MsElui

thought it might be useful for some making their decisions.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7481927.stm

onepearlyb

We went back on a visit 2 months ago and found food and clothing prices incredibly cheap.
The availability and choice of all products actually, was incredible so as a result competition makes for better prices.
Compared to here in Australia - it was amazing. So much on offer and all at great prices.
Looking forwards to our return!

*pearly*

manc1

[QUOTE=onepearlyb;6524586]We went back on a visit 2 months ago and found food and clothing prices incredibly cheap.
The availability and choice of all products actually, was incredible so as a result competition makes for better prices.
Compared to here in Australia - it was amazing. So much on offer and all at great prices.
Looking forwards to our return!

My experience also.

onepearlyb

Yup - might be up to our necks in a mortgage when we go back - but at least we'll be well dressed and well fed!

You heading back manc1??

brits1

We certainly food most things cheaper, food,clothes, drinks even eating out was mainly cheaper and a there was a lot more choice than we have here in Perth we even went on a family holiday to Cyprus (in late April) all inclusive for not much more than a mon - Fri break to Dunsborough.....need I say more!!!!!

onepearlyb

Geeeez, yes - you've just reminded me of the cheap airfares to Europe etc!
You just can't knock it.

If you think about it - the UK does have SOME good stuff going for it, eh?!!

brits1

Certainly does..great people (mostly!!!) ideal location (near to Europe and America) History, Life!!!!! ha ha....could do with better weather (there having some great weather at the moment) but that's not everything!!!!! "gigs"..would love to have gone to the Nelson Mandela concert!!!! etc.....oh well hopefully soon....CAN SOMEONE PLEASE BUY OUR HOME AND ASK OUR GUARDIAN ANGELS TO COME BACK FROM WHEREVER THEY HAVE DISSAPEARED TO THESE LAST !14 MONTHS!!!!!!! (a little bit of help from them/anyone/anything would be just great at the moment!!!)

JoolsB

[QUOTE=manc1;6524840] I agree too-so what made us all think it was so much better/cheaper to live here then?

onepearlyb

[quote=JoolsB;6525141] I dunno - sun?? The mythical tale that all will be great and better elsewhere?
The reality is far removed.

It's just something we've had to do I suppose. Now that we're in the process of going back, things seem to be happening for us to make it all possible. No obstacles in our way. It's like brits1's guardian angels have lifted a weight and opened the gates and now we're free to go.

JoolsB

[QUOTE=onepearlyb;6525169] At least that makes you feel you're headed in the right direction

Weird thing is it was such smooth sailing for us to get to Aus despite what looked like numerous obstacles everything did fall into place on the way here making us think it we must be doing the right thing. Makes me question myself-perhaps there is a reason I am here for the time being..

onepearlyb

[quote=JoolsB;6525197] Yup - your right. There's always a reason for it I think.
For us - maybe it was to realise how much we needed our family near us.
Or - perhaps it was to give me the opportunity to study more in the area of work I enjoy.By doing this, it's allowing me to apply for jobs back home I wouldn't be able to get otherwise.

Whatever it was/is - we're here, we've stuck it out and now we're going back. No regrets,no what if's.
It took us 15 months to make the final decision to return although I had my doubts while we were going through the PR application. Felt like I was on that rollercoaster and couldn't get off. Just had to go through with it.

All that matters is that you are happy with the decisions you make, as this life is so short and precious. Don't waste time being unhappy and stressed if you don't need to be in that situation. Nothing is worth that.

Now, back to shopping at M&S online.

MrsB

It HAS got some good stuff going for it...definately...but you wouldn't think that talking to people where I live. Sometimes I think people try to think of all the negatives in England - just to try and convince themselves they've done the right thing by staying here! I've heard all about the "dried up" vegetables in Sainsburys and the wonderful choice here - it makes me mad!!!

onepearlyb

Your right. People living permanently anywhere in the world,take great pleasure in seeing the negatives mostly. It's only when you leave, that clarity shows what you really had.
There are +ve and -ve's everywhere as we all know by now.
I think it's all about achieving a balance and having what you need most around you. When you have this you enjoy life more and there's less unhappiness. Sorted!

Tootsie Frickensprinkles

[QUOTE=JoolsB;6525141] Was it an exchange rate issue? I understand the table has turned the other way more recently.

Londonuck

Really depends on how many in your family. Two of us live very comfortably. Inflation for us is probably only running at 1 or 2%, we rent and dont have a car. Someone with kids, mortgage and car will be looking at 9-10%.