Originally Posted by ezzie

I'm just trying to paint an accurate picture of the UK - I'm aware that there's people reading this who are in a real quandry about whether to return or not, and I know how all-consuming this situation can be, so I'm hoping that by describing day to day events - which might bore the pants off some, but it also might spark off some memories or ideas which make a decision either way a little easier for those mulling over attributes less clear than 'which country is best'.

It's all about what makes you happy of course. For me, I love stomping through a bit of mud, walking on the hills and the wonderful seasonal changes, plus I love nothing more than a good natter and a bit of banter. Others aren't the country types, are more private and quiet or even love the heat, sand and surf...for them Sydney would be a dream come true...it's not such a happy place for me.

The real issue I see, is 'where do I want to grow old'. For me, that's a large village or small town in England where I can be silly, join the WI, grow strange shaped veggies and walk the dog along lovely lanes. I may have to rob a bank to fulfill that dream, but I did see some suitable black balaclavas for sale in the market yesterday for just 2 quid which might come in handy!

Essentially in my ramblings, some days will be good, others (like last Wednesday for us when our daughter was assaulted) were pretty bloody awful. Hopefully, if anyone is still reading this by the time we leave (I will be awarding medals), they'll have a bit of an insight into the ups and downs of UK life. Not everyone's life of course, just ours living on the fringe of a big city in the countryside.

We came here to see the UK 'warts and all'...admittedly the warts have grown and spread somewhat so you can't hide them under your jumper anymore, but there's hope, and that hope seems to be that there are still people smiling, still courteous, still cracking jokes and the fields of England still offer the most sensational ever-changing landscape and I love it! In fact so much, I'm off to put my new wellies on and have a stomp around in a bit of good English gooey mud. Let me know if anyone would like me to have a bit of a stomp for them whilst I'm at it!

Originally Posted by cricket1

Actually, I'll rephrase the question. Can't you accept what's not perfect and go towards what's pleasing? Without living life in a permant escape route I mean?

Maybe we should all remember that when we jump ship and live on the other side of the world, trying to live in an escape route is what really gets us in the end. We can't do it. That's why we all get into such a dilemma. It's the real world or nothing.

Originally Posted by rabsody

But I guess it's a case of weighing up what is pleasing and what's not in both places and then looking at the big picture and what works for you and yours overall. Nowhere's going to tick all the boxes. You have to acknowledge the imperfect elements before you can accept them.

Originally Posted by rabsody

Keep up the good work. I prefer to hear the warts and all version!

Originally Posted by cricket1

The programme is centred around Birmingham isn't? Not the best part of the UK. I believe it was Jeremy Clarkson who said there is a reason why there is only 2 roads into Birmingham and 10 roads out.

Originally Posted by rabsody

Hahaha, love it. I've never been. He also said that those that emigrate to Australia are losers that had no friends back in blighty and so had to leave to find a better life (or words to that effect).

Here, I found the article:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/com...cle1023849.ece

"But what have the Australians ever done? What is the name of their prime minister? How much is an Aussie dollar worth? Name five films that they’ve made. Now go round your house and try to find something that was made there. Your computer? Your car? Your trousers? When someone has outgrown their home country, they move to America to become even more successful. Jamie Oliver, Simon Cowell and Graham Norton are following in the footsteps of Anne Robinson and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Whereas you never hear anyone say, “Well I’m totally happy. I have lots of friends, an enjoyable career and a great family. So I’m moving to Australia.” No one has ever gone there because of the success they’ve made of themselves somewhere else."

shit stirrer isn't he!

Originally Posted by rabsody

Hahaha, love it. I've never been. He also said that those that emigrate to Australia are losers that had no friends back in blighty and so had to leave to find a better life (or words to that effect).

Here, I found the article:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/com...cle1023849.ece

"But what have the Australians ever done? What is the name of their prime minister? How much is an Aussie dollar worth? Name five films that they’ve made. Now go round your house and try to find something that was made there. Your computer? Your car? Your trousers? When someone has outgrown their home country, they move to America to become even more successful. Jamie Oliver, Simon Cowell and Graham Norton are following in the footsteps of Anne Robinson and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Whereas you never hear anyone say, “Well I’m totally happy. I have lots of friends, an enjoyable career and a great family. So I’m moving to Australia.” No one has ever gone there because of the success they’ve made of themselves somewhere else."

shit stirrer isn't he!

Originally Posted by cricket1

More wellies. As I'm on the Gold Coast, bags I the leopard spot ones.


http://www.funky-wellington-boots.co...es_wellies.php

Originally Posted by Fleaflyfloflum

Do these make the wearer an attention seeker or a fun lover??

Nothing worng with seeking attention though... we all need it from time to time

I reckon a fun lover though.

Originally Posted by ezzie

I'm just trying to paint an accurate picture of the UK - I'm aware that there's people reading this who are in a real quandry about whether to return or not, and I know how all-consuming this situation can be, so I'm hoping that by describing day to day events - which might bore the pants off some, but it also might spark off some memories or ideas which make a decision either way a little easier for those mulling over attributes less clear than 'which country is best'.

It's all about what makes you happy of course. For me, I love stomping through a bit of mud, walking on the hills and the wonderful seasonal changes, plus I love nothing more than a good natter and a bit of banter. Others aren't the country types, are more private and quiet or even love the heat, sand and surf...for them Sydney would be a dream come true...it's not such a happy place for me.

The real issue I see, is 'where do I want to grow old'. For me, that's a large village or small town in England where I can be silly, join the WI, grow strange shaped veggies and walk the dog along lovely lanes. I may have to rob a bank to fulfill that dream, but I did see some suitable black balaclavas for sale in the market yesterday for just 2 quid which might come in handy!

Essentially in my ramblings, some days will be good, others (like last Wednesday for us when our daughter was assaulted) were pretty bloody awful. Hopefully, if anyone is still reading this by the time we leave (I will be awarding medals), they'll have a bit of an insight into the ups and downs of UK life. Not everyone's life of course, just ours living on the fringe of a big city in the countryside.

We came here to see the UK 'warts and all'...admittedly the warts have grown and spread somewhat so you can't hide them under your jumper anymore, but there's hope, and that hope seems to be that there are still people smiling, still courteous, still cracking jokes and the fields of England still offer the most sensational ever-changing landscape and I love it! In fact so much, I'm off to put my new wellies on and have a stomp around in a bit of good English gooey mud. Let me know if anyone would like me to have a bit of a stomp for them whilst I'm at it!

Originally Posted by cricket1

Maybe we should all remember that when we jump ship and live on the other side of the world, trying to live in an escape route is what really gets us in the end. We can't do it. That's why we all get into such a dilemma. It's the real world or nothing.