Down Under Program - comments
Nov 27th 2003 | 9:38 pm
#61
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 805
From: Melbourne
Re: It's being shown in Melbourne
Originally posted by koala_mac
*cringe*
i hope the viewing population in Oz don't take this family (specifically Xena) as representative of the majority who are moving over
*cringe*
i hope the viewing population in Oz don't take this family (specifically Xena) as representative of the majority who are moving over
Regards
Nov 27th 2003 | 9:40 pm
#62
She's a bird, you know
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,655
From: Yorkshire
Re: It's being shown in Melbourne
Originally posted by Larissa
I agree with a lot of what's been said, but feel they were right to come back. It wouldn't be much of a marriage if the hubby had stayed - at least they're still together. Yes, I thought she was a winger etc. and they should have given it longer.
Larissa
PS Nothing like a good old winge sometimes, as long as it stops!
If it had been me, I'd have cried my heart out on the sofa, eaten all the biscuits, then pulled meself together and gone down the gym etc. or started an evening course to make new friends. I don't think hubby would let me wallow in it that long either!
Strange about the CV though - I thought the interviewer was alright considering!
I agree with a lot of what's been said, but feel they were right to come back. It wouldn't be much of a marriage if the hubby had stayed - at least they're still together. Yes, I thought she was a winger etc. and they should have given it longer.
Larissa
PS Nothing like a good old winge sometimes, as long as it stops!
If it had been me, I'd have cried my heart out on the sofa, eaten all the biscuits, then pulled meself together and gone down the gym etc. or started an evening course to make new friends. I don't think hubby would let me wallow in it that long either!
Strange about the CV though - I thought the interviewer was alright considering!
I suppose the only hope is that they could always go back to Oz within 5 years, perhaps when the kids (mainly Wes) are older and more independent.
I agree with the whinge factor. Have a minor tantrum for a short space of time, get it out of the system and then move on!
Nov 27th 2003 | 9:42 pm
#63
Dugongidae Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 441
From: Wimbledon, England
Re: It's being shown in Melbourne
i thought it was a good show. it started off all australia marketing board material - sydney greatest city in the world, seafood so much fresher in oz, weather perfect etc.
but it went on to show what can happen when either one person railroads another into something they do not really want to do or as is often the case the reality turns out not to match the hype.
good on the tv producers for showing the good with the bad for once. it makes a refreshing change.
but it went on to show what can happen when either one person railroads another into something they do not really want to do or as is often the case the reality turns out not to match the hype.
good on the tv producers for showing the good with the bad for once. it makes a refreshing change.
Originally posted by koala_mac
*cringe*
i hope the viewing population in Oz don't take this family (specifically Xena) as representative of the majority who are moving over
hopefully some of the episodes coming up will be more positive, though the trailer for the next one on the Gold Coast didn't look too harmonious....
*cringe*
i hope the viewing population in Oz don't take this family (specifically Xena) as representative of the majority who are moving over
hopefully some of the episodes coming up will be more positive, though the trailer for the next one on the Gold Coast didn't look too harmonious....
Nov 27th 2003 | 9:48 pm
#64
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,017
From: Coogee, Sydney
Like everyone else, me and the missus sat there and after five minutes said that they would not stay.
It felt like we were constantly comparing our situation to theirs and saying with a knowing sigh..."wouldn't have done that....should have done that....why didn't she try that...throw the miserable cow in the sea !!!!!!!!.......
It will be interesting to see with the rest of the series whether it is as easy to predict whether the family stays and is happy, or returns within the first five minutes.
Don't you think that if they had spent some time on this forum they would have made a better fist of it over there?? At least she could have found some support.
It felt like we were constantly comparing our situation to theirs and saying with a knowing sigh..."wouldn't have done that....should have done that....why didn't she try that...throw the miserable cow in the sea !!!!!!!!.......
It will be interesting to see with the rest of the series whether it is as easy to predict whether the family stays and is happy, or returns within the first five minutes.
Don't you think that if they had spent some time on this forum they would have made a better fist of it over there?? At least she could have found some support.
Nov 27th 2003 | 10:01 pm
#65
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 7,949
From: Scotland
I agree with most of the comments posted already. It was a fascinating program but has anyone mentioned:
Do you think it was set up for TV? Stuff in storage, house minders, cameras at fiancee's house, Wesley back in 4 days, cameras waiting at Heathrow etc. Where does an 18 year old get a single air fare from (paid for by Ch 4?).
Some other quick impressions and memories - it was a waste of a visa, 4 months isn't enough, going back for Wes who will fly the nest anyway, what about hubby and daughter, wouldn't go in the bush (funnel webs everywhere), wouldn't go in the sea (sharks everywhere), scuba diving course for wife and daughter (£400 each for 4 days!), driving barefoot (illegal), she was the only one who was sick at the fab meal (less than £10 each), rent of the house was £160 per week, lady at the temp agency was a 'dragon' (cos she asked questions and the CV was out of date), hairdresser wouldn't just give me a job (wanted me to show my skills), daughter's school looked OK and she quickly made some nice friends and settled in well as did hubby, seemed to be loaded back in Essex (4WD, speedboat), Sydney looked exactly as I remembered it - wonderful, .....
But in my mind I keep coming back to this was 'good TV' - was it set up? The trailer for the Gold Coast program looks like there is going to be fireworks in the new family too.
Interesting to see the break-up of visas - 41% skilled, 26% family, 25% NZ etc and 8% humanitarian if I remember rightly.
I couldn't help thinking that Zena, Warrior Princess did a great PR job for the 'estuary blonde' and the 'whinging Pom' image (apologies to the majority of Poms and Essex girls who I know are not like this - no offence intended, just an observation)
OzTennis
Anyway, after this I sat up to watch the Davis Cup final. 1-1 at the end of the first day (Hewitt did well to beat Ferrero in 5 when he wasn't match tight and Moya played very well to beat Philippoussis). But would you believe at the opening ceremony they had a bugler (or trumpeter or whatever) and he played the wrong anthem for the Spanish team! The team and the supporters were understandably upset and the Spanish Sports Minister walked out. I haven't yet seen what anthem he played or how it happened - I just hope it wasn't an ETA tune or similar that someone gave to the bugler to learn. I remember when Australia played Israel at football and the nutter who was the President of the ASF put the German national anthem over the loudspeakers - national disgrace. Just about to scan the press reports for more details.
Do you think it was set up for TV? Stuff in storage, house minders, cameras at fiancee's house, Wesley back in 4 days, cameras waiting at Heathrow etc. Where does an 18 year old get a single air fare from (paid for by Ch 4?).
Some other quick impressions and memories - it was a waste of a visa, 4 months isn't enough, going back for Wes who will fly the nest anyway, what about hubby and daughter, wouldn't go in the bush (funnel webs everywhere), wouldn't go in the sea (sharks everywhere), scuba diving course for wife and daughter (£400 each for 4 days!), driving barefoot (illegal), she was the only one who was sick at the fab meal (less than £10 each), rent of the house was £160 per week, lady at the temp agency was a 'dragon' (cos she asked questions and the CV was out of date), hairdresser wouldn't just give me a job (wanted me to show my skills), daughter's school looked OK and she quickly made some nice friends and settled in well as did hubby, seemed to be loaded back in Essex (4WD, speedboat), Sydney looked exactly as I remembered it - wonderful, .....
But in my mind I keep coming back to this was 'good TV' - was it set up? The trailer for the Gold Coast program looks like there is going to be fireworks in the new family too.
Interesting to see the break-up of visas - 41% skilled, 26% family, 25% NZ etc and 8% humanitarian if I remember rightly.
I couldn't help thinking that Zena, Warrior Princess did a great PR job for the 'estuary blonde' and the 'whinging Pom' image (apologies to the majority of Poms and Essex girls who I know are not like this - no offence intended, just an observation)
OzTennis
Anyway, after this I sat up to watch the Davis Cup final. 1-1 at the end of the first day (Hewitt did well to beat Ferrero in 5 when he wasn't match tight and Moya played very well to beat Philippoussis). But would you believe at the opening ceremony they had a bugler (or trumpeter or whatever) and he played the wrong anthem for the Spanish team! The team and the supporters were understandably upset and the Spanish Sports Minister walked out. I haven't yet seen what anthem he played or how it happened - I just hope it wasn't an ETA tune or similar that someone gave to the bugler to learn. I remember when Australia played Israel at football and the nutter who was the President of the ASF put the German national anthem over the loudspeakers - national disgrace. Just about to scan the press reports for more details.
Nov 27th 2003 | 10:05 pm
#66
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,927
From: Sussex
Only caught the last 30min or so as it clashed with another recording. Had no idea they had left stuff back here, felt bad for hubby and daughter as they looked as if they loved it. As for the son of the woman he looked like the cat that got the cream.
Looking forward to next weeks episode.
footie chick
Looking forward to next weeks episode.
footie chick
Nov 27th 2003 | 10:06 pm
#67
Guest
Posts: n/a
On second viewing
Anyone watched it again? I just did.
It's like she had no intention from the start.
ON first viewing, I was quite sympathetic - went in with open eyes. On second viewing, she really was a whinging Pom and that was apparent right from the start. I suspect it's not just Australia - some people are just not equipped for life, are they? If we lived by natural selection, she would sink.
you go into a salon, and they ask you if you can do 'funny' hours, the FIRST thing you do is say "Yes", if you really CAN'T then you positively politely negotiate, give reasons - but you don't knock someone back the second you meet them, with a "not really, don't know" attitude, do you? How NOT to get a job.
Then she had the arrogance to say "how hard is bar work?". Bloody hard at times, I would say.
You know something, I go in to shopping centres in London, and judging by the conversations around me, 50pc of the people in this country appear to be monotone souless whingers like her. No wonder we are acused of being whinging poms. The mind boggles.
I watched the programme with Mrs B, and she has never been to Australia, but loved the way the programme showed the activities, the homes, and the weather. She was agast at the woman in seconds, and was speechless. I said to her "thank god you're not like her".
If I was like her, I'd never get out of bed.
lol
Badge
My mantra "BE POSITIVE BE HAPPY SMILE TAKE EVERY CHANCE AND THE WHOLE WORLD OPENS UP AROUND YOU"
It's like she had no intention from the start.
ON first viewing, I was quite sympathetic - went in with open eyes. On second viewing, she really was a whinging Pom and that was apparent right from the start. I suspect it's not just Australia - some people are just not equipped for life, are they? If we lived by natural selection, she would sink.
you go into a salon, and they ask you if you can do 'funny' hours, the FIRST thing you do is say "Yes", if you really CAN'T then you positively politely negotiate, give reasons - but you don't knock someone back the second you meet them, with a "not really, don't know" attitude, do you? How NOT to get a job.
Then she had the arrogance to say "how hard is bar work?". Bloody hard at times, I would say.
You know something, I go in to shopping centres in London, and judging by the conversations around me, 50pc of the people in this country appear to be monotone souless whingers like her. No wonder we are acused of being whinging poms. The mind boggles.
I watched the programme with Mrs B, and she has never been to Australia, but loved the way the programme showed the activities, the homes, and the weather. She was agast at the woman in seconds, and was speechless. I said to her "thank god you're not like her".
If I was like her, I'd never get out of bed.
lol
Badge
My mantra "BE POSITIVE BE HAPPY SMILE TAKE EVERY CHANCE AND THE WHOLE WORLD OPENS UP AROUND YOU"
Nov 27th 2003 | 10:20 pm
#68
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 78
From: Brisbane
Great programme and very interesting. However, in response to the idea of it being a setup i would like to say that i dont think so. This is purely becos my boyf knows a friend of a friend of a friend (he doesnt really know him in person then!!) who was actually approached by channel 4 before he emigrated to Aussie last year. However, interestingly enough on further research Channel 4 turned him down to be in the show cos he had too much money behind him as well as the intention of definitely staying from the start - no doubts etc!! - obviously they were wanting to aim more for families/couples who were going to struggle more and perhaps come back. Looks like they obviously got what they wanted from last night's family then....i just hope next weeks is more positive as that will be the last one we see before leaving on the 9th!! I do agree with all the comments re the wife last nite tho' - she hardly helped herself did she sitting around feeling sorry for herself stuck in the house. I too cringed a lot when she was in the back of the taxi saying how the roads were so busy and it 'is just this country'!!! U could almost see what was going through the taxi drivers mind and let's face it who could blame him!!
Nov 27th 2003 | 10:27 pm
#69
Guest
Posts: n/a
lol
He was probably thinking "Whinging Pommie. I bet she does't 'tub' either.
Badge
He was probably thinking "Whinging Pommie. I bet she does't 'tub' either.
Badge
Nov 27th 2003 | 10:29 pm
#70
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 7,949
From: Scotland
Originally posted by Jo Cousins
Great programme and very interesting. However, in response to the idea of it being a setup i would like to say that i dont think so. This is purely becos my boyf knows a friend of a friend of a friend (he doesnt really know him in person then!!) who was actually approached by channel 4 before he emigrated to Aussie last year. However, interestingly enough on further research Channel 4 turned him down to be in the show cos he had too much money behind him as well as the intention of definitely staying from the start - no doubts etc!! - obviously they were wanting to aim more for families/couples who were going to struggle more and perhaps come back. Looks like they obviously got what they wanted from last night's family then....i just hope next weeks is more positive as that will be the last one we see before leaving on the 9th!! I do agree with all the comments re the wife last nite tho' - she hardly helped herself did she sitting around feeling sorry for herself stuck in the house. I too cringed a lot when she was in the back of the taxi saying how the roads were so busy and it 'is just this country'!!! U could almost see what was going through the taxi drivers mind and let's face it who could blame him!!
Great programme and very interesting. However, in response to the idea of it being a setup i would like to say that i dont think so. This is purely becos my boyf knows a friend of a friend of a friend (he doesnt really know him in person then!!) who was actually approached by channel 4 before he emigrated to Aussie last year. However, interestingly enough on further research Channel 4 turned him down to be in the show cos he had too much money behind him as well as the intention of definitely staying from the start - no doubts etc!! - obviously they were wanting to aim more for families/couples who were going to struggle more and perhaps come back. Looks like they obviously got what they wanted from last night's family then....i just hope next weeks is more positive as that will be the last one we see before leaving on the 9th!! I do agree with all the comments re the wife last nite tho' - she hardly helped herself did she sitting around feeling sorry for herself stuck in the house. I too cringed a lot when she was in the back of the taxi saying how the roads were so busy and it 'is just this country'!!! U could almost see what was going through the taxi drivers mind and let's face it who could blame him!!
Best of luck for your move Jo.
OzTennis
Nov 27th 2003 | 10:35 pm
#71
She's a bird, you know
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,655
From: Yorkshire
Originally posted by OzTennis
Yeah, that in a way confirms my thought about the program makers - here's a family that won't make it, let's feature them. Give Wes his airfare back - makes for good TV.
Best of luck for your move Jo.
OzTennis
Yeah, that in a way confirms my thought about the program makers - here's a family that won't make it, let's feature them. Give Wes his airfare back - makes for good TV.
Best of luck for your move Jo.
OzTennis
Nov 27th 2003 | 10:36 pm
#72
She's a bird, you know
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,655
From: Yorkshire
Originally posted by OzTennis
Anyway, after this I sat up to watch the Davis Cup final. 1-1 at the end of the first day (Hewitt did well to beat Ferrero in 5 when he wasn't match tight and Moya played very well to beat Philippoussis). But would you believe at the opening ceremony they had a bugler (or trumpeter or whatever) and he played the wrong anthem for the Spanish team! The team and the supporters were understandably upset and the Spanish Sports Minister walked out. I haven't yet seen what anthem he played or how it happened - I just hope it wasn't an ETA tune or similar that someone gave to the bugler to learn. I remember when Australia played Israel at football and the nutter who was the President of the ASF put the German national anthem over the loudspeakers - national disgrace. Just about to scan the press reports for more details.
Anyway, after this I sat up to watch the Davis Cup final. 1-1 at the end of the first day (Hewitt did well to beat Ferrero in 5 when he wasn't match tight and Moya played very well to beat Philippoussis). But would you believe at the opening ceremony they had a bugler (or trumpeter or whatever) and he played the wrong anthem for the Spanish team! The team and the supporters were understandably upset and the Spanish Sports Minister walked out. I haven't yet seen what anthem he played or how it happened - I just hope it wasn't an ETA tune or similar that someone gave to the bugler to learn. I remember when Australia played Israel at football and the nutter who was the President of the ASF put the German national anthem over the loudspeakers - national disgrace. Just about to scan the press reports for more details.
Nov 27th 2003 | 10:40 pm
#73
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally posted by bundy
Reminds me of the bit in The Dish where the band plays Hawaii Five-0 for the American national anthem....
Reminds me of the bit in The Dish where the band plays Hawaii Five-0 for the American national anthem....
That young fella at the end - was that Wes - he looked blonder and he referenced Steve as "Steve".
Was that Wes's mate?
badge
(goes back for video)
Nov 27th 2003 | 10:40 pm
#74
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 214
From: Helensvale, Gold Coast
I agree with most of the posts,
Where the heck did they do the dive course? £400 each!!
We did a live aboard dive course 2 days pool and theory onshore, then 2 nights 3 days at sea on the outer reef. 9 dives in total, it was excellant. We payed £120 each in year 2000 in Townsville. It even included 2 nights hostel accomadation whilst doing theory and pool and all food and non alcholic drinks on board and all equipment!
Surely prices haven't changed that much!
Anyway she had no intentions of staying! Poor hubby and daughter! Couldn't Son's fiancee have got a working holiday visa!!
They just didn't give it a chance.
How embaracing that interview she did for office work!! I was cringing, she just didn't want that job, she's an embaracement for us POMs that really want to give it a good go! "Whinging POM"
Sorry I'll stop going on!!
Marie
Where the heck did they do the dive course? £400 each!!
We did a live aboard dive course 2 days pool and theory onshore, then 2 nights 3 days at sea on the outer reef. 9 dives in total, it was excellant. We payed £120 each in year 2000 in Townsville. It even included 2 nights hostel accomadation whilst doing theory and pool and all food and non alcholic drinks on board and all equipment!
Surely prices haven't changed that much!
Anyway she had no intentions of staying! Poor hubby and daughter! Couldn't Son's fiancee have got a working holiday visa!!
They just didn't give it a chance.
How embaracing that interview she did for office work!! I was cringing, she just didn't want that job, she's an embaracement for us POMs that really want to give it a good go! "Whinging POM"
Sorry I'll stop going on!!
Marie
Nov 27th 2003 | 10:45 pm
#75
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 7,949
From: Scotland
Originally posted by badgersmount
SNAP!!! I was going to say the same...
That young fella at the end - was that Wes - he looked blonder and he referenced Steve as "Steve".
Was that Wes's mate?
badge
(goes back for video)
SNAP!!! I was going to say the same...
That young fella at the end - was that Wes - he looked blonder and he referenced Steve as "Steve".
Was that Wes's mate?
badge
(goes back for video)
OzTennis
