MartinLuther

Can't trust the opinion of the Germans

Maybe in your 'exclusive' London suburb they all poo in the park instead

Some areas are better than others. Where we used to live, Surrey Quays, things had improved (but not completely). Lewisham and Chelsea were as bad as they used to be. I suspect if you're further out in Richmond or Wimbledon then the locals are more likely to drive their mutts to the local park.

BadgeIsBack

Surrey Quays. I remember that when it started out 15 years ago. I should imagine it would be gearing up nicely in some parts. Thing is alot of places are being gentrified but are still many decades away.

yup. It pains me to talk about ''exclusive'' suburbs because my old man only lives on the fringes of Richmond but it really is the case that when you compare where he lives with alot of UK plc it *really* is....

And all those dogs do poo in the park, or the owners proudly scoop.

Lewisham was one of the places that reinforced that its all about area, sod all about Australia vs UK.

curly

Good read that was Bix

Welcome home

rabsody

I have to agree with this comment. Teens here are far more pleasant and seem to mix with adults more easily. I think I used to have that teen look that you mention!

donna

Im sure thats to do with the socializing,as we tend to socialize more in families here ,therefore the kids are around adults more and comfortable in their company."It not a children are seen but not heard culture"
donna

Stormz

Excellent read Bix. Makes me sad. Love Cornwall (especially Perrenporth)

DunRoaminTheUK

Wow, what a thread.

I really enjoyed reading this. It's dispelled some illusions that I have about the West Country (Cornwall).

Thanks.

pommybird

Oh quit moaning you whinging pom!!

P.S seriously - I hope the rest of your trip is a pleasant one!

soapy©

you took photos of shite!!!!

bix you need help pal

moneypenny20

Great post mate. I'm dreading Heathrow Hopefully the actual trip will be good but I'm definitely twitchy about it all. As you say, roll on next year and a holiday somewhere new

don544

great post bix.
Dom

Sally Simpson

Really interesting post Bix!

asher

that was a great read bix I'm sorry your area has changed like that.

In the area I live I think we are in a time warp as it's still a good place to live and no-one lets their dog foul the pavements as we have bins for that.

I think that must be the worst job in the world emptying those bins

propercornish

what a great post Bix. You're spot on in more ways than one about the town
Glad your Dads ok
Heather

bigAPE

I have to say I have never been a fan of St Austell. I grew up in Penzance and Camborne, but spent the 8 years before we left at our home in Portreath on the Coast north of Redruth. I love my home in Portreath and I love Cornwall, there is little to compare when it comes to views and countryside.

I have been home twice in the past 15 months. Once for a trip to visit my parents after a business trip and once to bury my Dad. Each time I return the England (to get to Cornwall) I am staggered at how crap service and attitude it, but that was always different when I got to Cornwall. The tourists were sullen and the "up country" home owners in the area were as reserved as always, but all the Cornish still smiled and still greeted me every morning on my morning walk on the beach. Oh, and no ******* carrots in the Pasties !!

We are now trying to sell my stunning house so that we can get onto the property ladder here without killing our savings on an insane mortgage. I will miss that house like hell and I know I will always regret selling that view of the beach and sea. I still miss those hot summer days (all eight of them) on the beach and fireworks night which we all loved so much.

Don't get me wrong I love were I live now, I love our new Australian friends and the social life which we simply didn't have back in the UK. However, no matter how much the English government screws up Cornwall it will still be my home and I will always love Cornwall

Kernow Bys Vyken!

Al