Jon77

My view of the RSL clubs is a little different to yours. You want to try going to some of the social clubs around Middlesbrough where I grew up! I remember as a kid being taken along to the Easterside social club with my grandparents, The whole place just used to be full of cigarette smoke, you couldn't see down to one end of the room for it. The highlights were the bingo and a Tina Turner or Tom Jones tribute act lol My grandad would get me a bag of crisps and a coke and sit me on the step out the front... ahh those were the days.

Now compared to the social or working men's clubs around Middlesbrough the RSL's here in Australia are tame by comparison, very tame indeed. Perhaps if you originate from the home counties of England like East Sussex and come from a stiff Tory background I guess the RSL clubs here might be offensive on the eye and ears.

RSL clubs here still try and give assistance to the older people in the community but they are fast becoming irrelevant I agree. Personally I find that a great shame as Sydney is becoming generic across the board and I find that bland, RSL's were linked to community and now that is lacking.

Go in to a local RSL and try chatting to a local (if you can get them away from the pokies) and you might be surprised. You might find a greater range of views than in a trendy inner city café.

BadgeIsBack

I was relying on a mobile phone in previous posts so apologies for typos etc.
And actually if we are talking about lifestyle - sorry Buzzie - didn't spot your post - I can't knock Australia although I think suburban bbqs would bore me eventually - but then we don't do an endless succession of suburban bbqs.

There does not seem so many RSLs in Victoria. Not sure. Many more pubs who knows. Don't judge a RSL by it's cover.

I know where OE is coming from - the issue I think is more the country culture and possibly less diversity and perhaps less about the RSL itself.

As a matter of fact, given the choice I marginally prefer city/country life and culture than country culture - unless it is 'old' farming culture then I most definitely feel an afinity.

I would probably get bored in a country town and the RSL might grind but I also know that you would find some real gems.

I've noticed in country Australia that there are some very interesting people - real diamonds in the rough. I was flying home from the 'regions' the other day on one of those prop planes and there were some georgeous, articulate and friendly girls flying.

Loads of country towns have real pubs with real characters. I like them and look forward to going in them.

Swerv-o

While we're on the subject of pubs, one thing I can't stand is stupid pundit shows playing on TVs in pubs with the sound turned down. It make no sense to me, beyond providing some form of distraction - You can't hear what they are discussing. I can understand putting a match or something on, but pundit shows? Really?

My local does this every night of the week, and if you ask if they can find something else it's like "Oh no, gotta keep Fox Sports on..." I suspect there's a licencing deal or something.

A new pub is opening two streets away, and they have promised no TVs, no pokies and no betting shop. It's got a lot of people very interested already!


S

Amazulu

We've got a great pub in Kalamunda

I love going there

chris955

Exactly as a pub should be but very hard to find in Australia. It should be very popular.

moneypenny20

I'd agree to a certain extent. If I were to compare the British Legion in my old home town (very Tory middle class home counties) with my local RSL here there is no comparison, the RSL is vastly superior. However the last time I was in the BL was probably about 12 years ago so no idea what it's like now or even what the RSL was like back then so not really comparing like with like other than they're both Services based.

As for positives and negatives, I know it rarely happens but I'm in agreement with Badge. There are positives and negatives to both countries and they may be different but do they impact my lifestyle (which is the title of the thread) then no they don't.

BadgeIsBack

Come on you agree because what I say is based on getting on with life which is what you do....

If someone finds a lifestyle niggle...hey...

In general I don't feel the need to list but I might have a go tomorrow.
Some may have a Aussie flavour and might be things I just don't do.

moneypenny20

I think that's what I said My life is very much the same here as it was in the UK I think. Don't know, it's not something I think about. I moan and bitch about a lot of stuff but nothing that is country specific.

BadgeIsBack

I was dismayed to hear that you don't tend to agree with me much. I was wounded...

OK- this is what I don't like about Australian lifestyle:

The people who spend all their lives living in a sort of suburban tabloid life. This is just from observation. They go to work - and then at weekends their life seems a sort of mix of watching TV, (downloads and DVDs are key) taking kids to sport, and/or going to a mall. There are middle-aged men in my company who get excited about their new phone, tablet or little gadget. When the conversation is switched to something that was read in a broadsheet newspaper, or the arts, or something that has some basis on something a bit more substantial they either look completely lost or are visibly impressed - but it's not what they do (and that's OK -we are all different).

I've said this before - last time I put on a UK slant to this, I had a whole swag of karma from people - one person said "That is my life to a tee".

It's a funny life - I have been on the road this week and I am very tired but last night I got to an orchestral rehearsal for an event in Melbourne on the weekend. We were working with the soloists and in between segments people were reading foreign language literature, completing molecular biology equations (a calculator was whipped out and then replaced) all the while keeping an eye on the conductor and orchestra for their entry....these people are not worrying about flag-waving or little things - or what television station is on in a bar - in fact in the pub we were all glued to State of Origin the other day - they are too busy leading what, if I may say, is rather an exciting life which takes them to many venues and states - and overseas.
I daresay that one or two have had a permit to extend their home - who knows.

Beoz

Hhhhmmm. The arts. Boring anywhere in the world in my always humbled opinion.

BadgeIsBack

The Arts are the Arts. Some are nobs, but in the main the people are amazing. I don't think I've ever met a more articulate and frightingly talented bunch. (Well I have...but this is life). People who complain about Australians should come along - they would probably change their tune......he he.

And the Arts are not a life in themselves - there is other stuff to do - I'm off to Mt Hotham skiing week after next. I can't effing wait.

Beoz

Now your are talking. Screw Hotham, or any other Australian resort. You need Austria.

spouse of scouse

As an Aussie, my least favourite thing about Perth is the urban sprawl, hectares of soulless suburbs with no real 'hub', at least not for people my age. When my kids were at school it was different, in that the school and associated activities were a good place to mix with people.

My favourite thing is feeling safe when I'm out and about, for example, I can walk my dog at night and never have a qualm about my safety.

Buzzy--Bee

The thing is though, Austria is not very accessible from the UK. You have to get on a plane. Whereas Hotham can be driven for a weekend from Melbourne. In fact Baw Baw is a day trip. So although the slopes are considerably better and longer in Europe, we spend a lot more time in the snow here. Love it!

BB

Beoz

Ok you got me..... and true. As long as its supplimented by an annual OS ski trip (not NZ) then thats OK.