth garden and am more than happy living in a unit in a lively great to live in suburb. It was a bit small when I had 5 friends staying around when I got married but other than that the only extra space I have wanted is a bit of decking for a BBQ. Work made me permanent after a few months and I am still plodding away here. Something now has to give wither through a role change or promotion as I am now feeling stale. I get marginally more than what I was on in the UK but I get 20 days holiday here compared to the 25 days in the UK. I am also on a 40 hour week compared to a 35 hour week so per hour I am on less pay, The job itself has provided many new challenges which is more important. My commute is certainly worse with a 30 to 60 minute drive compared to 20 minutes walk and train in the UK. Infinately better though compared to my short period contracting and commuting to London. The lifestyle here is different, more relaxed and definitely more outdoors. Taking up surfing has been an amazing experience. Sitting out in the lineup waiting for a wave is a great place to clear ones mind of the days stress. The Mrs hasn’t minded the increase in fitness. I’ve found myself participating in the corporate triathlon and other bizarre bodily punishments that I would never have considered in the UK. There is plenty of brain food around but the NRL, Premiership and Olympic swimming team seem to interest more people. My main problem with the country is the blatant corruption of politics and media at almost every level. The UK is not immune to corruption but politics here is dirty and it does affect us all in many ways. It sometimes makes me angry and I feel frustrated so many accept the status quo. What I love here is the ability to eat out and eat good so much more often than in soggy vegetable Britain. The Ocean and blue skies do make me feel happy. I have never felt homesick although I would like to see friends and family far more than I do now. I can tell Mum misses me a lot as she seems to find a funny reason to call me every weekend. Gran misses me as well and out of all the grandchildren and children I seem to be the one she remembers in her slow forming dementia. That tugs at the heart. I have never lived anywhere more than 5 years at a time so I have never felt like somewhere is home. What is strange is that after 2 years I still don’t have itchy feet. That really is saying something for me. Given the right package I could happily live back in the UK but at the moment we have no intention of packing up. The highlight of the 2 years was getting married in the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney and having a wonderful reception with a small crowd of close friends and family. I am a lucky man to have Mrs BP. The only thing I think is missing here is having a few true friends rather than colleagues or acquaintances. They do not come quick so I am not too worried. |
BP what a lovely post - I hope that Mrs BP reads it:)
Glad to hear that you are doing well. Good luck for the future I am sure that you will do well wherever you may be. |
Re: 2 Years Today
Originally posted by bondipom I have never lived anywhere more than 5 years at a time so I have never felt like somewhere is home. What is strange is that after 2 years I still don’t have itchy feet. That really is saying something for me. Do you think the lack of itchy feet is because you are maturing ? ..and I don't mean that in a take the piss way. |
Re: 2 Years Today
Originally posted by Bix Appreciate you sharing that BP. :) Do you think the lack of itchy feet is because you are maturing ? ..and I don't mean that in a take the piss way. |
Re: 2 Years Today
Originally posted by bondipom Maybe I am mellowing with age. I did turn 30 last week. Good post BP. |
Re: 2 Years Today
Originally posted by bondipom 2 years on 2 years ago this morning I flew into Australia. I could do a Badge and say I had been here 3 years 3 months taking into account working holidays and other trips but that is a bit misleading. The first few months were at the start of winter and despite getting work quickly were a bit depressing. That’s what living with the mother in law can do. Mrs BP got work a couple of months later when we moved out to Bondi. Unlike most here I am not after the 5 bedroom house with mammoth garden and am more than happy living in a unit in a lively great to live in suburb. It was a bit small when I had 5 friends staying around when I got married but other than that the only extra space I have wanted is a bit of decking for a BBQ. Work made me permanent after a few months and I am still plodding away here. Something now has to give wither through a role change or promotion as I am now feeling stale. I get marginally more than what I was on in the UK but I get 20 days holiday here compared to the 25 days in the UK. I am also on a 40 hour week compared to a 35 hour week so per hour I am on less pay, The job itself has provided many new challenges which is more important. My commute is certainly worse with a 30 to 60 minute drive compared to 20 minutes walk and train in the UK. Infinately better though compared to my short period contracting and commuting to London. The lifestyle here is different, more relaxed and definitely more outdoors. Taking up surfing has been an amazing experience. Sitting out in the lineup waiting for a wave is a great place to clear ones mind of the days stress. The Mrs hasn’t minded the increase in fitness. I’ve found myself participating in the corporate triathlon and other bizarre bodily punishments that I would never have considered in the UK. There is plenty of brain food around but the NRL, Premiership and Olympic swimming team seem to interest more people. My main problem with the country is the blatant corruption of politics and media at almost every level. The UK is not immune to corruption but politics here is dirty and it does affect us all in many ways. It sometimes makes me angry and I feel frustrated so many accept the status quo. What I love here is the ability to eat out and eat good so much more often than in soggy vegetable Britain. The Ocean and blue skies do make me feel happy. I have never felt homesick although I would like to see friends and family far more than I do now. I can tell Mum misses me a lot as she seems to find a funny reason to call me every weekend. Gran misses me as well and out of all the grandchildren and children I seem to be the one she remembers in her slow forming dementia. That tugs at the heart. I have never lived anywhere more than 5 years at a time so I have never felt like somewhere is home. What is strange is that after 2 years I still don’t have itchy feet. That really is saying something for me. Given the right package I could happily live back in the UK but at the moment we have no intention of packing up. The highlight of the 2 years was getting married in the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney and having a wonderful reception with a small crowd of close friends and family. I am a lucky man to have Mrs BP. The only thing I think is missing here is having a few true friends rather than colleagues or acquaintances. They do not come quick so I am not too worried. 2 , 3 even 6 years on from leaving the UK .. I was still having an adventure.. . P.s I'm only in my early 30's .I left the Uk when I was young. 12 years on.. and just over 7 yrs in Aus I just don't see why people think things like Redcliffe and Manly, Brisbane are wonderful.. to me they are very mediocre, nothing to rave about, little shallow bays with houses piled up on the fronts .. a cafe socities .. if people find that wonderful, they obviously have not seen a lot of Britain let alone the world . To be honest , I find Aus totally boring, lacking in a lot of things. And I am a very outdoor type of person (I don't like shopping, I don't like crowds) .. most of my weekends are spent either walking/trekking or on the bay fishing in our boat, I'm also a member of a few conservation groups here. I find Australia so lacking. I have never felt so hemmed in, in my entire life. It's like living in a bubble and the rest of the world doesn't exist. just my personal view Good luck to you and your wife :), and maybe it does and will continue to suit you. Everybody is different, but I find Aus so lacking in real beauty , diversity and culture... I don't read tourist books.. I'ts just what I peronally find/feel. |
Re: 2 Years Today
Originally posted by bondipom I could do a Badge and say I had been here 3 years 3 months taking into account working holidays and other trips but that is a bit misleading. Good on yeh, glad you like it. Are you getting citizenship? :) |
An interesting read Bondi; as I seem to be emerging from my "blues" phase, its given me food for thought. At least we didn't have to live with the MIL:scared:
Hope it continues to go well for you:) |
Nice :) :) :) . Hope there are many years of hapiness ahead for you both.
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Re: 2 Years Today
Originally posted by janeyray :D Good on yeh, glad you like it. Are you getting citizenship? :) |
Re: 2 Years Today
Great post. It's very refreshing to read a post that says "it's not perfect but I like it". Recently there have been a lot of either "It's crap I hate it", or "Woohoo! I love it" type posts. A dose of realism is always good to read.
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Originally posted by Pollyana An interesting read Bondi; as I seem to be emerging from my "blues" phase, its given me food for thought. At least we didn't have to live with the MIL:scared: Hope it continues to go well for you:) Polly the only thing I can advise is trying to find your own activity to stop you going insane from SVU. I am an awful surfer but time spent out there helps clear the mind. Not sure what to suggest though. |
Re: 2 Years Today
Originally posted by Ceri 2 , 3 even 6 years on from leaving the UK .. I was still having an adventure.. . P.s I'm only in my early 30's .I left the Uk when I was young. 12 years on.. and just over 7 yrs in Aus I just don't see why people think things like Redcliffe and Manly, Brisbane are wonderful.. to me they are very mediocre, nothing to rave about, little shallow bays with houses piled up on the fronts .. a cafe socities .. if people find that wonderful, they obviously have not seen a lot of Britain let alone the world . To be honest , I find Aus totally boring, lacking in a lot of things. And I am a very outdoor type of person (I don't like shopping, I don't like crowds) .. most of my weekends are spent either walking/trekking or on the bay fishing in our boat, I'm also a member of a few conservation groups here. I find Australia so lacking. I have never felt so hemmed in, in my entire life. It's like living in a bubble and the rest of the world doesn't exist. just my personal view Good luck to you and your wife :), and maybe it does and will continue to suit you. Everybody is different, but I find Aus so lacking in real beauty , diversity and culture... I don't read tourist books.. I'ts just what I peronally find/feel. We may end up feeling that way but there is a hell of lot more of the world to experience so if that point comes there is always another opportunity somewhere else. It sounds like you have achieved a lot here and you maybe after your next challenge. Good luck with your plans. |
Re: 2 Years Today
Originally posted by Ceri I find Australia so lacking. I have never felt so hemmed in, in my entire life. It's like living in a bubble and the rest of the world doesn't exist. just my personal view It's sad to have to leave one's home to truly appreciate what it is you miss. In the 29 years I lived in Australia, I would've told people to find a different country to emigrate to as Australia is nothing special. But after living in the US for 6+ years, I can assure people it *is* special. |
heres's to the next 2 years.good post.
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Great post.
Congrats on your 2 years :) |
Youv'e barely got your feet wet bondi;)
jib |
Re: 2 Years Today
Originally posted by Ceri I just don't see why people think things like Redcliffe and Manly, Brisbane are wonderful.. . . Everybody is different, |
Re: 2 Years Today
hi bondi
I enjoyed reading your post! I know what you mean about making friendships. Being in England three years with Mr JP and really the only people you form relationships is with collegues and its not the same at all. I always thought people were a bit weary coz they knew u were leaving soon. You realise that the majority of close relationships are the ones you formed at school, uni, childhood etc... I guess those are the ones with "water under the bridge", and not all that easy to start again. :) JP |
Great post BP and congratulations on the 2 years ! Doing anything to celebrate ?
I think if I can write a similar post after 2 years in Sydney I'll be doing alright:) |
Re: 2 Years Today
Originally posted by jasper pentop hi bondi I enjoyed reading your post! I know what you mean about making friendships. Being in England three years with Mr JP and really the only people you form relationships is with collegues and its not the same at all. I always thought people were a bit weary coz they knew u were leaving soon. You realise that the majority of close relationships are the ones you formed at school, uni, childhood etc... I guess those are the ones with "water under the bridge", and not all that easy to start again. :) JP |
Good post BP - may you and Mrs BP continue to enjoy life in OZ:)
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Originally posted by sjn2003 Great post BP and congratulations on the 2 years ! Doing anything to celebrate ? I think if I can write a similar post after 2 years in Sydney I'll be doing alright:) When do you hit Sydney? |
Congrats BP!!
Nice post, I hope/think we will be in a similar situation in a while... My parents and brother are probably coming out again too. So for me, that'd be perfect, just hope Pascal can cope without his family... I can, if I've got my own one there with me..... Luckily he gets along great with my parents, maybe even better than his own... fingers crossed... |
Re: 2 Years Today
Originally posted by jasper pentop hi bondi I enjoyed reading your post! I know what you mean about making friendships. Being in England three years with Mr JP and really the only people you form relationships is with collegues and its not the same at all. I always thought people were a bit weary coz they knew u were leaving soon. You realise that the majority of close relationships are the ones you formed at school, uni, childhood etc... I guess those are the ones with "water under the bridge", and not all that easy to start again. :) JP We made friends in Singapore because we were all in the same boat-expats- but we were advised by a neighbour not to introduce ourselves with "we have a minimum 2 yr contract" because that would put people off making friends with you! how true that was- simply because people wanted a friendship that lasted it was exhasting making new friends then have them move on after a short time.. I lost many new friends after our first 2 yrs there when there was a downturn and they were moved on to a cheaper location . I hope both JP and BP you have made friends in uk & oz that will be lasting just as we have friends from Singapore who we'll always stay in touch with. where ever they happen to be in the world :) |
Typical of a BP post - balanced and thoughtful as ever. It's good to hear that you are still loving it out there - I get the itchy feet thing too, on a 3 year cycle, and I'm hoping to break that with the move to Oz.
Mr B and I lived with my parents for 3 months when we first came back to the UK (like you, made financial sense as we were very, very broke). Difference is, Mr B was taken in like one of the family and didn't want to leave he was loving it so much whereas I reverted to acting like a teenager! Sounds like Mrs BP is as lucky to have you as you feel you are to have her. Like the idea of getting married in the Botainic Gardens - one of my favourite spots in Sydney. And happy belated 30th by the way. I turned 27 on Thursday and the big 3-0 is now staring me firmly in the face:eek: |
Originally posted by bondipom Having a Sabbaba Falafel. Well worth it if you are in Bondi Beach. I'm sure I'll have a few at the weekend. When do you hit Sydney? What the hell's a Sabbaba Falafel ??? Hopefully in Sydney sometime in September - just in time for summer :cool: Got to sell the house yet though. |
Cheers Bundy.
MrsBP Stayed lived with me and my parents for a while as well. Your story sounds familiar. Hope you and Mr B work out where you are heading. Your recent experiences will hopefully stregthen what you have. You were born one day before Saddam Hussein.:scared: |
Originally posted by bondipom Cheers Bundy. MrsBP Stayed lived with me and my parents for a while as well. Your story sounds familiar. Hope you and Mr B work out where you are heading. Your recent experiences will hopefully stregthen what you have. You were born one day before Saddam Hussein.:scared: But many years later, I hope!!!!:scared: :scared: :scared: |
Re: 2 Years Today
Originally posted by bondipom 2 years on 2 years ago this morning I flew into Australia. I could do a Badge and say I had been here 3 years 3 months taking into account working holidays and other trips but that is a bit misleading. The first few months were at the start of winter and despite getting work quickly were a bit depressing. That’s what living with the mother in law can do. Mrs BP got work a couple of months later when we moved out to Bondi. Unlike most here I am not after the 5 bedroom house with mammoth garden and am more than happy living in a unit in a lively great to live in suburb. It was a bit small when I had 5 friends staying around when I got married but other than that the only extra space I have wanted is a bit of decking for a BBQ. Work made me permanent after a few months and I am still plodding away here. Something now has to give wither through a role change or promotion as I am now feeling stale. I get marginally more than what I was on in the UK but I get 20 days holiday here compared to the 25 days in the UK. I am also on a 40 hour week compared to a 35 hour week so per hour I am on less pay, The job itself has provided many new challenges which is more important. My commute is certainly worse with a 30 to 60 minute drive compared to 20 minutes walk and train in the UK. Infinately better though compared to my short period contracting and commuting to London. The lifestyle here is different, more relaxed and definitely more outdoors. Taking up surfing has been an amazing experience. Sitting out in the lineup waiting for a wave is a great place to clear ones mind of the days stress. The Mrs hasn’t minded the increase in fitness. I’ve found myself participating in the corporate triathlon and other bizarre bodily punishments that I would never have considered in the UK. There is plenty of brain food around but the NRL, Premiership and Olympic swimming team seem to interest more people. My main problem with the country is the blatant corruption of politics and media at almost every level. The UK is not immune to corruption but politics here is dirty and it does affect us all in many ways. It sometimes makes me angry and I feel frustrated so many accept the status quo. What I love here is the ability to eat out and eat good so much more often than in soggy vegetable Britain. The Ocean and blue skies do make me feel happy. I have never felt homesick although I would like to see friends and family far more than I do now. I can tell Mum misses me a lot as she seems to find a funny reason to call me every weekend. Gran misses me as well and out of all the grandchildren and children I seem to be the one she remembers in her slow forming dementia. That tugs at the heart. I have never lived anywhere more than 5 years at a time so I have never felt like somewhere is home. What is strange is that after 2 years I still don’t have itchy feet. That really is saying something for me. Given the right package I could happily live back in the UK but at the moment we have no intention of packing up. The highlight of the 2 years was getting married in the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney and having a wonderful reception with a small crowd of close friends and family. I am a lucky man to have Mrs BP. The only thing I think is missing here is having a few true friends rather than colleagues or acquaintances. They do not come quick so I am not too worried. Thanks for posting this - it was great to read an honest account. You do sound much older than 30! Make the most of it because time seems to be going quite fast past the 30 mark!! Your wedding sounded wonderful - that really is a beautiful place. Whatever you do in the future you will have some fantastic memories to take with you. We are much the same as you on the itchy feet front, having moved from somerset to Surrey then further to London, Bournemouth in 3 different places, back to Somerset in 3 different places and now Aus. It would be nice to make some roots but still haven't found what we are looking for - hope Aus is it!..still think we will end up in Sydney one way or another eventually but will give Perth a go first! Anyway happy anniversary! Max x |
Enjoyed reading this post, and everyone's comments on it.
What surprised me most was the number of people out there who, like me, seem to get itchy feet on a relatively regular 3 year cycle. I thought is was just me who gets this!! Have been in Brussels, Belgium for almost three years now, and have really hit a brick wall, despite having made a really great bunch of friends who I consider to be of the lifelong variety. Reading what others have said I realise that I am very lucky to have met so many great people post school/uni life. Like the post above on Singapore I figure its easier to make good friends in a city stuffed full of expats because everyone is in the same boat (it speaks volumes I suppose that I haven't made any real Belgian friends in the time I have been here!). Despite having found Brussels life infinitely more enjoyable than I could have imagined when I first came over for purely career reasons, I am desperate to secure my Oz visa now and start again downunder! Its weird how as soon as you get what you thought you wanted jobwise, lifestylewise etc, often you feel the almost instant urge to chuck it in and start over anew... does this start subsiding when you get a little older (I am only 25 at mo)??? |
A very nice post to read Bondi. May your life always be happy.
Whisky:) |
Great post Bondi. Honest and balanced personal view demonstrating both the good and bad about living in Oz. Nobody expects life to be perfik;)
Its refreshing to receive feedback on what's good and not so good about Oz. This is more palatable than constantly droning on about the dregs of living in Oz:p Droning on and on and on & constant negativity just creates repetative strain:rolleyes: Phoenixuk2oz |
Congrats Bondi, on the 2 yrs, the 30th and the post.
:) |
Re: 2 Years Today
Contender for post of the month award.....
good luck for the future.. |
hi bp
well done mate,hopefully in two years we can say the same mark |
Fab post BP :)
footie x |
Thanks for all your kind words. The post was about what really matters rather than the trivial day to day stuff I normally post about. I've put most of it in dribbles around the place but I thought the timing was about right for this.
BTW a Falafel is deep fried mushed chick peas and is normally eaten in a pitta bread. sabbaba Just happen to make one of the best ones ever. The Swarma and beef burger are also amazing. They are also known as kebabs. Heres to more on the price of lettuce. |
Re: 2 Years Today
Originally posted by bondipom Maybe I am mellowing with age. I did turn 30 last week. |
Re: 2 Years Today
bondipom - great post... realistic and honest.... what a change...
ceri - i feel exactly like you..... ive just come back from chapel st in melbourne - i cant wait to get back to the uk ... i now feel like im on another adventure... only 2 weeks to go.. but 1 week tomorrow i leave flat so lots of packing to do this weekend... i cant wait to leave - even though i was getting second thoughts and doubts and sad saying goodbye to friends i think i could honestly say that i could get on that plane tomorrow! when do you head back ceri? Originally posted by bondipom Ceri We may end up feeling that way but there is a hell of lot more of the world to experience so if that point comes there is always another opportunity somewhere else. It sounds like you have achieved a lot here and you maybe after your next challenge. Good luck with your plans. |
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