Some realities of Perth.
Apr 18th 2007, 4:57 am
#106
Proudly Deplorable
Joined: May 2003
Location: Alloha snack bar
Posts: 24,246
Apr 18th 2007, 5:22 am
#107
happy to be here!
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: Ellenbrook, WA
Posts: 2,732
Apr 18th 2007, 9:24 am
#108
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2005
Location: Back in Glasgow
Posts: 117
Re: Some realities of Perth.
Quality post Evelin. Everything you say is spot on.
I do agree with your comments and your entry post. I'm living in Perth for 11 years. I'm from a European country and from were I lived there, I easily could travel by car to many neighbouring countries within 1-3 hours.
Before I moved to Perth, I had visited Perth several times since 1980 but never thought of moving to Perth because I would not qualify for a permanent visa (got married to an Aussie). The reason I came to visit Perth were my friends who I knew from the time when I lived in Singapore. After I migrated, I realised that these visits were very one-sided - I knew just the view of these people and their friends and relatives. They have different interests than me, different experiences and expectations. Allthough, in mid 90 the internet was not, what it is today.
Not in my wildest dreams could I have imagined in 1997 that in 2007 i will drive past 'seas of rooftops', whereever I go, houses, houses and houses with no trees in between or on the road side. And there is no end to it.
No matter were one comes from, the moment we hopp of the plane, our brain still ticks in the way we are used to for a very long time. In our home country we attach value to other things as they do here.
I do understand when you mentioned the 'no shoe' mentality. I disliked it too but not because of the appearance as such. What caused me eyebrows raising was and is the fact that people walk barefooted in the petrol station. With their filthy feet they hopp in the car (remember a car in Europe has a higher personal value than here) and then they go home and hopp with their petrol feet on the couch. But I guess the 'no shoe' issue was raised as an example of 'non-dressing up culture' in Perth in general.
I understand what you mean with no culture. Perth has no vibe, it has no distinctive flair, it doesn't even have a proper opera house or philharmony and any sort of it. In fact, besides the beautiful bell tower (architecture), Perth has failed to built any outstanding architecture at all. Perth has no icon(s) as many larger cities have (example Valencia, same size, http://www.cac.es/). We have no distinct cultural presinct such as a Chinatown or a farmers market as they have in Adelaide for instance or along the east coast.
For the staggering tax money the state government recieves now for years because of mining and the populations constant move from one house to the next one (stamp duty), I would expect something outstanding to happen to attract visitors for instance. A few years ago they built that horrible shoe sole convention centre at the river but with only one window to the river. Unbelievable ugly and stupidly biult at a prime location. Now the WACA will be dimolished, guess what they built there - highrise apartment buildings. That's what it is all about in the Perth, housing, hosuing, housing. All major events have moved east (except for the Hopman Cup) and the convention centre is not making money at all.
Take the casino. If somebody is interested in this sort of entertainment will be very disappointed when compared to other casinos eg Crown in Melbourne. Now they want to extend it. Well, the Asian gamblers will increasing play in Macau. Why? The wow factor. "Slot machines are no longer a novelty, and blackjack isn’t a novelty anymore. People aren’t going to fly 2,000 miles just to play nickel slots. What they will do though is they will fly 2,000 miles to have a great experience”. Do they get is Perth? NOOOO.
Margaret River. yep, that's the max what you get within a day. It takes me 10 min too to walk the main road up and down, and besides the information centre there is nothing else that catches my eye. Yep, there are wineries, a really nice new one on cave road, absolutely beautiful. But, at the end of the day, you just can drive from one winery to the next one. And then what? Ocean and beach we have in Perth too. How many times do I want to do that in a year? To cut it short: there is not much for day trips.
So, you are stuck with the beach, boating, BBQs, footy. Of course I can do other things such a cycling, knitting etc. But beach, boating and BBQs is not really a lot to justify a move from Europe.
And then after a few years you realise that you can't simply fly to Greece, New York or Marocco like all your relies and friends do back home. Even if you could afford it, sitting in the plane everytime for 20+ hours is not really the thing you want to do 3 times a year (remember in mainland Europe they have 6weeks hols, here only 4). The nearest you get here is Bali, not everybodies dream place for a hol, after all we got better beaches than they have (ok the water is warmer over there).
You commented on the few taxis that frequent Northbridge. It is not that there are not enough taxis but many taxi drivers refuse to take passengers at night from Northbridge. The driver and car get attacked and some passengers don't pay. On top of it, Aussies drink heavily and throw up in the taxi.
But, you have over 300 days of the year sunshine and that's it that makes the big difference to Europe. It's a nice feeling - blue skies and sun.
Before I moved to Perth, I had visited Perth several times since 1980 but never thought of moving to Perth because I would not qualify for a permanent visa (got married to an Aussie). The reason I came to visit Perth were my friends who I knew from the time when I lived in Singapore. After I migrated, I realised that these visits were very one-sided - I knew just the view of these people and their friends and relatives. They have different interests than me, different experiences and expectations. Allthough, in mid 90 the internet was not, what it is today.
Not in my wildest dreams could I have imagined in 1997 that in 2007 i will drive past 'seas of rooftops', whereever I go, houses, houses and houses with no trees in between or on the road side. And there is no end to it.
No matter were one comes from, the moment we hopp of the plane, our brain still ticks in the way we are used to for a very long time. In our home country we attach value to other things as they do here.
I do understand when you mentioned the 'no shoe' mentality. I disliked it too but not because of the appearance as such. What caused me eyebrows raising was and is the fact that people walk barefooted in the petrol station. With their filthy feet they hopp in the car (remember a car in Europe has a higher personal value than here) and then they go home and hopp with their petrol feet on the couch. But I guess the 'no shoe' issue was raised as an example of 'non-dressing up culture' in Perth in general.
I understand what you mean with no culture. Perth has no vibe, it has no distinctive flair, it doesn't even have a proper opera house or philharmony and any sort of it. In fact, besides the beautiful bell tower (architecture), Perth has failed to built any outstanding architecture at all. Perth has no icon(s) as many larger cities have (example Valencia, same size, http://www.cac.es/). We have no distinct cultural presinct such as a Chinatown or a farmers market as they have in Adelaide for instance or along the east coast.
For the staggering tax money the state government recieves now for years because of mining and the populations constant move from one house to the next one (stamp duty), I would expect something outstanding to happen to attract visitors for instance. A few years ago they built that horrible shoe sole convention centre at the river but with only one window to the river. Unbelievable ugly and stupidly biult at a prime location. Now the WACA will be dimolished, guess what they built there - highrise apartment buildings. That's what it is all about in the Perth, housing, hosuing, housing. All major events have moved east (except for the Hopman Cup) and the convention centre is not making money at all.
Take the casino. If somebody is interested in this sort of entertainment will be very disappointed when compared to other casinos eg Crown in Melbourne. Now they want to extend it. Well, the Asian gamblers will increasing play in Macau. Why? The wow factor. "Slot machines are no longer a novelty, and blackjack isn’t a novelty anymore. People aren’t going to fly 2,000 miles just to play nickel slots. What they will do though is they will fly 2,000 miles to have a great experience”. Do they get is Perth? NOOOO.
Margaret River. yep, that's the max what you get within a day. It takes me 10 min too to walk the main road up and down, and besides the information centre there is nothing else that catches my eye. Yep, there are wineries, a really nice new one on cave road, absolutely beautiful. But, at the end of the day, you just can drive from one winery to the next one. And then what? Ocean and beach we have in Perth too. How many times do I want to do that in a year? To cut it short: there is not much for day trips.
So, you are stuck with the beach, boating, BBQs, footy. Of course I can do other things such a cycling, knitting etc. But beach, boating and BBQs is not really a lot to justify a move from Europe.
And then after a few years you realise that you can't simply fly to Greece, New York or Marocco like all your relies and friends do back home. Even if you could afford it, sitting in the plane everytime for 20+ hours is not really the thing you want to do 3 times a year (remember in mainland Europe they have 6weeks hols, here only 4). The nearest you get here is Bali, not everybodies dream place for a hol, after all we got better beaches than they have (ok the water is warmer over there).
You commented on the few taxis that frequent Northbridge. It is not that there are not enough taxis but many taxi drivers refuse to take passengers at night from Northbridge. The driver and car get attacked and some passengers don't pay. On top of it, Aussies drink heavily and throw up in the taxi.
But, you have over 300 days of the year sunshine and that's it that makes the big difference to Europe. It's a nice feeling - blue skies and sun.
Apr 18th 2007, 9:48 am
#109
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2005
Location: Back in Glasgow
Posts: 117
Re: Some realities of Perth.
Why is Perth the only capital city in Australia not to have shopping malls open on Sunday ? It seems good enough for Sydney and Melbourne which are constantly voted great cities of the world. Come on Perth, drag yourself into the modern world.
Africa is a third world country with loads of poverty so many people can't afford shoes. People have no excuse here, just get your trainers on.
Here in Australia we earn dollars, stop converting. Dollars dont go as far here.
If my original post helps anyone who is doing any kind of research into Perth then it has been well worth it.
Sunshine and beaches aint everything. I have found this out the hard way. However i see it as a lesson in life and it has made me appreciate what great countries make up the UK. I will return to Scotland happier than ever.
Africa is a third world country with loads of poverty so many people can't afford shoes. People have no excuse here, just get your trainers on.
Here in Australia we earn dollars, stop converting. Dollars dont go as far here.
If my original post helps anyone who is doing any kind of research into Perth then it has been well worth it.
Sunshine and beaches aint everything. I have found this out the hard way. However i see it as a lesson in life and it has made me appreciate what great countries make up the UK. I will return to Scotland happier than ever.
Shops closed on Sundays is indeed a harsh reality of life.
Do you find people in African countries walking without shoes disgusting?
Another harsh reality of life in Australia - I'll give you that.
£125 is cheap. Perth to Sydney is a greater distance than London to Moscow and not much less than London to Nova Scotia Canada, a return flight to which costs around £700.
Do you find people in African countries walking without shoes disgusting?
Another harsh reality of life in Australia - I'll give you that.
£125 is cheap. Perth to Sydney is a greater distance than London to Moscow and not much less than London to Nova Scotia Canada, a return flight to which costs around £700.
Apr 18th 2007, 9:53 am
#110
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 65
Re: Some realities of Perth.
Because, the people voted for it at the referendum. If people wanted the shopping malls to be opened on Sundays, they would have voted for it...
Apr 18th 2007, 10:01 am
#111
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2005
Location: Back in Glasgow
Posts: 117
Re: Some realities of Perth.
Again, well said
Hi,
We totally agree with you, not too bothered about the barefoot thing, just think it's a bit weird. The taxi thing is a nightmare, I know some have said they got taxis easily, but every time I've tried to get one it's been terrible. Waited at Hillarys after having a meal in Portafinos for over an hour, phoned taxi a number of times but still didn't arrive. We also ordered one in Greenwood from my niece's school after a mother's night. It was about midnight and we (3 women) phoned about 6 times and waited for 2 hrs. Ended up walking home to my sister in laws and then her husband phoned a taxi and they came immediately! They only come if you phone from a residential address. The cost of living is high when you are earning dollars. Drink driving - there is a certain pub, not naming it but it's in Woodvale and I would think that 90% of the people in there drink drive. You wouldn't get that at home, but then the pubs are nearer and there are always taxis available.
We too did lots of research before moving here, we also came over for a month and thought we knew what we were getting into. The reality is that until you've lived here for a while (2 yrs in our case) you won't know if it suits you or not. It seems on the surface, not all that different from the UK similar with sun, well it does when you're on holiday. The beaches are gorgeous, loads of parks blah blah. But when you have been here a while you realise that that's all there is. Once you've been to the parks/beaches/barbies a few times you suddenly see that there's not much else to do here and if those aren't things you want to do every weekend forever, then don't bother coming here. We are going home in 3 weeks and I can't wait to feel alive again. My OH says this place is like stew, all these people from different places are just chucked in and mixed round and left to get on with it - trouble is, it just doesn't work. It's a bland, fake place. Some may like it, but we need to live in a place with a bit more substance.
Jo
We totally agree with you, not too bothered about the barefoot thing, just think it's a bit weird. The taxi thing is a nightmare, I know some have said they got taxis easily, but every time I've tried to get one it's been terrible. Waited at Hillarys after having a meal in Portafinos for over an hour, phoned taxi a number of times but still didn't arrive. We also ordered one in Greenwood from my niece's school after a mother's night. It was about midnight and we (3 women) phoned about 6 times and waited for 2 hrs. Ended up walking home to my sister in laws and then her husband phoned a taxi and they came immediately! They only come if you phone from a residential address. The cost of living is high when you are earning dollars. Drink driving - there is a certain pub, not naming it but it's in Woodvale and I would think that 90% of the people in there drink drive. You wouldn't get that at home, but then the pubs are nearer and there are always taxis available.
We too did lots of research before moving here, we also came over for a month and thought we knew what we were getting into. The reality is that until you've lived here for a while (2 yrs in our case) you won't know if it suits you or not. It seems on the surface, not all that different from the UK similar with sun, well it does when you're on holiday. The beaches are gorgeous, loads of parks blah blah. But when you have been here a while you realise that that's all there is. Once you've been to the parks/beaches/barbies a few times you suddenly see that there's not much else to do here and if those aren't things you want to do every weekend forever, then don't bother coming here. We are going home in 3 weeks and I can't wait to feel alive again. My OH says this place is like stew, all these people from different places are just chucked in and mixed round and left to get on with it - trouble is, it just doesn't work. It's a bland, fake place. Some may like it, but we need to live in a place with a bit more substance.
Jo
Apr 18th 2007, 10:07 am
#112
Account Open
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 4,298
Re: Some realities of Perth.
Perhaps you should really be saying that Perth is not for everyone.
Australia is a very varied country, from what I've seen. Lifestyles differ significantly between towns, cities and states. If a person moves to Perth and is missing the busy lifestyle with all the entertainment options, that person might be very happy in Sydney or Melbourne.
cheers
Mark
Australia is a very varied country, from what I've seen. Lifestyles differ significantly between towns, cities and states. If a person moves to Perth and is missing the busy lifestyle with all the entertainment options, that person might be very happy in Sydney or Melbourne.
cheers
Mark
Apr 18th 2007, 12:31 pm
#114
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 484
Re: Some realities of Perth.
Why is Perth the only capital city in Australia not to have shopping malls open on Sunday ? It seems good enough for Sydney and Melbourne which are constantly voted great cities of the world. Come on Perth, drag yourself into the modern world.
Africa is a third world country with loads of poverty so many people can't afford shoes. People have no excuse here, just get your trainers on.
Here in Australia we earn dollars, stop converting. Dollars dont go as far here.
If my original post helps anyone who is doing any kind of research into Perth then it has been well worth it.
Sunshine and beaches aint everything. I have found this out the hard way. However i see it as a lesson in life and it has made me appreciate what great countries make up the UK. I will return to Scotland happier than ever.
Africa is a third world country with loads of poverty so many people can't afford shoes. People have no excuse here, just get your trainers on.
Here in Australia we earn dollars, stop converting. Dollars dont go as far here.
If my original post helps anyone who is doing any kind of research into Perth then it has been well worth it.
Sunshine and beaches aint everything. I have found this out the hard way. However i see it as a lesson in life and it has made me appreciate what great countries make up the UK. I will return to Scotland happier than ever.
Come on get real, late night shopping in the 'Burbs on thursday not good enough, how about Friday in Perth City, Oh not to mention that nearly half the stores are open in the city and Os Park on Sunday.
If you want weekend shopping where all you do is disagree with each other, get foxtel and turn on the shopping channels, buy a tread mill to get the authentic feel plug in a white noise or Muzak tape and go for your life......
Ivan
Apr 18th 2007, 3:28 pm
#115
Banned
Joined: Jul 2006
Location: here there,fluck knows where?
Posts: 7,444
Re: Some realities of Perth.
Why is it when somone posts negative, someone replys with a pathetic comment like this?
Whether you agree or disagree with the OP at least let them have a rant. Oz is an eye opener in many ways and its not for everyone. First time around I too would whinge and moan about everything. When you are down the smallest of things seem huge.
This is my second time around and this time I am really loving it. I except all the bad along with the good. Funny but when you first get here no shoes is a strange thing to see. We lived in Sydney for 6 years and the driving there was appalling and frustrating, it is the same in Brisbane. But I have three young children and for me we enjoy it here.
I like to see good and negative posts, keeps an even balance to the whole Oz thing.
Jayne
Whether you agree or disagree with the OP at least let them have a rant. Oz is an eye opener in many ways and its not for everyone. First time around I too would whinge and moan about everything. When you are down the smallest of things seem huge.
This is my second time around and this time I am really loving it. I except all the bad along with the good. Funny but when you first get here no shoes is a strange thing to see. We lived in Sydney for 6 years and the driving there was appalling and frustrating, it is the same in Brisbane. But I have three young children and for me we enjoy it here.
I like to see good and negative posts, keeps an even balance to the whole Oz thing.
Jayne
excuse me for my pathetic comment,why dont you read the title of this thread...i am not the only one who is sick of people banging on about how crap perth is...and why,because of bare feet and sunday shopping...do me a favour...
you dont move to someones town and moan about how things are done,you muck in or muck off....
Last edited by aston man; Apr 18th 2007 at 3:43 pm.
Apr 18th 2007, 4:15 pm
#116
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2006
Location: Now Perth! Kalamunda
Posts: 690
Re: Some realities of Perth.
as you say,,everyone should be allowed to have a rant,heres mine...
excuse me for my pathetic comment,why dont you read the title of this thread...i am not the only one who is sick of people banging on about how crap perth is...and why,because of bare feet and sunday shopping...do me a favour...
you dont move to someones town and moan about how things are done,you muck in or muck off....
excuse me for my pathetic comment,why dont you read the title of this thread...i am not the only one who is sick of people banging on about how crap perth is...and why,because of bare feet and sunday shopping...do me a favour...
you dont move to someones town and moan about how things are done,you muck in or muck off....
).Despite the number of times these posts come up they always prove amazingly popular, bit like reality TV, you hate it but still watch. Personally the more information i have about Perth the better, i can make up my own mind if it is good or bad.
bet you can't wait for my rant on the perils of Perth when we arrive next Month
Apr 18th 2007, 5:01 pm
#117
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2006
Location: Ocean reef
Posts: 545
Re: Some realities of Perth.
Im not going to perth now i couldnt cope with no shopping on a sunday, people not wearing shoes and slow broadband think il stay in Uk lol
Apr 18th 2007, 5:26 pm
#118
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Sep 2005
Location: Somewhere South... Not Telling YOU
Posts: 10,959
Re: Some realities of Perth.
the shoe thing might bover me if i were a cobbler...
Apr 18th 2007, 6:32 pm
#119
UK is Home
Joined: Dec 2005
Location: Home- "Glasgow"
Posts: 1,137
Re: Some realities of Perth.
Personally i think its excellent that we can all see others view on different things including broadly on the area that they live in. I dont think the thread is misleading in any way, you say that they are "perceptions of Perth" and you disagree, thats fine but on the other hand you mention that its not what you have experienced in Perth! Again this is for the want of better words " Your Perception" is it not?
Not only that but the thread title is misleading, they are not "realities of Perth" they are "perceptions of Perth"... as stated in the post I've quoted there is little fact behind most of the points, it's someone's personal perception which is obviously very different to what a lot of us have experienced ourselves.
Apr 18th 2007, 6:43 pm
#120
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,999
Re: Some realities of Perth.
$300 is cheap. Perth to Sydney is a greater distance than London to Moscow and not much less than London to Nova Scotia Canada, a return flight to which costs around $1700.