Been a bit of a journey for us, backpacked for a year in 1999, around Aus and NZ, had a fab time, so much so, that 18 mths later we decided to emmigrate to NZ, never really had a plan and looking back now think we were just after an adventure.

In some ways we slightly severed links to the Uk, except contact with family.(never planned to go back) Was in Nz 4 yrs before re-located to Perth, Aus and lived there 6 yrs. All in all we have been away from Uk 10 yrs. In that time, we had x2 little ones and were happy enough until a couple of years ago when we started questioning our future and plus we werent happy in Perth.

Anyway, after much thought, we decided to return to Uk. Having been away so long, decided on somewhere new that was between family. Nearest family members 1 hour away.

Words cant explain the feeling on arriving home. That sense of belonging and relief. Felt like a jigsaw piece that finally fitted somewhere. Even now when I drive around the countryside, I am so in awe of the place.

Utterly glad to be home and the right decision for us. we lurve where we are, but with the nearest family around an hour away, I question whether we have taken too much on, moving to a new area, where we don't know anyone, with two little un's under 5 yrs in tow. Feeling a bit of an island! Got out and made an effort to meet people but then seem to have hit a bit of a stalemate, bit exhausted with going somewhere new and am starting to almost lose confidence in my ability to actually make new friends!

I have heard it takes 18 months to re-settle and I completely see why. I still feel a bit out of sorts in trying to find my feet but it is the best feeling ever to be home. Seeing everything through a different light. Autumn I think may now be my favourite time of year!

Good luck to everyone returning, I think for us, even though we are returning home, it is a case of appreciating the scale of it, and being kind to ourselves. 10 yrs has been a long time to be away.

My best way of meeting new friends when I went back alone with a 3 year old was the local play group, then the local nursery school and primary school. 20 years later I'm still friendly with a few of those Mums and when we go back (again) in the next year or so, we'll be living near two of them. I am so looking forward to picking up where we left off, and so are they.

good on you. I think it just takes time to pick up with old friendships and make new. Am going to lots of playgroups and then there is the school run.

Only been 3 months, in the past I found it easier to make friendships with those in the similar boat, e.g. new to the area.

Generally tho' am finding it easier to connect with people than I did when I was in Perth, Oz!

[QUOTE=Sunshine111;9729342]

Hi, I think genuine friendships take time, its good to have young ones as pre school, play groups etc are a good way to meet Mums etc, also when youngsters are starting sports and joining sports clubs is also a good way to meet people. We are like yourselves, after spending 12 years in Perth we moved back to the UK and have rented half way between both families about 40 mins, we did not really do this on purpose the main things for us was a nice area, good High Street and semi rural, most days I love where we are but others I feel a bit 'far away' mad as it sounds after living in Aus lol but it also works for us as our boys are now 20 and nearly 18 they enjoy seeing their families but are very use to having their own space so to speak (might be different if they were younger especially for me) give it time and if you feel you miss your family move a little closer if you can, you will make friends I always say if I have made one true friend then its better than rent a crowd. Chirstmas is here soon a good way to meet the neighbours etc, give it time and you will soon put down roots again. Welcome home, good luck

[QUOTE=brits1;9730883] Hello, arr, thanks so much for your lovely supportive post. I can absolutely relate to it, funny enough, even sounds like you have had a same spec interms of what you were looking for, when you moved back location-wise! We are semi-rural too, having been in Perth, we thought we would struggle going back somewhere so built up.

I generally lurve where we are and is great for young kids but just that hour drive, (mad it seems far,having been in Oz!) probably wont be as bad when the kids are older and we have settled more. My family is complicated too. Parents divorced and opposite ends of the M25! (not such a bad thing! ha) so kind of plonked ourselves in the middle via hubbies mum. Logistically we are probably well placed, think its just a case of giving it time....

Still great being back!! Couldn't of done another hot Perth summer. This year was a shocker! Even hoping for snow. Bonus to be looking forward to Christmas too, spending time with family. Perfick!

I can totally relate to you.Our situation is exactly the same as yours.We spent 10yrs in Canada and finally in August 2011 we decided to move back to the UK,although we havent sold the house yet (but renting it out). We moved to an area that is 1.5hours away from our friends and family.Although i love this area alot more than where we use to live in the UK,we are starting again from scratch. I am finding it difficult to make frinds,although i am trying hard.Even the neighbors seem very distant.I would be right over making them welcome if it was them moving in....but they hardly life their headsto say "hello"....whats wrong with everybody?????
I really feel like we made the right decision,as that piece of the jigsaw was always missing in Canada,and we just feel complete here....apart from the friends bit right now.