Clippy

Lol...hmm so well put Steve

Dicko

I think the thing with the Expat meets are; they are good source of like minded conversation when you first get here, treat them a bit like speed dating, chat to someone if you get on great, if you don’t, move on.
The only thing I would add is don’t treat them as your only source of friends, get out and meet other people this way you get a good cross section of society, not just people who miss Next, Marks & Spencer & Tesco’s.

Although one thing I have never understood is, why some people only want to mix with other expats? One of the reasons for moving across the world is to meet people from a different walk of life isn’t it?

Let me add though, we met a great family at an early expat meet who went on to become good friends.

sasbear

well it has taken us 3 years to finally feel that we have a small network of freinds. But I think that is because we never made much of an effort and we have always been 'insular' as a couple.

We have met some real nice people since arriving but mainly in hte last 2 months - you guys all know who you are

I finally feel more settled (I didn't feel unsettled - jus didn't realise something was missing) and now arrange to go out or get invited out.

auspal

The social life over here is completely different to the UK. You just cant pop down the local and bump into a few mates. You have to make definite plans and meeting places otherwise it wont happen.

Possums

that is not true of all of Australia it just depends where you have chosen to move to, we have met and have made a very good circle of friends all through the local pub and club. All aussies might I add, we just threw ourselves into the local community, attended social nights, (even if they were not really our scene) took up every invitation we were offered, volunteered ourselves where needed and as a result we have had help with every aspect of living here.

steve`o

totaly right
you have to put yourselves out there and get involved

sat at home hoping the phone will ring just aint goin to work

OzzieNurse

I have been to quite a few meets and have found the same happens...numbers, and addresses exchange hands and no one contacts me. I have met a couple of people from BE that I am very good friends with. It's hard here as you are invited to BBQ's and feel a bit awkward...I am hoping to make some more friends soon...I feel like I should be changing my deodorant at the moment!

Dicko

Totally agree with that, get off your arse and integrate, when you get off the plane people don't know who you are, so they are certainly not going to knock on your door asking do you need mates.

Possums

love your signature

annqldau

Expats life is just like UK life you meet all sorts, some you click with some you don't and some you would like to meet again then number gets lost or you just drift apart.

Have made lots of good friends here, more expats than Aussies but that is purely because most local Aussies here seem more family/stay in the house orientated or only go out to kids sports days or already have all the friends they need. Expats have often left a lot of their friends and family in UK and are therefor more receptive to new friends.

I'll have friends of any form as long as we all get on and have a good time.

sasbear

Me too

Dicko

The late great Barry Sheene

Possums

oo I used to fancy him so much

annqldau

I used to have a poster of him on my wall and Kenny someone the Yank with the Yellow bike...they were cool in their time.

auspal

I met him at Carrara on the Gold Coast where he lived, he was a lovely genuine man, when he heard my accent he asked me where I was from and we had a bit of a yarn about things.

He didnt big note himself at all, in fact we never even mentioned how famous he was or his background. A great guy And I'm not a racing fan either but I recognised him, he was a bit of a looker too