I've been reading this forum for a while now. I've been in NZ for 13 years and we'd planned to spend a year in the UK in 2006 to see what we thought. But that's been postponed now due to having had a third son who is only 9 months and we would like to wait until he's older. So me and the baby are going to the UK on Wednesday (16th March) for 2 and a half weeks to see friends and family. I've not been for 5 years. I have absolutely no idea what I will think when I get there, I've had so many thoughts of moving back over the years, and then lots of great times here when I have no desire to be anywhere else but here. I am picturing a grey drive from Heathrow to Nottingham, but I do hope that I won't find it awful. I'm worried about the consumerism and difference in priorities. I'm worried that I won't like it, although really that will be the best outcome so I can come back here and get on with my life. Watch this space.......

Good luck with your trip back to the UK.

If you're not an NZ citizen make sure you have your indefinite returning resident visa beforehand. And consider strongly the option of becoming an NZ citizen before contemplating any move back.

Jeremy

Thanks for the advice, but I married a kiwi and have 3 little kiwi's, and I have an indefinite returning visa. Funny tho, even when you think you know it all, I still nearly took my son on his UK passport and forgot he'd need a returning visa. Got him a NZ passport quickly. looking forward to my first trip to Asda!!!!

Just enjoy your time back, it ain't all bad and if you are over for a holiday, everywhere seems better on a holiday

Living here is a lot different, been back 12 months now, enjoyed it immensely for first 9 months then things just started to appear that I did not like as much, but this happens everywhere and you just get on with living.

We are returning to Australia though.

Merlot

Hi Daisy

Yes, I remember you. Our bub is just coming up for 12 months old. Must have last exchanged posts with you before I left Oz, which was Xmas 2003 and I was 6 months pregnant!

Congrats on having a little boy. We had a girl (born in UK).

Have a good trip back.....just don't read the Daily Mail when you get here

HP

Merlot - I'm really suprised to see you are returning down under, I'll have to do some searching and see if you've posted about your change of heart.

HP - I remember being very envious when I saw your baby pics on here and I still had a few months to go!!! Are you pleased to be in the UK with her? I'm lucky to have family out here, it's so hard to have children with no parents or close family to enjoy them with you, I don't blame you for going back. My little man is growing so fast, I'm sure it's coz he's my last and I want to keep him a baby!!! I don't know where the time's gone. I'm dreading the flight with him, he's almost walking and very active and I'm taking him on the 10% ticket so no seat!! But unfortunately couldn't afford any more.


I'll be on my way to the airport in 2 days time, can't believe I will finally be in the UK. Will be interesting to see how rose tinted my glasses have been.

Daisy - I think the UK has got a lot worse in the last 10 years or so, from pretty much any angle apart from economics/ average wealth per capita (where the UK has done well).

Prepare yourself for quite a big shock to the system.

I could just about see myself living there again in the future but only for tightly defined periods and projects.

Like Don I found the UK had changed and just not for me!!! Of course others love it back here, so horses for courses.

M