The Up's And Down's Of Australia
Mar 16th 2006, 8:43 am
#31
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2005
Location: at the bottom of a wine glass
Posts: 28,176
Re: The Up's And Down's Of Australia
Originally Posted by ionaskye
How can you be settling in when your in the Barbie land all the time Mag keeps telling me its real but I think that it is 
Mar 16th 2006, 9:10 am
#32
Fighting my corner
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Posts: 11,948
Re: The Up's And Down's Of Australia
Originally Posted by kiwichild
Community spirit and a sense of connectedness in Australia is apparently most likely to be found in Tasmania, and Launceston area in particular (according to a Feb 2006 study).
On the basis of my 15 years in Tasmania, I can assure you that their general attitude to mainlanders is somewhat... robust.
To say the least.
When my family first moved there, we had our car vandalised on a regular basis and our milk (which was home delivered in those days) stolen before we could even so much as catch a glimpse of it. (Local cops were completely uninterested; to be fair, I can appreciate that from their point of view it would have been a waste of valuable manpower.) Time passed, and eventually they left us alone. But I went on to suffer years of vicious bullying at school.
I was 8 years old when we came to Tassie; I had never been there before, so I had no expectations or prejudices. When I finally escaped the place in 1996, I had a bunch of hangups about the place which time (and maturity) dispelled over the next few years.
I did retain a tiny handful of Tasmanian friends; it could have been more if I'd been able to feel properly comfortable, but that was impossible since I was never properly accepted. There was always a distinct feeling of being kept at arm's length by the rest of the population.
It is strongly parochial, with plenty of regional divisions within the state, of which the north/south division (which bears no resemblance to the British version, since it is not based on socioeconomic differences but on good old-fashioned irrational prejudice) is easily the strongest.
If people find Perth "dull", Adelaide "dead", Melbourne "not lively enough", and Australia as a whole "narrow-minded", they would be well advised to stay clear of Tasmania.
Having said all of this, I actually love the place on many levels. It is beautiful, fresh, clean, and redolent with history and cultural experiences. I love the craftsmanship of the local artisans (there's a shop in Launceston called The Design Centre which sells examples of local work) and the slow, easygoing lifestyle. I love the quaint little country towns and the winding valley roads. I love the Tamar Valley, where I used to live - and the stunning Tamar River, which our house overlooked.
I have been back to Tasmania many times since I left it, and have always enjoyed myself. I would never live there myself, but I know I'll always visit again and again.
Last edited by Vash the Stampede; Mar 16th 2006 at 9:39 am.
Mar 16th 2006, 9:17 am
#33
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 7,834
Re: The Up's And Down's Of Australia
Originally Posted by kiwichild
Worst: General shallowness, arrogance, insincerity and lack of interest/abilty of aussies to meet new people and make genuine friendships. Mind you, if they think there's something in it for them, they'll be in it in a shot
Have to disagree with this one......we have been here almost 2 years and have lots of Genuine Aussie friends, who call round for a chat......invite us to social stuff and are there for us when we need them and vice versa
Mar 16th 2006, 9:20 am
#34
Ok this isn't so bad
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: Dundee (Scotland) now Bayside Brisbane
Posts: 4,824
Re: The Up's And Down's Of Australia
Originally Posted by biggy
Have to disagree with this one......we have been here almost 2 years and have lots of Genuine Aussie friends, who call round for a chat......invite us to social stuff and are there for us when we need them and vice versa
They're jist feerd oh yi!
....I think, or at least I hope that's what we would like. To meet people regardless and just get along....Must be the Scots in me!Cheers
Ginny
Mar 16th 2006, 9:28 am
#35
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 7,834
Re: The Up's And Down's Of Australia
Originally Posted by Stitch
They're jist feerd oh yi! ....I think, or at least I hope that's what we would like. To meet people regardless and just get along....Must be the Scots in me!
Cheers
Ginny
....I think, or at least I hope that's what we would like. To meet people regardless and just get along....Must be the Scots in me!Cheers
Ginny
we get on wi everybody we do lol....went to a night oot with hubbys work, and was told now u just sit there and talk to us all night so we can listen tae yer accent lol I sed OK you buy me drink we got a deal.......hmmm only spent $10 in 5 hours hehe
Mar 16th 2006, 9:28 am
#36
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 208
Re: The Up's And Down's Of Australia
Originally Posted by WendyC
I'm in barbie land all the time cos I'm p'd off waiting for someone to buy my house then I can get a life
Mag and i will go halfers and buy you a Wendy House if it will help
Mar 16th 2006, 3:05 pm
#37
Banned
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,551
Re: The Up's And Down's Of Australia
Originally Posted by Vash the Stampede
...but only if you're a born-and-bred Tassie person yourself.
On the basis of my 15 years in Tasmania, I can assure you that their general attitude to mainlanders is somewhat... robust.
To say the least.
When my family first moved there, we had our car vandalised on a regular basis and our milk (which was home delivered in those days) stolen before we could even so much as catch a glimpse of it. (Local cops were completely uninterested; to be fair, I can appreciate that from their point of view it would have been a waste of valuable manpower.) Time passed, and eventually they left us alone. But I went on to suffer years of vicious bullying at school.
I was 8 years old when we came to Tassie; I had never been there before, so I had no expectations or prejudices. When I finally escaped the place in 1996, I had a bunch of hangups about the place which time (and maturity) dispelled over the next few years.
I did retain a tiny handful of Tasmanian friends; it could have been more if I'd been able to feel properly comfortable, but that was impossible since I was never properly accepted. There was always a distinct feeling of being kept at arm's length by the rest of the population.
It is strongly parochial, with plenty of regional divisions within the state, of which the north/south division (which bears no resemblance to the British version, since it is not based on socioeconomic differences but on good old-fashioned irrational prejudice) is easily the strongest.
If people find Perth "dull", Adelaide "dead", Melbourne "not lively enough", and Australia as a whole "narrow-minded", they would be well advised to stay clear of Tasmania.
Having said all of this, I actually love the place on many levels. It is beautiful, fresh, clean, and redolent with history and cultural experiences. I love the craftsmanship of the local artisans (there's a shop in Launceston called The Design Centre which sells examples of local work) and the slow, easygoing lifestyle. I love the quaint little country towns and the winding valley roads. I love the Tamar Valley, where I used to live - and the stunning Tamar River, which our house overlooked.
I have been back to Tasmania many times since I left it, and have always enjoyed myself. I would never live there myself, but I know I'll always visit again and again.
On the basis of my 15 years in Tasmania, I can assure you that their general attitude to mainlanders is somewhat... robust.
To say the least.
When my family first moved there, we had our car vandalised on a regular basis and our milk (which was home delivered in those days) stolen before we could even so much as catch a glimpse of it. (Local cops were completely uninterested; to be fair, I can appreciate that from their point of view it would have been a waste of valuable manpower.) Time passed, and eventually they left us alone. But I went on to suffer years of vicious bullying at school.
I was 8 years old when we came to Tassie; I had never been there before, so I had no expectations or prejudices. When I finally escaped the place in 1996, I had a bunch of hangups about the place which time (and maturity) dispelled over the next few years.
I did retain a tiny handful of Tasmanian friends; it could have been more if I'd been able to feel properly comfortable, but that was impossible since I was never properly accepted. There was always a distinct feeling of being kept at arm's length by the rest of the population.
It is strongly parochial, with plenty of regional divisions within the state, of which the north/south division (which bears no resemblance to the British version, since it is not based on socioeconomic differences but on good old-fashioned irrational prejudice) is easily the strongest.
If people find Perth "dull", Adelaide "dead", Melbourne "not lively enough", and Australia as a whole "narrow-minded", they would be well advised to stay clear of Tasmania.
Having said all of this, I actually love the place on many levels. It is beautiful, fresh, clean, and redolent with history and cultural experiences. I love the craftsmanship of the local artisans (there's a shop in Launceston called The Design Centre which sells examples of local work) and the slow, easygoing lifestyle. I love the quaint little country towns and the winding valley roads. I love the Tamar Valley, where I used to live - and the stunning Tamar River, which our house overlooked.
I have been back to Tasmania many times since I left it, and have always enjoyed myself. I would never live there myself, but I know I'll always visit again and again.
I guess for me I have had enough of Perth and before thinking of leaving oz on a permanent basis it makes sense to try a couple of places I haven't been to before and which appeal to me. Actually I quite like adelaide. I think the beauty (environment, heritage buildings etc) and lifestyle of tassie appeal to me.
I don't know if being a kiwi will get me an icier or warmer reception though lol
I know the weather will be more to my liking and that economically tassie is improving apparently.
Your experiences growing up there are of course valid but it must be remembered that childhood is always a challenge at the best of times no matter where one lives.
Mar 16th 2006, 3:06 pm
#38
Banned
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,551
Re: The Up's And Down's Of Australia
Originally Posted by biggy
Have to disagree with this one......we have been here almost 2 years and have lots of Genuine Aussie friends, who call round for a chat......invite us to social stuff and are there for us when we need them and vice versa
Mar 16th 2006, 3:33 pm
#39
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: The Up's And Down's Of Australia
Originally Posted by moneypen20
Sorry 
why is getting paid mid week bad? Hubby gets paid midweek, but it goes into the bank and mixed up with money that's there already. Can't say we would notice if it was Monday or Saturday. Not having a go, just really would like to understand
why is getting paid mid week bad? Hubby gets paid midweek, but it goes into the bank and mixed up with money that's there already. Can't say we would notice if it was Monday or Saturday. Not having a go, just really would like to understand And I never noticed.
Mar 16th 2006, 7:09 pm
#40
Fighting my corner
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Posts: 11,948
Re: The Up's And Down's Of Australia
Originally Posted by kiwichild
Your experiences growing up there are of course valid but it must be remembered that childhood is always a challenge at the best of times no matter where one lives.
I love Perth (my home city) and Adelaide.
I am planning to live in the Adelaide hills when I return home.
Mar 16th 2006, 7:29 pm
#41
Banned
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,551
Re: The Up's And Down's Of Australia
Originally Posted by Vash the Stampede
Yes, very true.
I love Perth (my home city) and Adelaide.
I am planning to live in the Adelaide hills when I return home.
I love Perth (my home city) and Adelaide.
I am planning to live in the Adelaide hills when I return home.
Mar 16th 2006, 7:31 pm
#42
Banned
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,551
Re: The Up's And Down's Of Australia
Originally Posted by kiwichild
Adelaide is great. Hope you enjoy it when you get there
Mar 17th 2006, 5:26 am
#43
Fighting my corner
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Posts: 11,948
Re: The Up's And Down's Of Australia
Originally Posted by kiwichild
Adelaide is great. Hope you enjoy it when you get there
Mar 18th 2006, 11:21 am
#44
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 208
Re: The Up's And Down's Of Australia
Originally Posted by kiwichild
I think we always hold fond memories of the city we feel is our home one. I feel the same about Auckland, but to some others its just an example of urban sprawl.
I have SUCH fond memories of Blantyre ,the tyre gang
the union jack club the knights the dog shit on the pavements and the spray paint that matches nothing ,
But the greener side
get back to you on that
Mar 18th 2006, 12:05 pm
#45
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2005
Location: at the bottom of a wine glass
Posts: 28,176
Re: The Up's And Down's Of Australia
Originally Posted by ionaskye
I have SUCH fond memories of Blantyre ,the tyre gang
the union jack club the knights the dog shit on the pavements and the spray paint that matches nothing ,
But the greener side get back to you on that
the union jack club the knights the dog shit on the pavements and the spray paint that matches nothing ,
But the greener side
get back to you on that PMSL
