Originally Posted by ozbux

.......you will never look back.

Originally Posted by ozbux

Winchester is lovely, you will never look back.

Originally Posted by Bal Gill

Hi, I just found this forum and it's interesting to read about another people's experiences. I came out to Sydney in 91 and have been going back on visits to the UK every 2 years. I came out with my young wife and we sat about enjoying Australia. Over the last 14 years I've packed a lot in and because I was so busy I lost myself in the pace not realising what price I was paying. Then 12 months ago my life came to a halt which gave me time to reflect. I never considered going home to he UK to live yet on my recent visit I realised how much the country has changed in culture and even weather. I'm the eldest of 5 children and we are a close family. What got me thinking was what's important in life, I've lived the high life and enjoyed it yet somehow being around family gives one a sense of belonging that can't be got from anywhere else. So for me the draw card is not the UK but more about rebonding and being close to my family. I have found that Sydney is a place without a soul, a city of young and upwardly mobile people all trying to make it before the clock tick beyond 35. Don't get me wrong I'm in the crowd but I'm tired of the pretenders and the want to bees. I used to believe that Sydney was a true melting pot of races yet I now realise that this only on the surface and that other countries have taken the lead. I suppose it’s not really surprising given the history of the country and its immigration polices since the 60’s. I actually found the UK more tolerate on my last trip. I grew up in the UK in the 60’s and then it was a little like Australia is now perhaps a little more extreme. Sydney is also obsessed with greed. I’m not saying the UK is perfect far from it, it’s just different and after all your home is where your heart is.

I would welcome your thoughts.

Originally Posted by Pants

Excellent read first thing this grey wintery UK morning..!!!

I don't think I lived there long enough to see the greed but then again I wasn't in Sydney I was out west...yep a "westie". I liked going into Sydney for a drink up now and again but my first "feel" of it was it's just like London but in the sun..!! I am not a city person..!!!

So I take it you are making plans to return.......are you completely selling up lock stock and barrel as they say?How about work back here?

Originally Posted by Bal Gill

I'm putting my stuff in storage and getting my ex-wife (we're still great friends) to help sell it off once I've had about 6 months back in the UK. My biggest concern is my dog I'm very fond of her and the rules are that I can only bring her over 6 months after her jabs. I have to find a good dog person to look after her for this period. I just hope she recognises me after such a long time.

I’ve had my own business here for 6 years and come from an IT background. I getting on however I still believe I can get work in Hampshire where I want to live.

I also have a wonderful family who have been waiting for over 20 years to have me back at home. I have to admit I’m a little scared because I do love freedom and the part of Sydney where I live is beautiful. I can take my dog (Bella) for walks at Watsons Bay and surrounding areas and be there within 10 mins. I’m sure she will enjoy the New Forest and Winchester just as much.

Originally Posted by Pants

I am sure you will do just fine with IT. My hubby is in IT and although he works in home counties he really wants to go back up and work in London..!!!

I used Skypets to bring our dog back and I know they have good kennels if that's of any help. Hey dog's just don't forget loved ones..!!!She will love the english countryside.

I must say I missed the feeling of "space" when I came back and still do..!!

Well best go off to work now.....good luck with move home.

Originally Posted by ABOD

Why is it that back in the UK you never hear about those that have emigrated but then returned (whatever the reason). Before I came out here all I ever heard of was those that were living the dream in Canada/Australia/New Zealand... Do we all return to the UK and then go into a shameful underworld where the experience can not be mentioned?

I will certainly be happy to talk about my experience here in Australia (I've had a good one ) and would never dissuade anyone from doing the same, but I would also highlight the realities of such a venture and that (gosh dare I say it) people do return.

I just wondered does anyone feel the same?

Originally Posted by Bal Gill

I have to find a good dog person to look after her for this period. I just hope she recognises me after such a long time.

Originally Posted by janeyray

I'm back and still post. Can't post as much due to little one but still try.
Life is brilliant here for us, better than before and it was good then. We've moved on from OZ and live life here how we want to.

We dream of better things but everyone does, when I win the lottery I'll buy a holiday home in Oz and flit over now and again.

Originally Posted by ladyofthelake

There is no doubt she will recognise and remember you. I used to have a Golden Retriever. We were sent to live in Hong Kong for a year and there was no way we could take him with us to live in an apartment in such an unpet-friendly city. He went to live with a lovely lady who adopted him permanently from us, as it didn't seem fair to let him get used to living with her for all that time and then uproot him from there again once we returned. Well, 18 months after I had last seen him, I went to visit him with his new owner. He knew me instantly, he was so excited to see me, it broke my heart. It was so hard to leave him there, but I knew he was happy and settled and being well looked after where he was, so it would have been very selfish for me to take him away. He was getting old and didn't need that kind of upheavel. I didn't see him again after that, it was too difficult on all sides to keep up the visits.
Sorry to waffle on, my point really was to say dogs don't forget the people in thier lives. We all know abused dogs can remember bad experiences, but they can also remember the good experiences and the good people they know.

Originally Posted by Bal Gill

I brought Bella up from a pup she's my first dog and we have developed a very close bond since it's just the two of us. At times I think she's be better off here with someone that will care for her the way I do and then again she's my mate and I would not want any harm to come to her. So I'll be happier if she's with me even if that means waiting for 6 months. Bella's only 7 months old so I suppose she'll be fine making the trip to the UK.

Originally Posted by Pants

awww bless so she is still a pup. I think if you feel that way about Bella then wait those 6mnths..it will all be worth it for your Bella and you. We got our Molly from a rescue centre in Oz and when I got quotes for her to fly back some of the responses from "Aussie's" were amazing...like it would be cheaper to get her put to sleep, why the hell would you pay X amount for a dog to fly back....etc etc.......they were obviously very anal these people..!!!

No way would we have left Molly to go through yet another experience of being deserted by her owners, no matter what the cost.!!and she just loves it here..all the open spaces, woods and water she can run through to her hearts content.

Originally Posted by PLANTS

Yes Take her with you!
I bought our Bella/dog just before Christmas along with our Cat/Cassie and they have both settled really easily and I wouldn't be without either of them. Bella was only 8m old when we put our plan into action and decided to take her back, we decided to stay for the 6m and do 'home' quarantine with the rabies injection rather than put her in quarantine in the UK which I think was the right thing. She is only young and has settled really well, albeit a bit cold at times and had to buy her a coat! But the look on her face when we take her out for walks here is priceless, she sniffs everything and runs around like a lunatic! Hubbie says, if you can wait do the quarantine period with her around so she doesn't stress being separated from you.

So do what your heart says, we did and haven;t regretted it at all. If she is your mate she wont forget you and imagine the fun you can have when she arrives.

Just remember, you cant always please others, but you can please yourself.


PLANTS