Why the hell did we move back to Uk again?
Mar 5th 2003 | 8:51 pm
#16
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 392
From: Sydney
Originally posted by joebloggs
boy this is a toughie.
Let me start by stating the obvious ...everyone has their own reasons/outlook/motivation to do things, so this is just my experience, but this is how things went for me and my wife.
Left Scotland about five and a half years ago now as were feeling a bit tired of life here. Moved to Perth as had been there on holiday and liked it alot ...wifes a teacher, I'm in IT support services. Initially all was good...there was the burst of excitement/nervousness about moving, then the thrill of living somewhere new, discovering new places, etc.
Then after a year or so things started to feel a bit flat. We really started to notice how far away Oz is, for us to visit family in UK or for them to visit us. Our kids in particular really started to notice this, were missing their aunts, uncles grandparents. and also we were missing pur own parents/family. Its surprising how it can get you.
Being away really made appreciate home more. Many of the problems you notice at home don't just disappear..they simply get moved to new surroundings ...moans about crime, waiting lists and so ...well all that stuff exists in OZ too. Not that its a bad place at all...I don't want to sound too negativ, but when it comes to it its not home, and we were really missing Scotland in a way that surprised us both. lots of little things that get taken for granted when at home. We really missed the choice we ahd in the UK ..entertainment wise, to go places, seeing stuff, our home family and friends. Australia is a great place to visit, but not to live in...thats how it seemed to us anyway.
certainly we're a lot happier now we're back here, as are our relatives (forget all that stuff about having somewhere where they can visit!) and you know Scotlands a pretty damn fine place to be ...maybe we've been lucky jobs wise, but we've noticed no big drop in our standard of living...in some ways its better.
Don't know if this helped
boy this is a toughie.
Let me start by stating the obvious ...everyone has their own reasons/outlook/motivation to do things, so this is just my experience, but this is how things went for me and my wife.
Left Scotland about five and a half years ago now as were feeling a bit tired of life here. Moved to Perth as had been there on holiday and liked it alot ...wifes a teacher, I'm in IT support services. Initially all was good...there was the burst of excitement/nervousness about moving, then the thrill of living somewhere new, discovering new places, etc.
Then after a year or so things started to feel a bit flat. We really started to notice how far away Oz is, for us to visit family in UK or for them to visit us. Our kids in particular really started to notice this, were missing their aunts, uncles grandparents. and also we were missing pur own parents/family. Its surprising how it can get you.
Being away really made appreciate home more. Many of the problems you notice at home don't just disappear..they simply get moved to new surroundings ...moans about crime, waiting lists and so ...well all that stuff exists in OZ too. Not that its a bad place at all...I don't want to sound too negativ, but when it comes to it its not home, and we were really missing Scotland in a way that surprised us both. lots of little things that get taken for granted when at home. We really missed the choice we ahd in the UK ..entertainment wise, to go places, seeing stuff, our home family and friends. Australia is a great place to visit, but not to live in...thats how it seemed to us anyway.
certainly we're a lot happier now we're back here, as are our relatives (forget all that stuff about having somewhere where they can visit!) and you know Scotlands a pretty damn fine place to be ...maybe we've been lucky jobs wise, but we've noticed no big drop in our standard of living...in some ways its better.
Don't know if this helped
Mar 6th 2003 | 12:07 am
#17
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 81
From: Leicester
Re: Why the hell did we move back to Uk again?
Originally posted by pommie bastard
Nice one son but it will go over the heads of most on here , its far easier to go on and on and on about beaches , weather and BBQs.
The old saying you never know what you had until its gone applies for us , we intend to try and get it back god willing.
Nice one son but it will go over the heads of most on here , its far easier to go on and on and on about beaches , weather and BBQs.
The old saying you never know what you had until its gone applies for us , we intend to try and get it back god willing.
There is a place waiting for you in the Finsbury park mosque-Enjoy!!!
Mar 6th 2003 | 3:52 am
#18
Release the hounds!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 302
Re: Why the hell did we move back to Uk again?
Originally posted by joebloggs
Now lets think....
Having family and friends all around us, seeing them whenever we want, instead of having to catch a flight for about three days once a year or so .............well, whatever.
All the entertainment, shows, theatre, concerts etc that are constantly on over here, compared to Perth ....yawn, don't want to know.
Historic buildings, beautiful countryside ....boring, boring, boring
Going to a pub with yer pals and knocking back a few pints ...is that it???
Being able to afford oversea holidays, instead of earning weak Ozzie dollar and paying big money to fly anywhere .....whats the deal!!!
Going to the match on Saturdays....no biggie
visiting the Highlands, the most beautiful area of the world ....are you still going on???
Did I mention being near family, so the kids can visit all their relatives?
All the other three hundred things that you miss when you don't take them for granted .....enough already!
Now, why did we move back again?
Now lets think....
Having family and friends all around us, seeing them whenever we want, instead of having to catch a flight for about three days once a year or so .............well, whatever.
All the entertainment, shows, theatre, concerts etc that are constantly on over here, compared to Perth ....yawn, don't want to know.
Historic buildings, beautiful countryside ....boring, boring, boring
Going to a pub with yer pals and knocking back a few pints ...is that it???
Being able to afford oversea holidays, instead of earning weak Ozzie dollar and paying big money to fly anywhere .....whats the deal!!!
Going to the match on Saturdays....no biggie
visiting the Highlands, the most beautiful area of the world ....are you still going on???
Did I mention being near family, so the kids can visit all their relatives?
All the other three hundred things that you miss when you don't take them for granted .....enough already!
Now, why did we move back again?
Good for you!!!! As somebody who wants back to the UK I know exactly what you mean!!!
Mar 6th 2003 | 9:38 am
#19
Gone Senile Member
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 3,014
From: Sydney
Hi Only Me - been here 10 month only, and I am being a little forward thinking as we have yet to leave the country and validate visas (doing that on a trip to UK in April). We have put the house in the UK on the market and have decided that Aus is for us, the place to be for the next couple of years (hence the Citizenship question). Having older children than your wee one, we have decided that it is only fair to let them stay in one place for a 'little' while. I agree the money issue is a pain, we have been saving hard for 6 months and managed what it would take us in two in the UK and I will lose my LAHFA shortly. But on the other hand, we now own our own surf board and get to use it.
Basically my thinking is that regardless of what happens I think I will be here long enough to get citizenship and really thinking ahead regardless of our furture moves Andy and I can always come back and retire to the Central Coast....Anna Bay to be precise.
Half my problem onlyme, is that I keep seeing the higher rates I get paid in Europe and it bugs me!
Cheers Sandra
Basically my thinking is that regardless of what happens I think I will be here long enough to get citizenship and really thinking ahead regardless of our furture moves Andy and I can always come back and retire to the Central Coast....Anna Bay to be precise.
Half my problem onlyme, is that I keep seeing the higher rates I get paid in Europe and it bugs me!
Cheers Sandra
Mar 6th 2003 | 9:41 am
#20
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 36
From: northants/ england
Re: Why the hell did we move back to Uk again?
Originally posted by pommie bastard
Nice one son but it will go over the heads of most on here , its far easier to go on and on and on about beaches , weather and BBQs.
The old saying you never know what you had until its gone applies for us , we intend to try and get it back god willing.
Nice one son but it will go over the heads of most on here , its far easier to go on and on and on about beaches , weather and BBQs.
The old saying you never know what you had until its gone applies for us , we intend to try and get it back god willing.
Mar 6th 2003 | 10:03 am
#21
Senior member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 835
From: Paris
Originally posted by Ceri
Hi,
This is what I will being too before I leave. I do think it is sensible to do so.
Although I dislike Aus, this is one thing that I will be doing before returning.
My reason for not doing this now, at this moment (I can apply now if I want - I’ve had my PR visa for two years - the said time) is I don't want it at this moment in time.
No 1: I resent the fact that by law in Aus (citizens) you MUST vote or face a fine, jail or both - to me this is not true democracy, a non vote can also mean a vote within itself - I don't think it is very democratic to be made to vote if you dislike the views of every party. (do any other "western" countries in the world have this law? or is it just Aus)
The reason that I will be taking out citizenship before I finally leave is "I'm leaving the door open" - if not for me (I can’t ever see myself returning here after leaving), then for any future children I may have - call it selfish if you want, but I call it sensible - you never know what the future may bring do you?
If you didn't already know, you can apply online (for those in Aus), submit the forms online and they then call you in for an interview etc http://www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/citizen.htm#applications
cheers
Hi,
This is what I will being too before I leave. I do think it is sensible to do so.
Although I dislike Aus, this is one thing that I will be doing before returning.
My reason for not doing this now, at this moment (I can apply now if I want - I’ve had my PR visa for two years - the said time) is I don't want it at this moment in time.
No 1: I resent the fact that by law in Aus (citizens) you MUST vote or face a fine, jail or both - to me this is not true democracy, a non vote can also mean a vote within itself - I don't think it is very democratic to be made to vote if you dislike the views of every party. (do any other "western" countries in the world have this law? or is it just Aus)
The reason that I will be taking out citizenship before I finally leave is "I'm leaving the door open" - if not for me (I can’t ever see myself returning here after leaving), then for any future children I may have - call it selfish if you want, but I call it sensible - you never know what the future may bring do you?
If you didn't already know, you can apply online (for those in Aus), submit the forms online and they then call you in for an interview etc http://www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/citizen.htm#applications
cheers
Mar 6th 2003 | 10:52 am
#22
Banned
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,037
From: Perth Arse end of the planet
Re: Why the hell did we move back to Uk again?
Originally posted by sully4441
Well done PB, you've broken new ground. A negative post to a negative post. Just a min...doesn't two negatives equal a positive? Yes! Well done PB, keep it up!
This royal throne of kings, this sceptred isle,
This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars,
This other Eden, demi-paradise,
This fortress built by Nature for herself
Against infection and the hand of war,
This happy breed of men, this little world,
This precious stone set in the silver sea,
Which serves it in the office of a wall
Or as a moat defensive to a house,
Against the envy of less happier lands,--
This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England.
Hurry back PB, your country needs you.
Well done PB, you've broken new ground. A negative post to a negative post. Just a min...doesn't two negatives equal a positive? Yes! Well done PB, keep it up!
This royal throne of kings, this sceptred isle,
This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars,
This other Eden, demi-paradise,
This fortress built by Nature for herself
Against infection and the hand of war,
This happy breed of men, this little world,
This precious stone set in the silver sea,
Which serves it in the office of a wall
Or as a moat defensive to a house,
Against the envy of less happier lands,--
This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England.
Hurry back PB, your country needs you.
Objective is negative well you've beat me is making out landish we love Australia remarks realy negative in a way , because most immigrants are people who are disenchanted with life and their home land so find excusses for their new home , its far to deep for me all I know is before I came here I'd never met so many failures and near do wells its a haven for the simplistic.
Mar 6th 2003 | 12:34 pm
#23
Banned
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,037
From: Perth Arse end of the planet
Re: Why the hell did we move back to Uk again?
Originally posted by sully4441
Who isn't disenchanted by their life one time or another? Who can look over the fence and not see the greener grass? At the moment I can see all to well the things that are bad with the UK. I visit this forum to get an insight on other places. I've not had a decent holiday for years, a clash of shift systems, kids doing their exams etc, okay, so we are of to NZ. Blame it on Lord of the Rings too,but while I'm there, why not have a look around, see if we would fit in? Why not dream a little. I'm not hurting anyone. Yes I can see that there is a need to bring some people down to earth, beach, barbeque, sand, 1000m plot blah, blah, blah, but be a little bit more gentle. If the thread says ' come and have a go at me' , get in there and have fun. I find your post in the main funny and always clean. But a post with PB attracts adverse comments, its not always your fault, some of your posts have been short, informative and what was asked, but the 'brand name of PB, attracts. Probably a bit late to register it? Hope I don't come across as too heavy and sad, thats not me. but not everyone wants to have the truth rammed down ther throats all the time. Just give a little space, (man)
LMS
Who isn't disenchanted by their life one time or another? Who can look over the fence and not see the greener grass? At the moment I can see all to well the things that are bad with the UK. I visit this forum to get an insight on other places. I've not had a decent holiday for years, a clash of shift systems, kids doing their exams etc, okay, so we are of to NZ. Blame it on Lord of the Rings too,but while I'm there, why not have a look around, see if we would fit in? Why not dream a little. I'm not hurting anyone. Yes I can see that there is a need to bring some people down to earth, beach, barbeque, sand, 1000m plot blah, blah, blah, but be a little bit more gentle. If the thread says ' come and have a go at me' , get in there and have fun. I find your post in the main funny and always clean. But a post with PB attracts adverse comments, its not always your fault, some of your posts have been short, informative and what was asked, but the 'brand name of PB, attracts. Probably a bit late to register it? Hope I don't come across as too heavy and sad, thats not me. but not everyone wants to have the truth rammed down ther throats all the time. Just give a little space, (man)
LMS
I was carried away with a misplaced idea of what an Aussie is which was knocked out of me in no time so I have become wiser and smarter in order to fit in and get on.
PB is an average Pom with smell of Aussie blood in slight , its not a country for the weak of mind or body , its was built by hard men and woman who moulded a barren wilderness into what is now Australia and my opinion they can keep it.
If the disenchanted and lost cannot take a dose of PB they less likely to settle in the land of plenty , I care not if people immigrate or not its personal thing but if PB gives food for thought maybe hes not so bad and like you say he can be laughed at or with.
Mar 6th 2003 | 2:57 pm
#24
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 392
From: Sydney
Originally posted by Sandra
Hi Only Me - been here 10 month only, and I am being a little forward thinking as we have yet to leave the country and validate visas (doing that on a trip to UK in April). We have put the house in the UK on the market and have decided that Aus is for us, the place to be for the next couple of years (hence the Citizenship question). Having older children than your wee one, we have decided that it is only fair to let them stay in one place for a 'little' while. I agree the money issue is a pain, we have been saving hard for 6 months and managed what it would take us in two in the UK and I will lose my LAHFA shortly. But on the other hand, we now own our own surf board and get to use it.
Basically my thinking is that regardless of what happens I think I will be here long enough to get citizenship and really thinking ahead regardless of our furture moves Andy and I can always come back and retire to the Central Coast....Anna Bay to be precise.
Half my problem onlyme, is that I keep seeing the higher rates I get paid in Europe and it bugs me!
Cheers Sandra
Hi Only Me - been here 10 month only, and I am being a little forward thinking as we have yet to leave the country and validate visas (doing that on a trip to UK in April). We have put the house in the UK on the market and have decided that Aus is for us, the place to be for the next couple of years (hence the Citizenship question). Having older children than your wee one, we have decided that it is only fair to let them stay in one place for a 'little' while. I agree the money issue is a pain, we have been saving hard for 6 months and managed what it would take us in two in the UK and I will lose my LAHFA shortly. But on the other hand, we now own our own surf board and get to use it.
Basically my thinking is that regardless of what happens I think I will be here long enough to get citizenship and really thinking ahead regardless of our furture moves Andy and I can always come back and retire to the Central Coast....Anna Bay to be precise.
Half my problem onlyme, is that I keep seeing the higher rates I get paid in Europe and it bugs me!
Cheers Sandra
We are on the verge of getting our PR visa, I hope. The question for us then, would be whether to stay or go. It would be nice to get the Ozzie passport. I think Oz would be a nice place to retire and like you, seeing those higher rates in Europe is very tempting.
Mar 6th 2003 | 6:10 pm
#25
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 395
From: Sussex, formerly Christchurch
Re: Why the hell did we move back to Uk again?
Originally posted by pommie bastard
Thats a outstanding reply you must have more time on your hands than me , hope you have a wonderful time in NZ a people who I admire and like are the Kiwi's a more balanced people you could not wish to meet , hate to say this but mainly because they have a large scottish population .
I was carried away with a misplaced idea of what an Aussie is which was knocked out of me in no time so I have become wiser and smarter in order to fit in and get on.
PB is an average Pom with smell of Aussie blood in slight , its not a country for the weak of mind or body , its was built by hard men and woman who moulded a barren wilderness into what is now Australia and my opinion they can keep it.
If the disenchanted and lost cannot take a dose of PB they less likely to settle in the land of plenty , I care not if people immigrate or not its personal thing but if PB gives food for thought maybe hes not so bad and like you say he can be laughed at or with.
A more balanced people are the Kiwis, PB? I take it you didn't hear about the Black Hearts fiasco during the America's Cup? You are keen to have a go at Aussies for their attitude towards sport , well this really is takes some beating!
Thats a outstanding reply you must have more time on your hands than me , hope you have a wonderful time in NZ a people who I admire and like are the Kiwi's a more balanced people you could not wish to meet , hate to say this but mainly because they have a large scottish population .
I was carried away with a misplaced idea of what an Aussie is which was knocked out of me in no time so I have become wiser and smarter in order to fit in and get on.
PB is an average Pom with smell of Aussie blood in slight , its not a country for the weak of mind or body , its was built by hard men and woman who moulded a barren wilderness into what is now Australia and my opinion they can keep it.
If the disenchanted and lost cannot take a dose of PB they less likely to settle in the land of plenty , I care not if people immigrate or not its personal thing but if PB gives food for thought maybe hes not so bad and like you say he can be laughed at or with.
A more balanced people are the Kiwis, PB? I take it you didn't hear about the Black Hearts fiasco during the America's Cup? You are keen to have a go at Aussies for their attitude towards sport , well this really is takes some beating!
Mar 6th 2003 | 6:11 pm
#26
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 395
From: Sussex, formerly Christchurch
Re: Why the hell did we move back to Uk again?
[QUOTE]Originally posted by pommie bastard
Thats a outstanding reply you must have more time on your hands than me , hope you have a wonderful time in NZ a people who I admire and like are the Kiwi's a more balanced people you could not wish to meet , hate to say this but mainly because they have a large scottish population .
I was carried away with a misplaced idea of what an Aussie is which was knocked out of me in no time so I have become wiser and smarter in order to fit in and get on.
PB is an average Pom with smell of Aussie blood in slight , its not a country for the weak of mind or body , its was built by hard men and woman who moulded a barren wilderness into what is now Australia and my opinion they can keep it.
If the disenchanted and lost cannot take a dose of PB they less likely to settle in the land of plenty , I care not if people immigrate or not its personal thing but if PB gives food for thought maybe hes not so bad and like you say he can be laughed at or with.
A more balanced people are the Kiwis, PB? I take it you didn't hear about the Black Hearts fiasco during the America's Cup? You are keen to have a go at Aussies for their attitude towards sport , well this really takes some beating!
:
Thats a outstanding reply you must have more time on your hands than me , hope you have a wonderful time in NZ a people who I admire and like are the Kiwi's a more balanced people you could not wish to meet , hate to say this but mainly because they have a large scottish population .
I was carried away with a misplaced idea of what an Aussie is which was knocked out of me in no time so I have become wiser and smarter in order to fit in and get on.
PB is an average Pom with smell of Aussie blood in slight , its not a country for the weak of mind or body , its was built by hard men and woman who moulded a barren wilderness into what is now Australia and my opinion they can keep it.
If the disenchanted and lost cannot take a dose of PB they less likely to settle in the land of plenty , I care not if people immigrate or not its personal thing but if PB gives food for thought maybe hes not so bad and like you say he can be laughed at or with.
A more balanced people are the Kiwis, PB? I take it you didn't hear about the Black Hearts fiasco during the America's Cup? You are keen to have a go at Aussies for their attitude towards sport , well this really takes some beating!
:
Mar 6th 2003 | 6:32 pm
#27
Banned
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,037
From: Perth Arse end of the planet
Re: Why the hell did we move back to Uk again?
[QUOTE]Originally posted by muppetking
You live there and have better formed opinions than me but I speak as I find and have a lot of time for the Kiwi's here in Australia they are targets as are we Poms .
Originally posted by pommie bastard
.
A more balanced people are the Kiwis, PB? I take it you didn't hear about the Black Hearts fiasco during the America's Cup? You are keen to have a go at Aussies for their attitude towards sport , well this really takes some beating!
:
.
A more balanced people are the Kiwis, PB? I take it you didn't hear about the Black Hearts fiasco during the America's Cup? You are keen to have a go at Aussies for their attitude towards sport , well this really takes some beating!
:
Mar 6th 2003 | 6:47 pm
#28
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 395
From: Sussex, formerly Christchurch
Re: Why the hell did we move back to Uk again?
Originally posted by pommie bastard
You live there and have better formed opinions than me but I speak as I find and have a lot of time for the Kiwi's here in Australia they are targets as are we Poms .
You live there and have better formed opinions than me but I speak as I find and have a lot of time for the Kiwi's here in Australia they are targets as are we Poms .
Last edited by muppetking; Mar 6th 2003 at 6:52 pm.
Mar 8th 2003 | 9:31 am
#29
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 36
From: northants/ england
is it me or has this gone off the rails somewhere, good luck to those who tried and failed (or didnt like). lifes what you make it and if you want something bad enough youll get it. alot of people i talk to say they wished they made the move when they were my age (30ish)
i try to look at what my life will be like in 5 years time and cant see the light still living in uk.
"if you dont like it where you are then go somewhere else"
pb, why are you still in oz? any reason?
good site muppetking.
cheers
i try to look at what my life will be like in 5 years time and cant see the light still living in uk.
"if you dont like it where you are then go somewhere else"
pb, why are you still in oz? any reason?
good site muppetking.
cheers
Mar 8th 2003 | 11:23 am
#30
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 43
Re: Why the hell did we move back to Uk again?
On The other hand
I can't understand the appeal of the UK - cold wet - the first thing I noticed when I came back from Aus after a year
WAS HOW MISERABLE everyone looked. People literally looked like they were going to a funeral, and everyone looked down at the floor the while time - it was quite shocking. Noone was upbeat, or happy, or said "G'Day" - people looked past you as if you were invisible, I tried injecting humour in to every day situations in public and people looked at me like I was from Mars
I went in to a pub restaurant bistro in Wimbledon, and the waitress didn't even say hello when we came in the door, or come over, we had to go to her to place orders and she took our empty plates without a single glance or smile, just a frosty expression - no "How'd you go!?". I was so shocked i mentioned it to the manager.
Strangers in bars look amazed when I chat to them in relaxed, open and upbeat tones, over here people expect you to be either a middle class boor or working class geezer. There's no middle ground.
There are fantastic places in England to live, but that's all gone out the window with house price inflation and rip off Britain. People spend all their lives keeping up with everyone else, whereas in Aus I've met some great normal people that have normal homes and average aspirations and are happy.I wouldn't have even considered migrating 5 years ago.
It is almost impossible to buya house and a garden in some parts of the SE, and whats the point in living on an estate in a box somwhere in the rest of England for the rest of your life??
What about our sporting role models? Over here the male culture is all boysy boysy and soccer, over in Aus it is good old rugby and sport is taken seriously. If i jog in the steets over here I get beeped at; in sydney I am just another fit bloke out and about. Here, the commentators on TV sound plebian and negative, whereas footy players in aus are laid back, friendly, gentlemanly and good role models. Our soccer players talk in harsh montones and act the geezer, acting like spoilt prima donnas.
There is still an innocence over there- yet someone in this thread said only the tough can survive Aus - the harsh conditions. i've already said on a newsgroup somewhere that i think english people often immigrate for the weather and the
lifestyle but don't ever really get in to the culture/black humour
etc, and then get branded as poms. just what i noticed that's all.
They then get left out of Aus culture by the Aussies.
I get amused when i see English people who have lived for ten years in oz but still maintaining the snobby stiff upper lip of the english - still seeming, how can I put this.. well english. It's like they don't "get it".
When i was there, I'd been there ten minutes and got on, and got stuck in to the laid back humour.. and was then accepted by the aussies as not a "whinging pom", and a "good bloke".
there are far too many people going over there on a whim. To be successful in Aus, you have to GET STUCK In with the locals, BANTER, but BE LAID BACK, they can't stand people whinging or getting uptight. You have to be confident, strong, but not "UP YOURSELF", and you have to like people. That's the advice I would give all English people. If you can't be like that you will not get on and you will be considered - a POM(!)
Mike
I can't understand the appeal of the UK - cold wet - the first thing I noticed when I came back from Aus after a year
WAS HOW MISERABLE everyone looked. People literally looked like they were going to a funeral, and everyone looked down at the floor the while time - it was quite shocking. Noone was upbeat, or happy, or said "G'Day" - people looked past you as if you were invisible, I tried injecting humour in to every day situations in public and people looked at me like I was from Mars
I went in to a pub restaurant bistro in Wimbledon, and the waitress didn't even say hello when we came in the door, or come over, we had to go to her to place orders and she took our empty plates without a single glance or smile, just a frosty expression - no "How'd you go!?". I was so shocked i mentioned it to the manager.
Strangers in bars look amazed when I chat to them in relaxed, open and upbeat tones, over here people expect you to be either a middle class boor or working class geezer. There's no middle ground.
There are fantastic places in England to live, but that's all gone out the window with house price inflation and rip off Britain. People spend all their lives keeping up with everyone else, whereas in Aus I've met some great normal people that have normal homes and average aspirations and are happy.I wouldn't have even considered migrating 5 years ago.
It is almost impossible to buya house and a garden in some parts of the SE, and whats the point in living on an estate in a box somwhere in the rest of England for the rest of your life??
What about our sporting role models? Over here the male culture is all boysy boysy and soccer, over in Aus it is good old rugby and sport is taken seriously. If i jog in the steets over here I get beeped at; in sydney I am just another fit bloke out and about. Here, the commentators on TV sound plebian and negative, whereas footy players in aus are laid back, friendly, gentlemanly and good role models. Our soccer players talk in harsh montones and act the geezer, acting like spoilt prima donnas.
There is still an innocence over there- yet someone in this thread said only the tough can survive Aus - the harsh conditions. i've already said on a newsgroup somewhere that i think english people often immigrate for the weather and the
lifestyle but don't ever really get in to the culture/black humour
etc, and then get branded as poms. just what i noticed that's all.
They then get left out of Aus culture by the Aussies.
I get amused when i see English people who have lived for ten years in oz but still maintaining the snobby stiff upper lip of the english - still seeming, how can I put this.. well english. It's like they don't "get it".
When i was there, I'd been there ten minutes and got on, and got stuck in to the laid back humour.. and was then accepted by the aussies as not a "whinging pom", and a "good bloke".
there are far too many people going over there on a whim. To be successful in Aus, you have to GET STUCK In with the locals, BANTER, but BE LAID BACK, they can't stand people whinging or getting uptight. You have to be confident, strong, but not "UP YOURSELF", and you have to like people. That's the advice I would give all English people. If you can't be like that you will not get on and you will be considered - a POM(!)
Mike
