Re: Back in UK 9 months - random observations...
 

No it most certainly isnt the same for everyone, I do agree that many on here have no idea how the other half live in either country.

Re: Back in UK 9 months - random observations...
 

Grrr stupid public transport. For a peak day return into Zone 1 from where we are in Esher it is nearly £20!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Going off-peak is not always an option. I can't really compare like for like with Melbourne though as the trams although fab (and cheap!) are only serving a fraction of the commuters and travel much shorter distance.

Electronics - I reckon you're right and they are about the same. What I like about the UK is that you can buy online from places like Boots / Sainsburys/ Tesco and get reward points which can total up to quite a bit.

Dog poo - yep, there is deffo more here. And litter. I like that dogs can basically be off the lead everywhere here though. It's cool that cats aren't seen as creatures of satan either!

Another observation (not meant as a bad thing by the way, just an observation!) - there are a huge amount of Polish here, and Ukranians. Had a quote for some decoration last week - Polski Pete was half the cost of English Dave. They are like the Primark of the tradie world.

More observations - The 'buy one, get one free' offers aren't around as much as what they were. More like buy 2/get the 3rd free. The best deals are on things like handsoaps/shower gels and crisps/biscuits.

NHS - I recently had a baby and I thought it was fantastic. Couldn't fault it, including the follow-up care.

New kitchens/bathrooms - seem really expensive in Aus compared to UK.

I think a telling sign that things are tough - they now have security tags on expensive cuts of meat!!

Over and out for now x

Re: Back in UK 9 months - random observations...
 

what! security tags on meat!?!? thats too much.

Re: Back in UK 9 months - random observations...
 

I don't think you know what trolled means. When you move back to the UK will you stop posting in the Australian forums?

Re: Back in UK 9 months - random observations...
 

125 posts in 'Moving Back to the UK' - are you?

Re: Back in UK 9 months - random observations...
 

Yeah, that's very true. :)

I was on a crap wage there, and am on a crap wage here... I know where I am better off though. By better off I mean, have more spare cash, have happier kids and generally have a better standard of living.

But then again, I do come from Bradford... so maybe not so much of a challange...

I will be interested in your views a bit more about 12 months AFTER you have first hand experience of the UK though. ATM, you have as much credibility for me as the 'newbies' to Aus have...

Re: Back in UK 9 months - random observations...
 

I have lived North and South Wendy and my life was equally crap in both places. Putting aside issues with my daughter which could happen anywhere my life is infinitely better in Australia.

Re: Back in UK 9 months - random observations...
 

Never, it's a sh1t hole.

Re: Back in UK 9 months - random observations...
 

Is the London transport system very busy at Peak hours?? of course it bloody is, London is a mega city and The Tube is one of the most used public transport systems in the world.

I live in Melbourne inner suburbs, i have train and tram connections, whilst both are fine the only time i consider to use them is when going into the CBD, to travel around Melbourne on the public transport system would take an absolute age. The tube system in London is so vast and connectable and easy to use, trains often only minutes apart. Is the public transport system in London perfect? of course not but from my experience of travelling all over the world there are not many that are better. When i explain to Australian friends who have visited/lived in London that many Brits whinge constantly about the transport system in London they really cannot believe why.

Re: Back in UK 9 months - random observations...
 

And it looks so nice on "Coast" ;)

Re: Back in UK 9 months - random observations...
 

What's "Coast'?

Re: Back in UK 9 months - random observations...
 

I expect when most people living in London are commenting on the transport system, they are not commenting on it relative to other transportation systems. I can understand why somebody using it at weekends or outside peak hours would think it is great, but using it at peak hours and it is pretty hellish.

Re: Back in UK 9 months - random observations...
 

True, I love that show. Also Doc Martin, that lovely Cornish village.

But then I consider if you actually lived there the locals would hate you and call you an "emmet" and it would be cold and raining for 2/3rds of the year.

I reckon UK would be great if only a couple of million people lived there.

Re: Back in UK 9 months - random observations...
 

or if all the miserable twunts just left ;)

Re: Back in UK 9 months - random observations...
 

A great BBC series that explores the UK's coastline.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mvlc

I think it's being aired over here ATM too but if not it can be viewed on BBC's iPlayer