2 Years Today
May 4th 2004, 11:57 pm
#1
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,149
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.
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.
Last edited by bondipom; May 5th 2004 at 12:25 am.
May 5th 2004, 12:06 am
#2
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2003
Location: GC
Posts: 3,353
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.
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.
May 5th 2004, 12:17 am
#3
da Bonehead
Joined: Jan 2004
Location: Lion in da jungle
Posts: 22,767
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.
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.
May 5th 2004, 12:22 am
#4
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,149
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.
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.
May 5th 2004, 12:39 am
#5
(It's not my real name)
Joined: Sep 2002
Location: Ilukapool. WA
Posts: 12,467
Re: 2 Years Today
Originally posted by bondipom
Maybe I am mellowing with age. I did turn 30 last week.
Maybe I am mellowing with age. I did turn 30 last week.
Good post BP.
May 5th 2004, 4:21 am
#6
Y Ddraig Goch
Joined: Aug 2002
Location: Body is in Brissie. Heart and soul has long flown home.
Posts: 3,722
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 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.
May 5th 2004, 4:31 am
#7
home again, home again
Joined: Apr 2003
Location: Notts to Perth, Perth to Notts
Posts: 1,748
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.
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?
May 5th 2004, 4:37 am
#8
Home and Happy
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Keep true friends and puppets close, trust no-one else...
Posts: 93,814
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
Hope it continues to go well for you
May 5th 2004, 5:27 am
#9
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2003
Location: Perth, Jnr is back!
Posts: 1,286
Nice . Hope there are many years of hapiness ahead for you both.
. Hope there are many years of hapiness ahead for you both.
May 5th 2004, 5:28 am
#10
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,149
Re: 2 Years Today
Originally posted by janeyray
Good on yeh, glad you like it. Are you getting citizenship?
Good on yeh, glad you like it. Are you getting citizenship?
May 5th 2004, 5:42 am
#11
What's happening dudes?
Joined: Mar 2004
Location: Bayside Brisbane
Posts: 20,647
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.
May 5th 2004, 5:44 am
#12
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,149
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
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.
May 5th 2004, 5:51 am
#13
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,149
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.
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.
May 5th 2004, 6:12 am
#14
o_0
Joined: Apr 2004
Location: Northern Rivers
Posts: 1,642
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
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.
May 5th 2004, 7:29 am
#15
small steps long journey
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: A river somewhere
Posts: 3,451
heres's to the next 2 years.good post.