Australia..... why such a slagging ?
Dec 19th 2006 | 7:29 am
#16
Yorkshire Lass
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 458
From: AlcatrOz
Re: Australia..... why such a slagging ?
Originally Posted by Dirk1971
Neither. Im in NZ. Im thinking of moving to OZ come the new year
Dec 19th 2006 | 9:53 am
#17
Banned
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 441
From: knuckle dragging, cultureless, boring, dingo oblivion
Re: Australia..... why such a slagging ?
Originally Posted by meljor
Hi Mark,
Why do people constantly post on here to ask the move back to the UK lot to justify their moans about Australia? If you were in England moaning about the weather or the traffic or whatever, people would stand around and nod and often chip in their fourpennethworth and indeed the Aussie forums are full of people moaning about their lot in the UK and wishing themselves here. Have you never been to the pub and someone started on about how England is going to the dogs and nobody said hang on it's a great place to be full of beautiful historic buildings wonderful places to walk, the NHS is marvellous and the nurses are so dedicated and well trained (I'm a nurse so carefull before answering that
), everyone is ensured equal opportunities and you're a stones throw from the rest of Europe, no I bet they didn't!
The difference here is that if you don't like it and are not in a position to upsticks and go home, (who can!) then if you have a whinge, people look at you like you've sprouted another head and tell you how lucky you are to be living here. Unfortunately you have to buy before you try because visits and reccies can only tell you so much (before anyone jumps in with what kind of research did you do
). I have family that live here and they answered my questions about Oz before we came, I came for an adventure as much as a new life and will go back with a new appreciation of home as soon as I have the money to go and the lease on my house expires, I think I am one of the lucky ones.
As I have said in previous threads this is the only place we feel able to have a whinge about the small day to day things that bug us while we bide our time here and as Polly quite rightly said it is the small things that irk and it is good to let off steam, saves us a fortune in happy pills and therapy too
We mean no one any harm and we just wish everyone to be happy with their lot so please no nasty accusations and jibes we have recently had enough of that. Lets just say that it's horses for courses and leave it at that. Anyway Merry Christmas to you and wish you a happy and fulfilled life, ta ta Mel
Why do people constantly post on here to ask the move back to the UK lot to justify their moans about Australia? If you were in England moaning about the weather or the traffic or whatever, people would stand around and nod and often chip in their fourpennethworth and indeed the Aussie forums are full of people moaning about their lot in the UK and wishing themselves here. Have you never been to the pub and someone started on about how England is going to the dogs and nobody said hang on it's a great place to be full of beautiful historic buildings wonderful places to walk, the NHS is marvellous and the nurses are so dedicated and well trained (I'm a nurse so carefull before answering that
), everyone is ensured equal opportunities and you're a stones throw from the rest of Europe, no I bet they didn't! The difference here is that if you don't like it and are not in a position to upsticks and go home, (who can!) then if you have a whinge, people look at you like you've sprouted another head and tell you how lucky you are to be living here. Unfortunately you have to buy before you try because visits and reccies can only tell you so much (before anyone jumps in with what kind of research did you do
). I have family that live here and they answered my questions about Oz before we came, I came for an adventure as much as a new life and will go back with a new appreciation of home as soon as I have the money to go and the lease on my house expires, I think I am one of the lucky ones. As I have said in previous threads this is the only place we feel able to have a whinge about the small day to day things that bug us while we bide our time here and as Polly quite rightly said it is the small things that irk and it is good to let off steam, saves us a fortune in happy pills and therapy too
We mean no one any harm and we just wish everyone to be happy with their lot so please no nasty accusations and jibes we have recently had enough of that. Lets just say that it's horses for courses and leave it at that. Anyway Merry Christmas to you and wish you a happy and fulfilled life, ta ta Mel
Dec 19th 2006 | 10:02 am
#18
Ex BE ***** Addict
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,773
Re: Australia..... why such a slagging ?
Originally Posted by Santa
No, I'm English. I work outside so have to work in the heat during Summer and rain in the Winter. I know Qld is hot, but I worked the other day and it was 41c, that was pretty warm in anyones book, including dare I say even the Queenslanders.
Polly, it's just an observation, that's all. The reason I ask is that people are either so very pro....... or so against a country. Is it the fault of the country, the fault of the people who live in Australia or something else ?
I take your point that people want to have a rant now and then, it just seems that some are picking holes in a place for some very strange reasons.
Polly, it's just an observation, that's all. The reason I ask is that people are either so very pro....... or so against a country. Is it the fault of the country, the fault of the people who live in Australia or something else ?
I take your point that people want to have a rant now and then, it just seems that some are picking holes in a place for some very strange reasons.
In short the place talks itself up big but so fails to deliver if you have anything about yourself at all.
As for things like the heat and drought, when we were planning out emmigration we knew it would be hot but the people we spoke to on the recce trip were adamant you get used to it, and the flies only come out for a couple of weeks a year. No mention of mozzies and the time of year we came here showed it in it's best light.
My lilly livered pommy body has had centuries of genetic engineering to make it more suitable to a colder climate and no amount of adjustment can make the heat bearable for me, so I'm now a prisoner of AC with a far more indoor life that I had back home.
Can't wait to get back!
Dec 19th 2006 | 11:00 am
#19
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 332
From: Qld oz
Re: Australia..... why such a slagging ?
I too have far more indoor life than the Uk. it is just to hot to walk anywhere.In the Uk even in winter you can go out just put extra clothes on. I just love air conditioning I wouldn't be able to live with out it.It does make me think about he early settlers and convicts it must have been horrendous for them.We don't have daylight saving in QLD and about 5 in the evening onwards it is really nice on the veranda and thats when i venture out.
Mozzies love me I have a blue insect light on the veranda and back garden works a treat.
Mozzies love me I have a blue insect light on the veranda and back garden works a treat.
Dec 19th 2006 | 11:22 am
#20
Gutter Gob!!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 13,098
From: Perth
Re: Australia..... why such a slagging ?
Originally Posted by by the sea side
I too have far more indoor life than the Uk. it is just to hot to walk anywhere.In the Uk even in winter you can go out just put extra clothes on. I just love air conditioning I wouldn't be able to live with out it.It does make me think about he early settlers and convicts it must have been horrendous for them.We don't have daylight saving in QLD and about 5 in the evening onwards it is really nice on the veranda and thats when i venture out.
Mozzies love me I have a blue insect light on the veranda and back garden works a treat.
Mozzies love me I have a blue insect light on the veranda and back garden works a treat.
Dec 19th 2006 | 11:34 am
#21
Where traffic lights rule
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,463
From: Brighton QLD
Re: Australia..... why such a slagging ?
Originally Posted by Pollyana
I'll give you an example - in my first few months here I was really quite happy, and I worked with a girl who used the phrase "thats exactly right" at least 20 times a day. I just accepted it as an Aussie-ism (not being accustomed to it) and it just ecame something I heard a lot. NOW, 3 years further on, and unsettled for many reasons, that is one phrase which grates and puts my teeth on edge. Cos it reminds me of where I am, and where I am is somewhere I don't really want to be...
[Shop keeper] "Hi how are you?"
[Customer] "fine"
Last edited by themerlin; Dec 19th 2006 at 12:05 pm.
Dec 19th 2006 | 1:29 pm
#22
Banned
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 191
From: Wellington, New Zealand
Re: Australia..... why such a slagging ?
Originally Posted by themerlin
I'm happy here but what has really got on my nerves from day one is
[Shop keeper] "Hi how are you?"
[Customer] "fine"
[Shop keeper] "Hi how are you?"
[Customer] "fine"
I go into my regular cafe for breakfast and it goes something like :
"Hi there, can I get a latte, and a bacon roll. Thanks"
Attendant slowly looks up, pauses for a second, and grunts.
Ever seen the Soup Nazi episode in Seinfeld? Well his entire family seem to live in Wellington.
Dec 19th 2006 | 1:32 pm
#23
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,222
From: Canberra, ACT
Re: Australia..... why such a slagging ?
Its interesting reading these posts, especially your Arkon, because that's how we feel about NZ.
If we could go back to the Uk, we would, we would be on the next plane back. Circumstances here though force us this side of the globe. (older son wants to stay in NZ)
So as a compromise, we have decided to live in OZ, closer to him in NZ, and for us, we hope a better country.
We aren't expecting Utopia though, NZ has ridden us of that false hope! Lol
We half know what to expect now, chips on shoulders, corrupt companies, being ripped off etc'...
But to anyone going back to the Uk, I wish you all the best, it really isn't such a bad place after all, suppose it takes living in NZ/OZ for us to appreciate just how bloody good the UK really is.
If we could go back to the Uk, we would, we would be on the next plane back. Circumstances here though force us this side of the globe. (older son wants to stay in NZ)
So as a compromise, we have decided to live in OZ, closer to him in NZ, and for us, we hope a better country.
We aren't expecting Utopia though, NZ has ridden us of that false hope! Lol
We half know what to expect now, chips on shoulders, corrupt companies, being ripped off etc'...
But to anyone going back to the Uk, I wish you all the best, it really isn't such a bad place after all, suppose it takes living in NZ/OZ for us to appreciate just how bloody good the UK really is.
Dec 19th 2006 | 1:36 pm
#24
Account Closed
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,533
Re: Australia..... why such a slagging ?
Originally Posted by Rascal
But to anyone going back to the Uk, I wish you all the best, it really isn't such a bad place after all, suppose it takes living in NZ/OZ for us to appreciate just how bloody good the UK really is.
Dec 19th 2006 | 1:49 pm
#25
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,222
From: Canberra, ACT
Re: Australia..... why such a slagging ?
Originally Posted by TraceyW
here, here!!
Sometimes you just dont see the wood for the tree's do you?
Dec 19th 2006 | 1:55 pm
#26
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,222
From: Canberra, ACT
Re: Australia..... why such a slagging ?
You know the most weird thing?
In my old street in the UK, it was a small cul de sac of around 14 houses. I lived in that house for 16 years, loved it, loved my neighbours, area everything really but always wanted to live this 'exotic' lifetsyle I thought only people in OZ/NZ enjoyed. Lol
Our next door neighbour had a brother that went to live in NZ, he lasted 4 years before returning. At the top of the cul de sac, another couple, lasted 2 years in NZ before returning. Both told me they thought NZ was 'not all its cracked up to be'. But still I came.
The neighbour to my other side lived in Oz for 29 years, returning only due to ailing health of their parents.
Now I always wanted to emigrate to Oz as a kid, never NZ.
So, its funny how things work out, end up in NZ, hate the place, went to OZ, liked it much more, felt more at ease.
But if I could drag my 6'2" son back to the Uk, I would!!
So, compromise it has to be, he in NZ, we in OZ!
In my old street in the UK, it was a small cul de sac of around 14 houses. I lived in that house for 16 years, loved it, loved my neighbours, area everything really but always wanted to live this 'exotic' lifetsyle I thought only people in OZ/NZ enjoyed. Lol
Our next door neighbour had a brother that went to live in NZ, he lasted 4 years before returning. At the top of the cul de sac, another couple, lasted 2 years in NZ before returning. Both told me they thought NZ was 'not all its cracked up to be'. But still I came.
The neighbour to my other side lived in Oz for 29 years, returning only due to ailing health of their parents.
Now I always wanted to emigrate to Oz as a kid, never NZ.
So, its funny how things work out, end up in NZ, hate the place, went to OZ, liked it much more, felt more at ease.
But if I could drag my 6'2" son back to the Uk, I would!!
So, compromise it has to be, he in NZ, we in OZ!
Dec 19th 2006 | 2:11 pm
#27
Ex BE ***** Addict
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,773
Re: Australia..... why such a slagging ?
Originally Posted by Rascal
You know the most weird thing?
In my old street in the UK, it was a small cul de sac of around 14 houses. I lived in that house for 16 years, loved it, loved my neighbours, area everything really but always wanted to live this 'exotic' lifetsyle I thought only people in OZ/NZ enjoyed. Lol
Our next door neighbour had a brother that went to live in NZ, he lasted 4 years before returning. At the top of the cul de sac, another couple, lasted 2 years in NZ before returning. Both told me they thought NZ was 'not all its cracked up to be'. But still I came.
The neighbour to my other side lived in Oz for 29 years, returning only due to ailing health of their parents.
Now I always wanted to emigrate to Oz as a kid, never NZ.
So, its funny how things work out, end up in NZ, hate the place, went to OZ, liked it much more, felt more at ease.
But if I could drag my 6'2" son back to the Uk, I would!!
So, compromise it has to be, he in NZ, we in OZ!
In my old street in the UK, it was a small cul de sac of around 14 houses. I lived in that house for 16 years, loved it, loved my neighbours, area everything really but always wanted to live this 'exotic' lifetsyle I thought only people in OZ/NZ enjoyed. Lol
Our next door neighbour had a brother that went to live in NZ, he lasted 4 years before returning. At the top of the cul de sac, another couple, lasted 2 years in NZ before returning. Both told me they thought NZ was 'not all its cracked up to be'. But still I came.
The neighbour to my other side lived in Oz for 29 years, returning only due to ailing health of their parents.
Now I always wanted to emigrate to Oz as a kid, never NZ.
So, its funny how things work out, end up in NZ, hate the place, went to OZ, liked it much more, felt more at ease.
But if I could drag my 6'2" son back to the Uk, I would!!
So, compromise it has to be, he in NZ, we in OZ!
In short if I was to go back to myself 3 years ago in a time machine and tell me what was going to happen and what it was going to be like I wouldn't have believed myself and still come!
Dec 19th 2006 | 2:24 pm
#28
Life is more than a dream
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,389
From: Kings Moss, UK - it's a bit like Emmerdale
Re: Australia..... why such a slagging ?
Originally Posted by arkon
This is just so our story too, nice pleasant cul-de-sac, about 12 houses, excellent neighbours and great community social life. The woman used to get together and go on nights out and the men did the same. A few times a year we even used to shut the road off and have a 24 hour street party!! The elderly couple across the road had not long got back from living in Oz and told us loads of horror stories but you know what it's like, there's none so deaf as those that wont listen. Almost everyone of my work colleagues couldn't understand why we wanted to go and one was a kiwi and another lived here for a couple of years. Looking back on it now I realise we were completely blinkered to any negative Oz comment and defended the place and our decision to the hilt. I think a lot was down to the 3 years it took to get the visa and all the hurdles thrown our way to get here. What I should have realised was those exact same beurocracy, ineptitude and just plain incompetence we encountered during the application process was just a little fore taste of what was to come!
In short if I was to go back to myself 3 years ago in a time machine and tell me what was going to happen and what it was going to be like I wouldn't have believed myself and still come!
In short if I was to go back to myself 3 years ago in a time machine and tell me what was going to happen and what it was going to be like I wouldn't have believed myself and still come!
Dec 19th 2006 | 3:01 pm
#29
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,222
From: Canberra, ACT
Re: Australia..... why such a slagging ?
Originally Posted by arkon
This is just so our story too, nice pleasant cul-de-sac, about 12 houses, excellent neighbours and great community social life. The woman used to get together and go on nights out and the men did the same. A few times a year we even used to shut the road off and have a 24 hour street party!! The elderly couple across the road had not long got back from living in Oz and told us loads of horror stories but you know what it's like, there's none so deaf as those that wont listen. Almost everyone of my work colleagues couldn't understand why we wanted to go and one was a kiwi and another lived here for a couple of years. Looking back on it now I realise we were completely blinkered to any negative Oz comment and defended the place and our decision to the hilt. I think a lot was down to the 3 years it took to get the visa and all the hurdles thrown our way to get here. What I should have realised was those exact same beurocracy, ineptitude and just plain incompetence we encountered during the application process was just a little fore taste of what was to come!
In short if I was to go back to myself 3 years ago in a time machine and tell me what was going to happen and what it was going to be like I wouldn't have believed myself and still come!
In short if I was to go back to myself 3 years ago in a time machine and tell me what was going to happen and what it was going to be like I wouldn't have believed myself and still come!
You n me must have lived in the same street by the sounds of it!!
We had some wicked parties with our neighbours across the street, a female couple ex prison officers, sadly one died during my visit in August before I could get to see her. But oh what fun we had. Those were the days!
Like you, I defended NZ to the hilt, I could have SOLD it a thousand times over, they didn't need to go the expense of all these expo's, they only needed me!
But like you say, you live the dream (in your head) and nothing and no-one can convince you otherwise.
Dec 19th 2006 | 3:02 pm
#30
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,222
From: Canberra, ACT
Re: Australia..... why such a slagging ?
Originally Posted by LouiseD
You are absolutely right Arkon. You listen to what you want to hear sometimes. Many people said we were very brave for doing it. I now realise they were really saying we were stupid for doing it! An earlier post on this thread said that Aussies and the Aussie government do a good job of bumping up this country to be perfect. This is very true - I spoke to quite a few Aussies before coming here and they all said that it was brilliant - best country in the world etc. Now after living here and watching TV, reading newspapers and meeting many more Aussies, I realise that it's their culture to do that - they are a very proud nation. Because we are Brits and we constantly run our own country down, we aren't used to this type of talk, so believe what we are told - stupidly.
