Originally Posted by Pollyana

Maybe, all I want though is a basic admin position in the area I love - emergency management.

Originally Posted by phoenixinoz

So Merry Happy and Happy Merry to all....and I hope 2007 is a better year and that you live the life you want, wherever that may be

Originally Posted by kiwi_child

It hasn't felt like xmas for me for along time. I think a lot of that is to do with what we associate xmas to be with: family and friends, climate, familiar surroundings etc But aside from all of that, I see some traditional signs of xmas here but don't feel the 'xmas spirit' if you know what I mean.

I think this is just synonymous with one of the greatest social problems australia faces: a general lack of community spirit/belonging that stems from a lack of inclusivity of others. On the surface oz claims to welcome and include all new comers to their country, but in reality this does not pan out that way at all.

I spoke to a UK guy of Indian descent recently who has lived in oz for a decade and works in a govt department. He put his finger on it when he said to me " Back in London (where he was from) if we came across each other we'd prob say hi to each other and end up having a chat over a cuppa or a pint but here we'd at most likely just give a polite smile or hello as we passed on by "

People badmouth the UK, but by and large those who live there have learned how to get on with others and understand the value in friendship building on a real level. It's part of the British spirit/psyche, a part I hope never gets lost.

Originally Posted by northernbird

Same to you, have a good one

Originally Posted by Hels Bells

I am really curious....I am sure you have probably said, but I cant really be bothered hunting back through your posts, when did you live in the UK? Where and for how long exactly??

Originally Posted by kiwi_child

I lived in London (Bayswater, Lancaster Gate area mainly) for around a year and then spent a couple months in a place called Neath in Sth Wales. This was back in 88-89.

Originally Posted by Hels Bells

Thought so.....

Originally Posted by Hels Bells

Thought so.....

Originally Posted by chance to be

Originally Posted by kiwi_child
I lived in London (Bayswater, Lancaster Gate area mainly) for around a year and then spent a couple months in a place called Neath in Sth Wales. This was back in 88-89.



i dont think we can judge the validity of peoples comments on the basis of how long they have lived somewhere/how long ago or what area.
What you see is what you interpret. You might think because it was some time ago, that makes the description less valid as the UK has changed since then. Other people may disagree. Some may say its actually improoved since '89. Its horses for courses - but your opinion carries equal weight to everyone elses as its yours, and rightly so.

Originally Posted by Hels Bells

Thought so.....

Originally Posted by northernbird

You are Australian, you should know that London IS the UK

Originally Posted by kiwi_child

It hasn't felt like xmas for me for along time. I think a lot of that is to do with what we associate xmas to be with: family and friends, climate, familiar surroundings etc But aside from all of that, I see some traditional signs of xmas here but don't feel the 'xmas spirit' if you know what I mean.

I think this is just synonymous with one of the greatest social problems australia faces: a general lack of community spirit/belonging that stems from a lack of inclusivity of others. On the surface oz claims to welcome and include all new comers to their country, but in reality this does not pan out that way at all.

I spoke to a UK guy of Indian descent recently who has lived in oz for a decade and works in a govt department. He put his finger on it when he said to me " Back in London (where he was from) if we came across each other we'd prob say hi to each other and end up having a chat over a cuppa or a pint but here we'd at most likely just give a polite smile or hello as we passed on by "

People badmouth the UK, but by and large those who live there have learned how to get on with others and understand the value in friendship building on a real level. It's part of the British spirit/psyche, a part I hope never gets lost.

Originally Posted by chance to be

Originally Posted by kiwi_child
I lived in London (Bayswater, Lancaster Gate area mainly) for around a year and then spent a couple months in a place called Neath in Sth Wales. This was back in 88-89.



i dont think we can judge the validity of peoples comments on the basis of how long they have lived somewhere/how long ago or what area.
What you see is what you interpret. You might think because it was some time ago, that makes the description less valid as the UK has changed since then. Other people may disagree. Some may say its actually improoved since '89. Its horses for courses - but your opinion carries equal weight to everyone elses as its yours, and rightly so.

Originally Posted by Hels Bells

Nothing like jumping to conclusions and making a few assumptions!!

Originally Posted by chance to be

If it was for some other reason, please enlighten, and apologies in advance