Good to be back
Sep 16th 2009, 5:30 am
#1
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Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2008
Location: Derbyshire
Posts: 193
Good to be back
Hi
Just a quick update of 7 weeks back in England, after living in Perth for a year.
I'm not going to say I'm lovin' it, because I truly began to despise those three words while I was away, and anyway the feeling's much better than that! and I'm not into Americanisms anyway!
It's been extremely easy to slip back into my old life (yes, I know it was only a year), but that's what I like about it, it's easy here - for me, anyway. No more waking up in the morning with that twisted gut feeling of "shall we stay, or shall we go". I didn't dislike Perth, it just wasn't for us for many many reasons. It was like one very long holiday, and like every holiday, you take fond memories home with you. It was a fabulous experience, and one which I haven't regretted. We took that time to have some great adventures and look back at what we could have done differently with our lives rather than jumping on that plane. But, like I said I don't regret jumping on that plane - we did it for a reason.
We came back to our old house and old cars, which is great. Hubby is working away which is the only downside, but we're not adverse to moving at some point (anyone know much about Northampton?), as long as it's in the UK.
I spent the first couple of weeks driving through all the country back lanes around where I live, and it was truly wonderful. I loved the coast in Perth but I'm a definite country girl! I've enrolled both my boys in a village school on the edge of the Peak National Park which is a 20 min drive, but worth it for the view. My 8 year old is still settling in at school and trying to get used to the playground obsession of football - which he hates. At the moment he much prefers his Perth school, but it's still early days.
The friends and family thing is uber important to me. To have my mum not far away is priceless. Before we left for Perth I told her that we would come home twice a year and she could come over for holidays etc., but in reality I knew it would never work out that way. My stepdad became immobile so mum is a full time carer, so hols to Perth would have been out of the question. The plane journey is so long with two young children, then having to cope with jet lag either end, and the long tearful goodbyes to contend with wasn't an attractive thought. It would have been too much agony all round.
We're best off back home.
Just a quick update of 7 weeks back in England, after living in Perth for a year.
I'm not going to say I'm lovin' it, because I truly began to despise those three words while I was away, and anyway the feeling's much better than that! and I'm not into Americanisms anyway!
It's been extremely easy to slip back into my old life (yes, I know it was only a year), but that's what I like about it, it's easy here - for me, anyway. No more waking up in the morning with that twisted gut feeling of "shall we stay, or shall we go". I didn't dislike Perth, it just wasn't for us for many many reasons. It was like one very long holiday, and like every holiday, you take fond memories home with you. It was a fabulous experience, and one which I haven't regretted. We took that time to have some great adventures and look back at what we could have done differently with our lives rather than jumping on that plane. But, like I said I don't regret jumping on that plane - we did it for a reason.
We came back to our old house and old cars, which is great. Hubby is working away which is the only downside, but we're not adverse to moving at some point (anyone know much about Northampton?), as long as it's in the UK.
I spent the first couple of weeks driving through all the country back lanes around where I live, and it was truly wonderful. I loved the coast in Perth but I'm a definite country girl! I've enrolled both my boys in a village school on the edge of the Peak National Park which is a 20 min drive, but worth it for the view. My 8 year old is still settling in at school and trying to get used to the playground obsession of football - which he hates. At the moment he much prefers his Perth school, but it's still early days.
The friends and family thing is uber important to me. To have my mum not far away is priceless. Before we left for Perth I told her that we would come home twice a year and she could come over for holidays etc., but in reality I knew it would never work out that way. My stepdad became immobile so mum is a full time carer, so hols to Perth would have been out of the question. The plane journey is so long with two young children, then having to cope with jet lag either end, and the long tearful goodbyes to contend with wasn't an attractive thought. It would have been too much agony all round.
We're best off back home.
Sep 16th 2009, 5:37 am
#2
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2005
Location: US
Posts: 144
Re: Good to be back
Hi
Just a quick update of 7 weeks back in England, after living in Perth for a year.
I'm not going to say I'm lovin' it, because I truly began to despise those three words while I was away, and anyway the feeling's much better than that! and I'm not into Americanisms anyway!
It's been extremely easy to slip back into my old life (yes, I know it was only a year), but that's what I like about it, it's easy here - for me, anyway. No more waking up in the morning with that twisted gut feeling of "shall we stay, or shall we go". I didn't dislike Perth, it just wasn't for us for many many reasons. It was like one very long holiday, and like every holiday, you take fond memories home with you. It was a fabulous experience, and one which I haven't regretted. We took that time to have some great adventures and look back at what we could have done differently with our lives rather than jumping on that plane. But, like I said I don't regret jumping on that plane - we did it for a reason.
We came back to our old house and old cars, which is great. Hubby is working away which is the only downside, but we're not adverse to moving at some point (anyone know much about Northampton?), as long as it's in the UK.
I spent the first couple of weeks driving through all the country back lanes around where I live, and it was truly wonderful. I loved the coast in Perth but I'm a definite country girl! I've enrolled both my boys in a village school on the edge of the Peak National Park which is a 20 min drive, but worth it for the view. My 8 year old is still settling in at school and trying to get used to the playground obsession of football - which he hates. At the moment he much prefers his Perth school, but it's still early days.
The friends and family thing is uber important to me. To have my mum not far away is priceless. Before we left for Perth I told her that we would come home twice a year and she could come over for holidays etc., but in reality I knew it would never work out that way. My stepdad became immobile so mum is a full time carer, so hols to Perth would have been out of the question. The plane journey is so long with two young children, then having to cope with jet lag either end, and the long tearful goodbyes to contend with wasn't an attractive thought. It would have been too much agony all round.
We're best off back home.
Just a quick update of 7 weeks back in England, after living in Perth for a year.
I'm not going to say I'm lovin' it, because I truly began to despise those three words while I was away, and anyway the feeling's much better than that! and I'm not into Americanisms anyway!
It's been extremely easy to slip back into my old life (yes, I know it was only a year), but that's what I like about it, it's easy here - for me, anyway. No more waking up in the morning with that twisted gut feeling of "shall we stay, or shall we go". I didn't dislike Perth, it just wasn't for us for many many reasons. It was like one very long holiday, and like every holiday, you take fond memories home with you. It was a fabulous experience, and one which I haven't regretted. We took that time to have some great adventures and look back at what we could have done differently with our lives rather than jumping on that plane. But, like I said I don't regret jumping on that plane - we did it for a reason.
We came back to our old house and old cars, which is great. Hubby is working away which is the only downside, but we're not adverse to moving at some point (anyone know much about Northampton?), as long as it's in the UK.
I spent the first couple of weeks driving through all the country back lanes around where I live, and it was truly wonderful. I loved the coast in Perth but I'm a definite country girl! I've enrolled both my boys in a village school on the edge of the Peak National Park which is a 20 min drive, but worth it for the view. My 8 year old is still settling in at school and trying to get used to the playground obsession of football - which he hates. At the moment he much prefers his Perth school, but it's still early days.
The friends and family thing is uber important to me. To have my mum not far away is priceless. Before we left for Perth I told her that we would come home twice a year and she could come over for holidays etc., but in reality I knew it would never work out that way. My stepdad became immobile so mum is a full time carer, so hols to Perth would have been out of the question. The plane journey is so long with two young children, then having to cope with jet lag either end, and the long tearful goodbyes to contend with wasn't an attractive thought. It would have been too much agony all round.
We're best off back home.
Sep 16th 2009, 5:38 am
#3
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,872
Re: Good to be back
Welcome back Heljinder!Sounds like you are settling in very well.Peace of mind is very comforting is'nt it?
Anyway best of luck and have a great "new"life!
Anyway best of luck and have a great "new"life!
Sep 16th 2009, 8:17 am
#4
Account Closed
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 8,913
Re: Good to be back
It is good to be back isn't it
All the best to you and your family.
All the best to you and your family.
Sep 16th 2009, 9:49 am
#5
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Joined: Jan 2009
Location: Home!!!
Posts: 421
Re: Good to be back
Thanks for the update Heljinder, it's always good to hear from returnees whether it's good or bad. I'm glad things are slotting into place for you and that you can look back on your time in Perth with some fond memories.
I remember from your previous posts that you were not totally struck on the schools here in Perth, did you have any trouble getting places for your boys back home?
I remember from your previous posts that you were not totally struck on the schools here in Perth, did you have any trouble getting places for your boys back home?
Sep 16th 2009, 3:51 pm
#6
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2008
Location: South Australia
Posts: 503
Re: Good to be back
Hi
Just a quick update of 7 weeks back in England, after living in Perth for a year.
I'm not going to say I'm lovin' it, because I truly began to despise those three words while I was away, and anyway the feeling's much better than that! and I'm not into Americanisms anyway!
It's been extremely easy to slip back into my old life (yes, I know it was only a year), but that's what I like about it, it's easy here - for me, anyway. No more waking up in the morning with that twisted gut feeling of "shall we stay, or shall we go". I didn't dislike Perth, it just wasn't for us for many many reasons. It was like one very long holiday, and like every holiday, you take fond memories home with you. It was a fabulous experience, and one which I haven't regretted. We took that time to have some great adventures and look back at what we could have done differently with our lives rather than jumping on that plane. But, like I said I don't regret jumping on that plane - we did it for a reason.
We came back to our old house and old cars, which is great. Hubby is working away which is the only downside, but we're not adverse to moving at some point (anyone know much about Northampton?), as long as it's in the UK.
I spent the first couple of weeks driving through all the country back lanes around where I live, and it was truly wonderful. I loved the coast in Perth but I'm a definite country girl! I've enrolled both my boys in a village school on the edge of the Peak National Park which is a 20 min drive, but worth it for the view. My 8 year old is still settling in at school and trying to get used to the playground obsession of football - which he hates. At the moment he much prefers his Perth school, but it's still early days.
The friends and family thing is uber important to me. To have my mum not far away is priceless. Before we left for Perth I told her that we would come home twice a year and she could come over for holidays etc., but in reality I knew it would never work out that way. My stepdad became immobile so mum is a full time carer, so hols to Perth would have been out of the question. The plane journey is so long with two young children, then having to cope with jet lag either end, and the long tearful goodbyes to contend with wasn't an attractive thought. It would have been too much agony all round.
We're best off back home.
Just a quick update of 7 weeks back in England, after living in Perth for a year.
I'm not going to say I'm lovin' it, because I truly began to despise those three words while I was away, and anyway the feeling's much better than that! and I'm not into Americanisms anyway!
It's been extremely easy to slip back into my old life (yes, I know it was only a year), but that's what I like about it, it's easy here - for me, anyway. No more waking up in the morning with that twisted gut feeling of "shall we stay, or shall we go". I didn't dislike Perth, it just wasn't for us for many many reasons. It was like one very long holiday, and like every holiday, you take fond memories home with you. It was a fabulous experience, and one which I haven't regretted. We took that time to have some great adventures and look back at what we could have done differently with our lives rather than jumping on that plane. But, like I said I don't regret jumping on that plane - we did it for a reason.
We came back to our old house and old cars, which is great. Hubby is working away which is the only downside, but we're not adverse to moving at some point (anyone know much about Northampton?), as long as it's in the UK.
I spent the first couple of weeks driving through all the country back lanes around where I live, and it was truly wonderful. I loved the coast in Perth but I'm a definite country girl! I've enrolled both my boys in a village school on the edge of the Peak National Park which is a 20 min drive, but worth it for the view. My 8 year old is still settling in at school and trying to get used to the playground obsession of football - which he hates. At the moment he much prefers his Perth school, but it's still early days.
The friends and family thing is uber important to me. To have my mum not far away is priceless. Before we left for Perth I told her that we would come home twice a year and she could come over for holidays etc., but in reality I knew it would never work out that way. My stepdad became immobile so mum is a full time carer, so hols to Perth would have been out of the question. The plane journey is so long with two young children, then having to cope with jet lag either end, and the long tearful goodbyes to contend with wasn't an attractive thought. It would have been too much agony all round.
We're best off back home.
Sep 16th 2009, 6:04 pm
#7
The Kwisatz Haderach
Joined: Aug 2008
Location: North Wales
Posts: 8,080
Re: Good to be back
Sounds like things are going pretty well. I'm sure your son will make friends and settle soon enough.
Sep 16th 2009, 6:26 pm
#8
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Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2008
Location: Derbyshire
Posts: 193
Re: Good to be back
Thanks everyone for your replies and good wishes! Just like to add a tinsy wincy bit to my post, as I can't hold it in....
I feel so bloody alive here it's unbelievable! What is it about Perth that makes some people feel dead inside? 'fraid I was one of them. I felt sluggish and drained all the time - it was bizarre. It's all very pretty and we had some great times, but OMG I felt like injecting some life into the place! People here are so vibrant, alive and have got something to say. The media is top as far as I'm concerned. Radio 4, 5Live, BBC World Service are unmatched. The newspapers - depending which one's you read - are quality. Perth gave me a great holiday, but nowt else!
Anyway....
stm1971 - getting the boys into a school out of catchment was easy, especially for my eldest. I had to appeal to get my four year old in though, but he was accepted straight away. It's a rural village school in a very affluent area so unless you're a village kid or are prepared to make the car journey everyday the numbers stay quite low. He had a much better day today, and has made friends with non-footballing boys. His school in Perth did very well by him in the end, so I've no real complaints there.
Patzy - I'll pick your brains about Northampton if we think we might move. Hope your return back home goes well.
I feel so bloody alive here it's unbelievable! What is it about Perth that makes some people feel dead inside? 'fraid I was one of them. I felt sluggish and drained all the time - it was bizarre. It's all very pretty and we had some great times, but OMG I felt like injecting some life into the place! People here are so vibrant, alive and have got something to say. The media is top as far as I'm concerned. Radio 4, 5Live, BBC World Service are unmatched. The newspapers - depending which one's you read - are quality. Perth gave me a great holiday, but nowt else!
Anyway....
stm1971 - getting the boys into a school out of catchment was easy, especially for my eldest. I had to appeal to get my four year old in though, but he was accepted straight away. It's a rural village school in a very affluent area so unless you're a village kid or are prepared to make the car journey everyday the numbers stay quite low. He had a much better day today, and has made friends with non-footballing boys. His school in Perth did very well by him in the end, so I've no real complaints there.
Patzy - I'll pick your brains about Northampton if we think we might move. Hope your return back home goes well.
Sep 16th 2009, 6:55 pm
#9
Account Closed
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,533
Re: Good to be back
Don't you just love that "I'm Home!!!" feeling?
Hope all works out as great for you as it has for us.
Hope all works out as great for you as it has for us.
Sep 16th 2009, 8:03 pm
#10
Joined: Mar 2009
Location: Google Town
Posts: 7,532
Re: Good to be back
We lived in Milton Keynes before moving out here, knew lots of people who lived either in MK and commuted to Northampton or Visa Versa it takes around 30 minutes to commute.
Just thought I would mention it, as we loved MK, its a great city loads to do, easy to get around and countryside easily accessible. Schools are in the main good, and lots of them are relatively new.
Sep 16th 2009, 10:48 pm
#11
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Joined: Sep 2003
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 716
Re: Good to be back
I was only just thinking about you the other day, so pleased that you are still happy being back home
How are you coping with the traffic and parking ?We got back from our holidays 6 weeks ago,stayed in a place called Ilfracombe had agreat time, even though it did rain most of the week we where there. We left Ilfracome and then headed back into London, took us 4 hours on the motorway,no traffic problems.it was great.mind you I did not drive my OH had to as I was a little nervous,must be my age
All the best to you and yours I.G.
Sep 17th 2009, 12:40 am
#12
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Joined: Mar 2009
Location: Torbay, North Shore
Posts: 744
Re: Good to be back
We lived in Northamptonshire for 5 years and loved it we lived in a village called Kislingbury just North of Sixfields the cinema, bowling restaurants and supermarkets were only 2 miles away in 6 fields, OH commuted to Milton Keynes 20-25 mins down the A5 I covered the whole home counties as well as commuting to London all do able! MK is very transient but it does depend what you want.
When we moved to Bicester OH still commuted to Northampton which is another thought as is Corby, Wellingborough etc
good luck
can wait until we return 17 weeks 5 days and counting
When we moved to Bicester OH still commuted to Northampton which is another thought as is Corby, Wellingborough etc
good luck
can wait until we return 17 weeks 5 days and counting
Sep 17th 2009, 12:20 pm
#13
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Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2008
Location: Derbyshire
Posts: 193
Re: Good to be back
To not hear shop assistants/cashiers etc., saying "Hi, how ya going" and "enjoy the rest of your day" is fantastic! As if they gave a rats arse how I was anyway!
Sep 17th 2009, 12:28 pm
#14
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Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2008
Location: Derbyshire
Posts: 193
Re: Good to be back
Glad things are working out for you.
We lived in Milton Keynes before moving out here, knew lots of people who lived either in MK and commuted to Northampton or Visa Versa it takes around 30 minutes to commute.
Just thought I would mention it, as we loved MK, its a great city loads to do, easy to get around and countryside easily accessible. Schools are in the main good, and lots of them are relatively new.
We lived in Milton Keynes before moving out here, knew lots of people who lived either in MK and commuted to Northampton or Visa Versa it takes around 30 minutes to commute.
Just thought I would mention it, as we loved MK, its a great city loads to do, easy to get around and countryside easily accessible. Schools are in the main good, and lots of them are relatively new.
We lived in Northamptonshire for 5 years and loved it we lived in a village called Kislingbury just North of Sixfields the cinema, bowling restaurants and supermarkets were only 2 miles away in 6 fields, OH commuted to Milton Keynes 20-25 mins down the A5 I covered the whole home counties as well as commuting to London all do able! MK is very transient but it does depend what you want.
When we moved to Bicester OH still commuted to Northampton which is another thought as is Corby, Wellingborough etc
good luck
can wait until we return 17 weeks 5 days and counting
When we moved to Bicester OH still commuted to Northampton which is another thought as is Corby, Wellingborough etc
good luck
can wait until we return 17 weeks 5 days and counting
Hope your move back goes well janeyk.
Sep 17th 2009, 6:17 pm
#15
Account Closed
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,533
Re: Good to be back
Hi Tracyw,
I was only just thinking about you the other day, so pleased that you are still happy being back home How are you coping with the traffic and parking ?
We got back from our holidays 6 weeks ago,stayed in a place called Ilfracombe had agreat time, even though it did rain most of the week we where there. We left Ilfracome and then headed back into London, took us 4 hours on the motorway,no traffic problems.it was great.mind you I did not drive my OH had to as I was a little nervous,must be my age
All the best to you and yours I.G.
I was only just thinking about you the other day, so pleased that you are still happy being back home
How are you coping with the traffic and parking ?We got back from our holidays 6 weeks ago,stayed in a place called Ilfracombe had agreat time, even though it did rain most of the week we where there. We left Ilfracome and then headed back into London, took us 4 hours on the motorway,no traffic problems.it was great.mind you I did not drive my OH had to as I was a little nervous,must be my age
All the best to you and yours I.G.
We felt really sorry for the poor sods heading home, towing caravans after a washout of a summer. Ah well, sympathy over with, we can have our beaches back now for rock pooling
