Also lots of government money, all along the Space Coast. And Caddys with drivers in hats. And women complaining that before they worked themselves to death their husbands only made enough for a houses viewing, not fronting, the Hudson. And the dinner rush at four pm. And gayness; rampant in-your-face flaming. And drugs, loads and loads of drugs. And the winter horse circuit. And the Portofino Bay hotel; the tackiest place on earth. And sweat.

It's not all poverty.

Indeed. That is one of Melbourne's great strengths.

Melbourne does not get snow, I grant you that. But, except for the lack of snow, I think you'll be surprised by the tremendous range of Melbourne's weather -- all the way from glorious to incredibly crappy (and, as is the case with Calgary, you can experience both extremes within the same day, if not the same hour).

Ah, I turned left at intersection 812a. Should'a followed the caddy's and gone right.

Rich.

Good luck ...... but read the "returning to UK" section. It's mostly made up of folks who are not happy in Australia!

Over the last few months I have been pretty shocked at reading the posts from unhappy people returning from OZ. Must make up around 90% of the posts. I think that isolation from family and friends in UK and cost/duration of flights plays a large part.

I have been to Toronto 3 times paying as little as £99 each way and also NS @ £129 each way (and I know that it can even be cheaper than that). Both trips are only 6.5 hours away. You know how we can all crave something that feels out of reach. That's how I think people in OZ and NZ feel. If flights are inexpensive and readily excessible, friends and family can easily visit and the urge to come home may not be so strong.

Of course, there are people who love OZ/NZ too and if you both feel that Calgary is not right for you after 3 years it may be time to think about your options so good luck with whatever you choose

Presumably you have't got your Canadian citizenship. A shame in some ways as the door will then close in a few years time, even if you (or your children) want to come back. A proportion of people who leave because they "don't like it" want to return later on.

Some others in your situation would wait that bit longer to get Canadian citizenship, then try out Australia (or somewhere else) if they still really want to.

having done 3 years in canada and the last 18 months in Australia you are in for one huge awakening my friend if you think that anything other than the weather will be any different down under.

I have been to Toronto 3 times paying as little as £99 each way and also NS @ £129 each way (and I know that it can even be cheaper than that).

Yes-can-do , where did you find those prices !!

I'm looking at 3k for the 5 of us next year :scared:

Adbru

I booked canadian affair for 4 of us to toronto next may £930 for flights but that included prebooked seats not bad I thought.

www.canadianaffair.com and www.zoomairlines.com - Zoom Glasgow to Halifax £129 (one way) last September. Canadian Affair Glasgow to Toronto in October school holidays this year is £70.50 (one way).

Note: Canadian Affair now include taxes in their prices and Zoom adds them on as you continue booking (taxes are fair hiking up the prices nowadays).

We have also flown to Toronto in early July which was of course more expensive (and temperature very hot!). If you have kids then you can't be really flexible and have to keep to the school holidays, which of course is high season in the summer .

I have been in Australia on two previous occasions for extended periods, both pleasure and work, amounting to almost 2 years and I have family in Katoomba, Tasmania and Portland NSW so I'm not really expecting a 'huge awakening' as you put it, friend. In fact it is the ability I am able to make a comparison between the two countries that I am favouring Australia. Australia was my first choice but at the time I did not qualify so we opted for Canada. Previously I have lived and worked in USA (prior to Canada) and before that, the UK (my country of origin) and before that Hong Kong so I have a wealth of experience to draw on and feel lucky that I can reflect on this and say well after all my travels I most feel at home in Australia. No place is perfect, so don't go looking for it, find the closest thing to it and make the most of it.

As for Canadian citizenship, well we applied in February, processing time is taking an average of 18 months. My daughter was born here and already has it. I can live without it and don't expect to return. We've made our bed and we're bloody well going to lie in it.

Ah, some straight talking at last. Need more of it on here instead of all this pussy footing around, eh ?

Rich [ducks and looks for cyber-cover]

I just got quoted £930 for TWO of us, Manchester to Calgary next June!
£350 in taxes and fuel costs!!!

coming for the stampede ? thats when most calgarians move out, hehe.

The Stampede isn't until July.