Bevm

What do you miss. Trudi?

It is hard to tell if we haven't spent much time away from where we are, but apart from some friends here, I doubt I'll miss much.

We've moved to the west coast, which is the most English part of Canada, in weather and in some other things. I think that indicates where our hearts are, plus we haven't missed anything but friends from the other places we've lived in Canada.

I'm sure there will be some things about Canada I'll miss, but I'm not seeing them now. And anyway, I can come back if I want.

Perhaps hummingbirds.

Bev

Emma M

LOL!!!
Yeah, but Primark was pretty good for a bargain. Better prices than clothes here. And there, I'm guessing?

Emma M

Awwwwww!

Oh yeah, few more things I will do... immerse myself in all things... BLUEWATER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Shopping spree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sans

Hummingbirds too quick for me dammed if i can get any piccies ............by the time i've picked the camera up they all gone
I will miss my view of the ocean and mountains, and altho i carn't think of anything else right now............cos i'm brain dead i'm sure their maybe one other thing that i may think of ....when i'm less zombiefied that is.

Bevm

We can have hills, at least, in England, and sea, and even both in some places. Where are you headed?

Bev

sans

Nrth linc's close to the east coast, pretty but not quite got it

truditjh

I think the things I miss most about NZ are the peace and quiet, I understand there is a trade off somewhere, but the space and serenity is something else, I think that alot of people in a smaller space causes more problems. Also the lack of class systems, people in the UK (imho) seem to judge others by the holidays they take, the age/type of car they drive, even clothes they wear - perhaps thats more Norfolk than anything else But that was a good thing - for us anyway, not to feel like you "should" have the latest plasma or new car. If I want something I want it because of purely thhat, not because either the media or peers think I should have it, if you get my ramblings. I cant say that a return to NZ would be right, but having been in the situ of cant wait to get back to Tesco/fish and chips etc., its amazing how quickly that becomes a chore. I now get a nice man in a van to deliver my Tesco shopping to my home..... hehehe

Tujeste

We were in Santa Cruz (Northern) California for ten years before coming back here just over 5 years ago........

I do miss being right by the sea (we're living now in between Bristol and Bath) - being able to go out fishing in Monterey Bay or heading down to the harbor to pick up fresh tuna for BBQ / smoking

I miss my 1969 VW beetle - in which I did an eighty mile commute daily

I miss a funny little chain of bagel shops called the Bagelry - they had some great fillings. We do now get some passable bagels here though - though I cant get my curried tofu filling just how the Bagelry does theirs

Good sushi - although the wife doesnt miss that one little bit

Almost immediate access to some wonderful State Parks - and the wife does miss these as shes a runner. Nothing quite like the slight fear that there might be a mountain lion round the next corner to keep you alert halfway through a marathon

Bonny Doon Winery Big House Red

Burritos
Funnily enough we couldnt get our son to eat any mexican food whilst we were out in Ca, now his favourite food is tacos!

Anders

quoll

What will I miss from Australia? Ummmmmm



Ummmm





Thinks






Ah! A half decent latte and wide parking spaces.

I knew there had to be something I would miss.

truditjh

LizaJane

Can't say I agree, almost opposite ...the peace and quiet feels like I'm in the land that time forgot, dreadfully bland and boring. Something I will appreciate more once I have left but I don't thing it is something that I will miss and yearn for.

'Keeping up with the Jones'....it still exists here just no so in you face and obvious. Rather two faced about it here to a degree.

As for the class system well...it may not be working class, middle class, upper class etc etc..but it is another guise and there is very much a class system in NZ , kiwis just don't like to admit it because it would suggest they were a little too like the British. There are such things as 'kiwi snobs' and there are big social divides.

I actually miss the pressure that is on people to do better for themselves, improve their circumstances, get better educations and have higher expectations. Its about setting goals for yourself and challenges that make you a better person.

The materialistic pressures are often pressures we put on ourselves, somehow believing we are more acceptable if we live in the 'better' areas, earn more, have more, can buy more etc. We assume that we know how everyone perceives us and judges us on those values alone. We will never be friends with those that do so why worry about them?

I was bought up in London, the extremes of most things, wealth and poverty, happiness and sadness, loneliness and belonging, all or nothing type of place, so am fully aware about pressure from others and the society we live in, however I do think it is also about self worth, values, strength of character and finding where you feel you belong, for each of us it different. We perceive things differently, we react differently, it effects us differently, therefore we have different opinions...each to their own.

So no I wouldn't miss the double standards and shallowness but I will miss the friends we have made and maybe the ease of it all.

Both countries have good and bad but I think NZ is beautiful and dull and the UK is vibrant and varied....

sans

Oh hear hear That was dam good

Bevm

Yes. I lived in a suburb once here in Canada. It had everything -- and nothing I wanted.

But one of my closest friends lives nearby there, is still there, and would hate the sort of closer-to-things I need.

Bev

brits1

Simply said but VERY VERY TRUE.........

brits1

Oh love it!!!! might join you the way I am feeling today.....will we ever get off this continent????????