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Decision made!
Well we have been back to the UK for 2 weeks now after an agonising 18 months in Oz. The long and the short of it is we have made up our minds which country is best for us and our new family. I think I was pretty sure after just one day but 2 weeks on we have decide to come back here to the UK.
The climate is much fresher and more to our tastes along with the people and their humour. We find almost every aspect of the UK better, even the traffic although congested and fast just seemed to all work better. On day one I was flashed out of junctions no less than 3 times, at first I was a bit stunned as this never happens in Oz and I’d forgotten that although road rage might be a problem here the drivers are more polite and aware of other drivers than down under. The media annoyed me as it paints a far more bleak picture of the UK than is really the case for most people. Even this was offset by the fact that at least the bad stuff was talked about and brought out into the open so as something might be done about it. So much better than the head in the sand attitude and the she’ll be right messages. The kids are definitely more clued up and seem infinitely smarter and job prospects for the boy when he grows up are just so much better regardless of what he ends up wanting to do. It feels safer from an environment point of view for the boy, no more covering up in sun cream and mozzie repellent or even sore sweaty chuff for that matter. So we are coming home as soon as everything is sold up, dogs will have to fly again as well but we are just so much happier and more content here. Now just got to decide where to live, Surry seemed quite nice as does Solihull area…… I’ll be back on line in a week or so to answer any posts….. |
Re: Decision made!
Glad you have made a decision Arkon - I'm sure its the right one for your family :)
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Re: Decision made!
Originally Posted by arkon
Well we have been back to the UK for 2 weeks now after an agonising 18 months in Oz. The long and the short of it is we have made up our minds which country is best for us and our new family. I think I was pretty sure after just one day but 2 weeks on we have decide to come back here to the UK.
The climate is much fresher and more to our tastes along with the people and their humour. We find almost every aspect of the UK better, even the traffic although congested and fast just seemed to all work better. On day one I was flashed out of junctions no less than 3 times, at first I was a bit stunned as this never happens in Oz and I’d forgotten that although road rage might be a problem here the drivers are more polite and aware of other drivers than down under. The media annoyed me as it paints a far more bleak picture of the UK than is really the case for most people. Even this was offset by the fact that at least the bad stuff was talked about and brought out into the open so as something might be done about it. So much better than the head in the sand attitude and the she’ll be right messages. The kids are definitely more clued up and seem infinitely smarter and job prospects for the boy when he grows up are just so much better regardless of what he ends up wanting to do. It feels safer from an environment point of view for the boy, no more covering up in sun cream and mozzie repellent or even sore sweaty chuff for that matter. So we are coming home as soon as everything is sold up, dogs will have to fly again as well but we are just so much happier and more content here. Now just got to decide where to live, Surry seemed quite nice as does Solihull area…… I’ll be back on line in a week or so to answer any posts….. take care, Christina |
Re: Decision made!
i think this was inevitable wasnt it arkon?
at least you can say you have tried it, didnt like it, and came back. not many people can say that. we dont look at the UK, and think 'get me out of here'. we appreciate it, it is one of the best countries in the world, our lush land is beautiful, as is the history of the land. it will still be here for us, if it doesnt work out for us in australia. just think of all your life experiences out in rural NSW, maybe you should jot them down and make a book? you write a good tale, tinged with humour. enjoy you time in the UK, the weather's great today, isnt it? take care xx |
Re: Decision made!
Good Luck Arkon - no-one can say you haven't given it a "fair go". I'm totally green with envy of course, but my turn will come one day.........
Keep us all updated - won't you? |
Re: Decision made!
good luck arkon
after reading a few of your "experiences", im really pleased you are going back :) - maybe to a bit more sanity for you! best wishes, keep us posted c |
Re: Decision made!
Great news, I'm glad you have made the right decision. England is a lovely country and I'm sure you will be happier there.
I know what you mean about the courtesy shown when driving. Even if you have been indicating for ages, people here would rather run you off the road rather than let you in. I often let people in and they rarely acknowledge or thank you. So you just need to sell up now - I don't think there will be a queue of British Expats wanting to buy the farm do you? :D Good luck, keep everyone posted Kathy |
Re: Decision made!
Good luck with the move. Hope it works out :)
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Re: Decision made!
Great news Arkon. Bet you feel so much better now you know a decision has been made.
Solihull is nice. My old stomping ground! Bit pricey though. Try looking at a village called Catherine De Barnes just outside Solihull...wow! Good luck |
Re: Decision made!
Really pleased for you Arkon ... sure you've made the right decision. What are you going to do back in the UK work wise?
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Re: Decision made!
Good luck Arkon
Although i'm sure you don't need it, it will all be ok shelly |
Re: Decision made!
Least surprising post in BE history. But seriously - best of luck to you, the missus and the little 'un - hope everything works out well for you back in blighty. :)
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Re: Decision made!
Glad you've made the decision.
ps You've only been here 18 months. My god, it seems so much longer. Sure it feels like it too :D |
Re: Decision made!
Didn't realise there was a possibility of you not going back :D But seriously, hope you get a buyer soon for the property.
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Re: Decision made!
Must feel like a huge weight lifted hey :D
I would advise you to write down the things that you loved there as I am sure that you will get cold feet several times whilst you are selling up. Good luck with it all and keep us all posted on how things are going. Are you going to stay rural in the UK :confused: After having 2 acres I think that I am ready for a much smaller garden let alone what you had. ;) |
Re: Decision made!
Here's to going back ! :beer:
Originally Posted by woodyinoz
After having 2 acres I think that I am ready for a much smaller garden let alone what you had. ;)
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Re: Decision made!
Well, happy 4 u, but good grief you didnt shake of the blighty rain, lol.
Anyway, been away for 30+ years and for some odd reason I have the inkling to return to the old sod, politics, prices etc all humbug, I miss (believe it or not) the social life and pubs. Save me a spot somewhere in the South West. Cheers |
Re: Decision made!
Hi Arkon
That was a bit of a surprise...wishing you and the family lots of luck. :) :) |
Re: Decision made!
Good luck Arkon
I've read quite a lot of your posts since I joined this board a couple of months ago and I really can't blame you for going back lol. |
Re: Decision made!
Arkon,
All the best on your return |
Re: Decision made!
Good luck Arkon, hope your new life in the UK will be all you wish for.
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Re: Decision made!
I am pleased you have made your decision. Rightly or wrongly we are not even seriously taling about returning until out one year is up. Where in Oz were you?
Good luck
Originally Posted by arkon
Well we have been back to the UK for 2 weeks now after an agonising 18 months in Oz. The long and the short of it is we have made up our minds which country is best for us and our new family. I think I was pretty sure after just one day but 2 weeks on we have decide to come back here to the UK.
The climate is much fresher and more to our tastes along with the people and their humour. We find almost every aspect of the UK better, even the traffic although congested and fast just seemed to all work better. On day one I was flashed out of junctions no less than 3 times, at first I was a bit stunned as this never happens in Oz and I’d forgotten that although road rage might be a problem here the drivers are more polite and aware of other drivers than down under. The media annoyed me as it paints a far more bleak picture of the UK than is really the case for most people. Even this was offset by the fact that at least the bad stuff was talked about and brought out into the open so as something might be done about it. So much better than the head in the sand attitude and the she’ll be right messages. The kids are definitely more clued up and seem infinitely smarter and job prospects for the boy when he grows up are just so much better regardless of what he ends up wanting to do. It feels safer from an environment point of view for the boy, no more covering up in sun cream and mozzie repellent or even sore sweaty chuff for that matter. So we are coming home as soon as everything is sold up, dogs will have to fly again as well but we are just so much happier and more content here. Now just got to decide where to live, Surry seemed quite nice as does Solihull area…… I’ll be back on line in a week or so to answer any posts….. |
Re: Decision made!
Well.....it's not a surprise P.
Iif ever there was someone not suited to Aus...it was you m8:D Great to hear you are lovin it back in UK. No doubt you can't wait to get back here, sell the land and the Lllamas...and move on back to UK;) Enjoy the rest of your hols and no doubt we will hear of your tales once you return:D |
Re: Decision made!
Arkon..surprised you were on your hols here. So many peeps normally say coming back to check things out etc...
I am not surprised at you returning and I hope it's all that you want and wish for. Be happy. Be sad not to see baby pics of Llama's anymore..!!! :) All the best again P ;) |
Re: Decision made!
Congragulations for reaching a decision. Having read a lot of your posts it comes as no surprise to hear that you're moving back and I am sure that you will be happier back home. Good luck with selling up, it all seems so daunting but do what I did and take it one day at a time.
As you may know we have lived in Aus 3 years in August and made the decision to return back home 4 months ago. I spent a week in the U.K. a little over a month ago and it felt so right to be back and so wrong to be living in Aus. It made me question why we had left the U.K. in the first instance and how the hek we could have left! I think at the time we probably just needed an adventure so no regrets there. We've sold the house in Aus and fly back for good on the 7th June and will be living out our days in the beautiful hills of Surrey. I am so looking forward to finally getting back. Be warned if you're anything like us you will have moments of cold feet but for us our gut feeling for returning is a lot :) stronger. Best of luck |
Re: Decision made!
Good luck.
We lived inSolihull for 11 years and found it very pleasant. |
Re: Decision made!
Originally Posted by TraceyW
Great news Arkon. Bet you feel so much better now you know a decision has been made.
Solihull is nice. My old stomping ground! Bit pricey though. Try looking at a village called Catherine De Barnes just outside Solihull...wow! Good luck |
Re: Decision made!
Good Luck Arkon. I'm glad you've made a decision you're happy with.
All the best. |
Re: Decision made!
I was waiting for this thread Arkon, as I know you haven't been happy in Oz.
Good Luck with your move back here. I hope everything works out for you. Julie. x |
Re: Decision made!
Good luck Arkon and all the best for the future.
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Re: Decision made!
PRACTICALITIES
Hi, how did you go about selling your car/s and all the things you had aquired or did you decide to ship most of it home. We have things like washing machines, cars and some furniture that we would have no use of in the UK. Did you loose a lot by making the move?
Originally Posted by dadpad
Congragulations for reaching a decision. Having read a lot of your posts it comes as no surprise to hear that you're moving back and I am sure that you will be happier back home. Good luck with selling up, it all seems so daunting but do what I did and take it one day at a time.
As you may know we have lived in Aus 3 years in August and made the decision to return back home 4 months ago. I spent a week in the U.K. a little over a month ago and it felt so right to be back and so wrong to be living in Aus. It made me question why we had left the U.K. in the first instance and how the hek we could have left! I think at the time we probably just needed an adventure so no regrets there. We've sold the house in Aus and fly back for good on the 7th June and will be living out our days in the beautiful hills of Surrey. I am so looking forward to finally getting back. Be warned if you're anything like us you will have moments of cold feet but for us our gut feeling for returning is a lot :) stronger. Best of luck |
Re: Decision made!
Originally Posted by Sallyanne
The only thing to watch with Catherine de Barnes is that there is a big expansion of the airport planned or was when we were there. Most of it would become runway!
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Re: Decision made!
We've been in Australia for 2 years now (I am originally from Australia but have lived in UK for past 10 years, had kids etc). We are now at the stage of making the very difficult decision of whether to move back or not.
Neither of us have the pull of family nor work - we are self employed and basically can work anywhere in the world. I'm thinking the opposite of what I previously thought before I came out to Australia - that in fact the kids would be better off in England - more opportunities,information,exposure to new ideas etc. And yes, we were paid better in UK. But it is easy to be swayed by the calm environment, lovely beaches, sunshine. But there is more to life than that - I miss the newspapers, the tv, the information available, the choice of goods and services. We worry that we'll regret moving back again - the stress, the weather? We've sold the house and need to make a decision before we vacate the house in 6 weeks - eeek, how did you finally make a decision? flip a coin? |
Re: Decision made!
Originally Posted by arkon
Well we have been back to the UK for 2 weeks now after an agonising 18 months in Oz. The long and the short of it is we have made up our minds which country is best for us and our new family. I think I was pretty sure after just one day but 2 weeks on we have decide to come back here to the UK.
The climate is much fresher and more to our tastes along with the people and their humour. We find almost every aspect of the UK better, even the traffic although congested and fast just seemed to all work better. On day one I was flashed out of junctions no less than 3 times, at first I was a bit stunned as this never happens in Oz and I’d forgotten that although road rage might be a problem here the drivers are more polite and aware of other drivers than down under. The media annoyed me as it paints a far more bleak picture of the UK than is really the case for most people. Even this was offset by the fact that at least the bad stuff was talked about and brought out into the open so as something might be done about it. So much better than the head in the sand attitude and the she’ll be right messages. The kids are definitely more clued up and seem infinitely smarter and job prospects for the boy when he grows up are just so much better regardless of what he ends up wanting to do. It feels safer from an environment point of view for the boy, no more covering up in sun cream and mozzie repellent or even sore sweaty chuff for that matter. So we are coming home as soon as everything is sold up, dogs will have to fly again as well but we are just so much happier and more content here. Now just got to decide where to live, Surry seemed quite nice as does Solihull area…… I’ll be back on line in a week or so to answer any posts….. After reading your story, I genuinely wish you all the very best in your settlement back in the UK. Some people take to Immigration like a duck to water and others know from the outset it just isn't for them. Best Wishes, Jaycee (Canada) |
Re: Decision made!
Arkon, I'm actually disappointed to hear that you have definately decided to move back to the UK, as I'd kinda hoped that things would come right for you in Australia - and that perhaps by moving away from your current location and trying somewhere else in NSW might prove to be the answer.
At the end of the day, you and your wife must do what's right for you - that's all any of us can do, but just wanted to say please make sure you consider all the other options in Oz first. Nicky |
Re: Decision made!
Originally Posted by arkon
Well we have been back to the UK for 2 weeks now after an agonising 18 months in Oz. The long and the short of it is we have made up our minds which country is best for us and our new family. I think I was pretty sure after just one day but 2 weeks on we have decide to come back here to the UK.
The climate is much fresher and more to our tastes along with the people and their humour. We find almost every aspect of the UK better, even the traffic although congested and fast just seemed to all work better. On day one I was flashed out of junctions no less than 3 times, at first I was a bit stunned as this never happens in Oz and I’d forgotten that although road rage might be a problem here the drivers are more polite and aware of other drivers than down under. The media annoyed me as it paints a far more bleak picture of the UK than is really the case for most people. Even this was offset by the fact that at least the bad stuff was talked about and brought out into the open so as something might be done about it. So much better than the head in the sand attitude and the she’ll be right messages. The kids are definitely more clued up and seem infinitely smarter and job prospects for the boy when he grows up are just so much better regardless of what he ends up wanting to do. It feels safer from an environment point of view for the boy, no more covering up in sun cream and mozzie repellent or even sore sweaty chuff for that matter. So we are coming home as soon as everything is sold up, dogs will have to fly again as well but we are just so much happier and more content here. Now just got to decide where to live, Surry seemed quite nice as does Solihull area…… I’ll be back on line in a week or so to answer any posts….. Hi Arkon We are here coming up to a year and have decided to do the same as yourselves. We are from Ireland but to be honest most of the reasons for your decision apply to us also. We aren't homesick or any of that but to be honest for us Australia is an empty souless place and Ireland has much more to offer in terms of familly, culture, humour. I know some people wi;; disagree but each to their own. There seems to be a lot more starting to go back, we know of a 3 other famillies who have done it in the last 2 months and are very happy to be home. Also all the moving companies we had out for quotes commented that they are seeing a lot more going back than use to be the case. I think a lot of the time those that go back get on with life at home and lose touch with others thru forums like this but believe me an awful lot of people go back and are happy they have done it, Good luck with your move |
Re: Decision made!
Originally Posted by Brucey
Hi Arkon
We aren't homesick or any of that but to be honest for us Australia is an empty souless place and Ireland has much more to offer in terms of familly, culture, humour. what exactly do you think homesickness is if it doesn't include family, culture and humour from back home ??? :confused: There's nothing wrong with admitting that you are homesick you know. |
Re: Decision made!
Originally Posted by BigDavyG
Good luck with your move Brucey, but just one thing...
what exactly do you think homesickness is if it doesn't include family, culture and humour from back home ??? :confused: There's nothing wrong with admitting that you are homesick you know. Homesickness from my experience of others in Oz and from when I was in boarding school is when your miserable, unhappy and you struggle on a daily basis. Its true we miss the things you have mentioned but I would not describe myself or my familly as homesick, if we had to stay it would not be the end of the world for us, but for us (from our perspective) there is a better life on offer in Ireland than here so we are lucky enough to be able to return to it so we will. I would have no problem admitting I was homesick, but if you meet someone who is really homesick you quickly see the difference between someone who is homesick and someone who is just moving on. |
Re: Decision made!
Hi Brucey,
The comments in your post certainly struck a chord .We are currently waiting for our house to sell so that we can get back to the U.K. sharpish and start living again.We too were told by the moving companies we contacted that many are enquiring about and returning home or going to try New Zealand Good luck with your move !. |
Re: Decision made!
Originally Posted by Brucey
Hi BigDavyG
Homesickness from my experience of others in Oz and from when I was in boarding school is when your miserable, unhappy and you struggle on a daily basis. Its true we miss the things you have mentioned but I would not describe myself or my familly as homesick, if we had to stay it would not be the end of the world for us, but for us (from our perspective) there is a better life on offer in Ireland than here so we are lucky enough to be able to return to it so we will. I would have no problem admitting I was homesick, but if you meet someone who is really homesick you quickly see the difference between someone who is homesick and someone who is just moving on. |
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