wombat42

Why did you go to all the trouble and expense of immigrating to OZ in the first place just to pack up and go home after 3 or 6 months? did you have the wrong impression of what life in OZ would be like, were you badly prepared or just found it easier to go home to your old lives then to make a new life and adjust to living in a different country.

ImHere

Yes. I think they wrongly thought it was a nice place with pleasant people. How good of you to make them realise just how wrong they were.

psb182

I would like to put this clown on ignore how can I do that?

wombat42

To put this clown on ignore, click " my profile" on the top left hand corner of the screen, then you will see the control panel on the left, at the bottom of the control panel is the " buddy / ignore list, click it, then add Wombat42 to the ignore list.Be careful you don't accidently add me your "buddylist"

Phoenixuk2oz

Ummm...the thing is Jane in some circumstances you may be wrong here.

Some people are clearly very happy in their life [whether in UK or Aus or wherever] and yet they find the forum a mind of information with differing opinions, experiences, highs and lows. The forum provides a platform to hear others and to speak your mind and just because someone comes on to the forum doesn't mean they have a hidden agenda or have no life.

Most people like the interaction with like-minded people or maybe being able to speak to people from their own culture and sometimes it's great to keep in touch with those from your "home country" [wherever that may be] as each culture has its unique sense of humour. Differing viewpoints also provide a more informed decision which in turn creates a more balanced view. I hardly think that's sad and baring in mind some Expats don't have close friends / family around to bounce things off...then sometimes the forum is a great way of doing this.

Perhaps that's not how you viewed the forum before or how you meant your post to sound? Hopefully you will now see the other side of the coin and realise why those that are happy...... and not so happy...... find the forum equally enjoyable and informative

lee/jane

Dear Merlot,

It's is a bit misleading to write that I have called people saddos on this forum, as I have looked back at my posts and the ONE time I did was when, someone else was knocking other person for asking a stupid question.

Jane

HiddenPaw

I never realised that you could judge happiness based on the amount of time people spend on the internet

Your comments are rather judgmental (and, given the responses, somewhat incorrect)

janeyray

MMmmm..... I 'was' happy when I first arrived in OZ and used this forum a lot. I then went on to be unhappy in Oz and found this forum much comfort.
I'm certainly happy here now being back in the UK and I'm still using this forum.

Just because someone uses a forum doesn't mean they aren't happy where they are. Times change and the computer is a way to not only communicate with other people but to share experiences. Using the computer at home and at work, for me, is part of my way of life. I'm always on the internet and looking at this website, I find it interesting. I certainly dont go on here because my life is lacking in something ....after all you are on here trying to find out other peoples opinions and experiences of life in another country. if we stayed away when we reached our destination there would be nothing for you to read

Pants

Jane

This forum is very much a life line for many people. It gives excellent advice and when you are homesick/lonely (as I am sure you will be at some stage )it's just great to chat to others who feel and think the same too.Maybe you should try not being so suspicious and just get on with reading the good and the bad. You know happiness doesn't mean you can't chat !!

I have met some lovely people on this forum whom I know I will stay in touch with whatever our circumstances and whatever part of the world we choose to live in.

I hope you are open with your mind and heart when you move to Australia.

Merlot

I am agreed with the recent posters in that without this Forum and some of the friends I have made via it, who I communicate with by e-mail on a regular basis, my return to the UK would have been a lot bumpier.

Their support and advice has been invaluable as they understand some of the unahppier times I have been through. It has made me feel as I am not alone and that light is at the end of the tunnel.

For the record, I am in a very happy state in my life with regards to a great husband, wonderful family and a whole range of great buddies over here in the UK, with an active social life and a passion for reading this Forum and helping others.

If someone does not like this Forum or any other, gracefully remain silent, not condemn those that enjoy interacting. Use your energy elsewhere, I can't see the point.

I can't stand peanuts, gin or hand-gliding, I am not about to start having a pop at those who do!

Merlot

jat

hi merlot
jat here - been a long time - cant access this site at work ....

interested to see your thoughts - i feel exactly the same - i will drop you pm..

Merlot

Just PM'd you back, as said in PM needing to get a month for the Australia return in 2006, finally conceded that Blighty is not for us.

M

uk+kiwi

Hi merlot,

I would definately say there is a lot of truth in that. I moved around a lot as a child, firstly in the UK and then living in 3 overseas countries between the ages of 4-13, and then the UK once again. Boy did I get a big culture shock back in the UK.

20 years on, I have married a kiwi who also lived the expat life as a child, we have travelled extensively together, and whilst we are happily living in the UK with 2 children, I am aware that there is the whole rest of the world just waiting to be experienced by us as a family and our children. I'm not sure that it is so much about settling, but why not see and experience these other cultures first hand, otherwise what is life all about? I know the rat race is all around us by the way, and I also believe that people are the same the world over - ie wherever you go (with a few exceptions ) you will meet people you like and share your life with, and those you don't.

So I don't think that moving to a different country can make you happy, BUT I think that where you live certainly affects your outlook on life (I feel so much better when the sun shines for example) and nothing needs to be forever, unless you are one of the unfortunate few who really do have no choices about moving on/back again.

Anyway, I'm babbling now

Merlot

Not babbling, lovely to hear your views

I have to say that our return to the UK in March 2004 has been good, it is time for us to make our mind up for a return.

For my husband to get to know my family was very important and difficult to do on a 4 week holiday, this longer return has been great for that. I have also managed to repair some old open wounds with some family members.

Coming back has given us a whole new slant on Australia, it ain't perfect but like you need the brightness around and I find Australia a more spiritual place to be (without wanting to sound as mad as a hatter!). We may find in a few years time we want to move again, who knows, we are lucky enough to be able to travel.

Yep the old travel bug, glad they haven't found the cure yet as the world would be a dull place. Hey that is going to be my next siganture!!!!

Best wishes
Merlot

uk+kiwi

Greetings Mrs Merlot,

Thanks for your message. You have moved around a lot! Very intrigued to hear your views on life in HK and Israel. I do rather fancy Asia, although think it could be the end of us financially, and Israel - how/why/what/where? How unique. Also, at what age did you enjoy these adventures?

Also, getting personal now, are you hoping to have children at some point, 'caus I would imagine that would affect your thinking in terms of where to live

And finally, so pleased you (& hubbie) have built some bridges/relationships - has it been a rather emotional time? I think you need a time out holiday and something will bounce out at you!

Here's a hug for your openness...............................(not sure how to do karma!)