It's an interesting one. I, too, don't think it's culture shock, unless there are things about the UK you're having trouble adjusting to. It's missing some things. Can you identify what they are? Is it people, places, or something less substantial.

Is it North America, which is so very varied, but has a something that isn't at all Europe, and vice versa.

Canada to us is so many different places -- and people -- that it's hard for us to talk about things we miss. Perhaps things we appreciate? We appreciated them when we were there, too.

The friendliness and beauty in Nova Scotia.

Hmmm, only a few people from our brief stint in Montreal.

The variety of opportunities in Ottawa, it being the capital, but quite a modest sized city, and its beauty -- in the brief periods when we could enjoy it, when it wasn't freezing or sizzling.

The beauty of Victoria, and a lot there in a smallish city because it's the capital of BC.

But I can't say there's anything particular about Canada that enormous and varied country that we miss. People have been trying to define or express Canada for ages and not really getting there yet.

Bev

Thankyou 'Livinginreality' for your kind words!!!

Its great to hear everyones thoughts and comments.

Moncton is definately cold and the winters are too long - not like California, however the culture is similar and the very hospitable and friendly people too.

I guess for the time being we will stay here with a plan for heading back sometime in the future - thing is our PR status runs out in 2013, so would be good to be back before that - but who knows?!

I do like the sound of BC - mainly for the weather, some benefits of the big city, like concerts and theatre and its close proximity to California. Any feedback on BC?

We moved back to the UK from Perth, Western Australia in early March 2008 and is has taken us quite sometime to settle back into UK life. We had been planning the move back for several months before we eventually arrived and thought we would settle immediately. Like Quoll said its the curse of the expat, you think that you will just settle back into UK living, but it is not always the case. I felt, very much, like a stranger in my own country for quite sometime. I am pleased to say that both my husband and I are now fully settled back in the UK and looking forward to the future here. However, that doesn't mean to say that there aren't things about Perth that I miss, including my job there. Good luck and just give yourself some time.

I would have difficulty adjusting to a life where everything is physically on a smaller scale. One the reasons I think Canadians (and probably may apply to Aus/NZ) appear more relaxed, is that they are literally not living on top of each other or crammed side by side. Yes, that image might be an exaggeration and might conjure up outdated image of 'Coronation Street' UK lifestyle, but there is a lot to be said for having your own space - be it physical or mental.

There are other factors at play too (eg 'perception' of crime, poor retail service, cost of living, overcrowded Fraggle Rock island 'perceptions') - all of which aggregated together may affect the quality of how much you enjoy the return back to the UK.

Howdy folks,

I've been back in UK a grand total of 2 weeks. I persuaded work to let me have 6 weeks off work so I could come over for a wedding and Christmas (and to see if I wanted to stay).

I feel horrible right now!

Its hard being back but then I generally find it hard to adapt to changes.

Going to post an update of my own anyway.

If you've lived somewhere for a few years and come back, you will always miss some things. I came back to the UK 5 months ago and still have moments of nostalgia for Montreal but would I go back there to live? Never!

The only 'shock' I get when I return to the UL is that, contrary to the steaming pile of crap that many expats talk about the UK (especially here on BE) the country is perfectly lovely, not nearly as crowded as people keep insisting it is, with good shops, attractive buildings and a vibrancy that you just don't find in Australia. I walk around with my mouth open, shaking my head in bewilderment for the first few days trying to work out where all these people are getting their idea of Britain from because what I see doesn't match the doom and gloom stories they tell at all.

A lot of people talk like that to constantly justify to themselves the move they have made and that it is the right thing.

I think you already have a pair welded to your head.

That's good as it would appear he's going to NZ. Utopia doesn't exist and I don't think anyone believes it does, others just like to think they know what is going on in strangers' heads.

OP, I think because you'd have been happy to stay, it's possibly clouding your judgement about being back. On the other hand, who knows, you may decide that living with the long cold winters and lack of football is a small price to pay for living where you want. People say you need to be in a country two years to get a feel, maybe you need the same to feel settled back in the UK?

Moving around the world can make you feel totally homeless anywhere, it's one of the dangers of doing what we've all done or are planning to do.

Some of us do, quite happily. I have a UK pair and an Aus pair. Nothing wrong with rose tints, keeps the sun and the rain out of your eyes

Don't forget the wind and sand.

I don't live in Perth

Arn't you glad lol.

Going by my experience 25 years ago, yes!