we're the same 2 years and we felt at home. i remember when we were applying and everyone said "stick it our for 2 years to get your citizenship then do what you want"
it really does take the full 2 years for the initial turmoil to subside and your new life to take off.

if you're lucky you'll get a few family visitors, and when they are here we've found the time with them is so much better than when in the uk..having said that after a few weeks it gets to be hardwork

Its hardest thing to do, i remember it well.
Nearly 2 years on, you still cry, especially at times when its family get togethers, its my B day tomorrow and the cards have come today, with the versus that have made me cry all morning.
But I will get over it until the mext time.
Chin up
Denise x

So sorry to hear how badly your family are treating you all, as long as you know that you have done the right thing, then thats all that matters. The day will come when your family will realise this and regret what they have put you through. My family are all for us moving (no they dont want to get rid of us) they can see the benefits. We have only two members of our family who would be totally against our move, so we have sworn everyone else to secrecy and not to mention our intended plans. The first they will know about our move is going to be when they recieve an invite to our leaving party which we no for sure they wont turn up to. We just couldn't be bothered having to go through the whole process of having to explain ourselves and reasons why we are going to them. You will find that the reason family dont want you to go is down to real selfishness on their behalf. Dont worry to much over it, enjoy your new life, and good luck to you all.
Love Sam xxx.

something we have done that has really helped both sides is to buy a video camera, and set up a webpage with a blog/diary and post pictures and videos of ourselves and our 9 month old son.

our parents have only visited us once since we moved to Asia 4 years ago, and this diary/blog has made them really happy

we bought our own website domain and pay 7$/month for hosting fees, and quite frankly it is worth every penny/cent. because we are quite private people we found that with your own domain you can password protect pages from casual viewers and so we felt fine putting up videos of us and our son on the internet.

I'd really recommend it.

If you need anything, a friendly face to meet up at the airport, just give me a shout as I only work up the road to Brisbane International.

Rich

You poor thing. I hope it gets easier for you and that you have a great new life.

I am dreading the goodbyes when the time comes.

Me too. But hearing that other peeps have gone through it & it all worked out ok helps.

What a kind offer Rich!

Hope i get that sort of welcome at Perth Airport too Rich

Happy Birthday for tomorrow denise......may your tears be short lived and you enjoy your special day

Good to know I'm not alone. Had leaving party last Friday and last day of work today. Have cried laods. Didn't think it would hit me that hard either as family live quite far away and don't catch up with them all that often. Hope it's all worth it. Leave on Monday for Perth. Am lucky as friends are meeting us at the airport when we arrive so that should make it easier. Will be glad to get on that flight just so that I don't have to do any more farewells. Karma on it's way to you!!!!!!!

Of course you would, it's just a bit too far from Brisbane.

Hope it gets easier for you. Enjoy your new life in Oz.

Wow, looks like a blue print of what we are about to do. We are having a family party this weekend to say goodbye to parents and friends then fly out to Spain to say goodbye to my sisters then fly back into London to leave two days later for Aus. It had not even crossed my mind how emotionally difficult this could all be as everything has been so hectic. Thanks for the warning im sure its going to help.

We have been here 18 months now and not once have either my wife or I had any homesickness at all. From the moment we landed in Melbourne we have felt at home and fitted in with the Australian lifestyle and outdoor living. However we did come here with a positive attitude and have never looked back.
Regards to you all as I appreciate it will be hard for some.
Roger