Just returned to UK to film for TV prog....initial thoughts
Dec 6th 2008, 7:49 am
#256
I don't give a damn
Joined: Apr 2007
Location: In the arms of my family. Heaven...
Posts: 4,980
Re: Just returned to UK to film for TV prog....initial thoughts
Can i draw your attention to post 197 of this thread
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...543445&page=14
I guess you only enjoy contradictorary opinions being aired as long as it isnt against YOUR opinion.
As for bringing threads down? Are you saying that as soon as somoene questions or contradicts what you have said they are bringing the thread down?
And i am taking a wild guess here
but i presume i am one of these 3 that keep "bringing threads down"? I beg to differ.
I spend quite a bit of my time actually going out of my way to help other people. Finding info, sending links, giving advice whether or not it is considered right or wrong. How often do you do that Ezzie?
Offer support, (even to you on several occasions which were rudely ignored) try you have a sense of humour, BUT, if i strongly disagree with something, I will not go bitch via PMs or email with other people. I will come on here, be up front and honest and say what i feel to be true.
That is what a forum is for. Not just rubbing your ego, patting your head and everybody agreeing all the time. If that were the case this place would be as boring as batsh*t.
There are a few people who here who have known me for a few years. In another place and another time, I gave up a hell of a lot of my time helping new immigrants on another forum. Not just online but in person.
Also in return, I have had a lot of help and support from people on here over the last few dreadful months of my life, which have to have been the worst i have ever had to endure.
I dont give a flyng toss whether you like, respect or dislike me Ezzie. I at least have the manners and respect to answer people who try to give me support whether i normally like their posts or not.
I will also continue to give my honest opinion on any post made on here, because I feel by making your posts, you are agreeing to the notion that some will agree with you and some will not, and we all have the right to reply to what is written.
I hope you find happiness wherever it may be. I also hope you gain a bit more maturity in your approach to other people on an online forum. Your assumptions about them can often be completely wrong. Think about that.
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...543445&page=14
I guess you only enjoy contradictorary opinions being aired as long as it isnt against YOUR opinion.
As for bringing threads down? Are you saying that as soon as somoene questions or contradicts what you have said they are bringing the thread down?
And i am taking a wild guess here
but i presume i am one of these 3 that keep "bringing threads down"? I beg to differ. I spend quite a bit of my time actually going out of my way to help other people. Finding info, sending links, giving advice whether or not it is considered right or wrong. How often do you do that Ezzie?
Offer support, (even to you on several occasions which were rudely ignored) try you have a sense of humour, BUT, if i strongly disagree with something, I will not go bitch via PMs or email with other people. I will come on here, be up front and honest and say what i feel to be true.
That is what a forum is for. Not just rubbing your ego, patting your head and everybody agreeing all the time. If that were the case this place would be as boring as batsh*t.
There are a few people who here who have known me for a few years. In another place and another time, I gave up a hell of a lot of my time helping new immigrants on another forum. Not just online but in person.
Also in return, I have had a lot of help and support from people on here over the last few dreadful months of my life, which have to have been the worst i have ever had to endure.
I dont give a flyng toss whether you like, respect or dislike me Ezzie. I at least have the manners and respect to answer people who try to give me support whether i normally like their posts or not.
I will also continue to give my honest opinion on any post made on here, because I feel by making your posts, you are agreeing to the notion that some will agree with you and some will not, and we all have the right to reply to what is written.
I hope you find happiness wherever it may be. I also hope you gain a bit more maturity in your approach to other people on an online forum. Your assumptions about them can often be completely wrong. Think about that.
Dec 6th 2008, 8:26 am
#257
Banned
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,769
Re: Just returned to UK to film for TV prog....initial thoughts
I am getting a tad fed up of you taking issue me with just my posts Pollyanna. As you can see, other posters think the same way so either ban me or give the same advice to everyone else.
Dec 6th 2008, 9:28 am
#258
'In limboland'
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 13,880
Re: Just returned to UK to film for TV prog....initial thoughts
Dec 6th 2008, 10:41 am
#259
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 405
Re: Just returned to UK to film for TV prog....initial thoughts
Please do continue Ezzie, you are certainly right that there are more 'silent types' among us forumites who enjoy and appreciate hearing your unique and honest perspective... enough said.
Dec 6th 2008, 11:05 am
#260
BE Enthusiast
Joined: May 2007
Location: Gold Coast, Australia
Posts: 337
Re: Just returned to UK to film for TV prog....initial thoughts
Ezzie, as a serial ping ponger who has now found what they have been searching for.. I know where u are coming from. I have enjoyed reading your posts and can identify with a lot of what you are saying.. But others would disagree, and that's their opinion. Wishing you all the best for you and your family..
Dec 6th 2008, 11:57 am
#261
Grace and gratitude
Joined: Mar 2007
Location: Somewhere else
Posts: 6,407
Re: Just returned to UK to film for TV prog....initial thoughts
Again I have to say that this thread sums up this forum - it is all about PESONAL PERSPECTIVES - what we read on here is subjective and usually the opinion of the person writing based on their expeiences - not fact - my opinion, for instance, is that the UK is a far superior place to live than Australia - but that is my opinion - I don't expect others to agree with me.
Anyway a good read overall - it seems the UK is not for you ezzie, horses for course eh??
Anyway a good read overall - it seems the UK is not for you ezzie, horses for course eh??
Dec 6th 2008, 12:13 pm
#262
Home and Happy
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Keep true friends and puppets close, trust no-one else...
Posts: 93,833
Re: Just returned to UK to film for TV prog....initial thoughts
Most people are managing to debate this without resorting to name calling.
Last edited by Pollyana; Dec 6th 2008 at 12:15 pm.
Dec 6th 2008, 1:05 pm
#263
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2007
Location: UK-France-UK-France
Posts: 242
Re: Just returned to UK to film for TV prog....initial thoughts
Please keep up the posts Ezzie, I am one of the silent ones that enjoy reading them
Dec 6th 2008, 1:14 pm
#264
Weirdo Latin Dude
Joined: Aug 2008
Location: Hotter than hell
Posts: 2,545
Re: Just returned to UK to film for TV prog....initial thoughts
Well, I guess this thread had to descend in personal attacks at some point and not suprising it was from the same three people who bring every other thread down.
I've enjoyed all comments up to this point and have even enjoyed writing it (even though it's a bit of an effort to get up early to do so on these dark mornings). I know a lot of people...and mostly those who just read, rather than comment are getting something out of it. It's been great to hear different perspectives and totally brilliant to hear that what we're experiencing isn't necessary the picture everywhere in Britain.
I've always enjoyed hearing things 'as they are' from many individuals perspective, but making innane judgmental comments that I should 'go back to Australia' is destroying everything I hoped this thread would provide.
I would have thought by now that it was obvious that we love England, we're just pretty disappointed with some aspects of it. I would imagine that there's not many of us who could say otherwise. We, like many, want to return to the UK and are just sussing it all out - how feasible it is, how wise a move it would be and, importantly, where to move.
We love this village and I would not hesitate to live here, but my comments about the teens stand. If anyone's seen the film 'Hot Fuzz', well there's an awful lot of similarities there! What concerns me is that should we stay here in this village, whilst there's a lovely group of kids, how on earth would a teen who doesn't smoke or drink socialise when all the social events are based around getting smashed? I certainly did much the same when younger, but there was always a significant no. of groups who didn't. I'm not really seeing this at the moment in this area. If ever there was a place to run a youth group - this is it I reckon.
Anyhow, I really haven't the energy for putting up with personal attacks made under the guise of 'I've a right to say what I like'. I can either carry on writing or just leave this thread to fall into a list of vitriole like many before have. I'm just peed off because it's always the same few vocal posters that do this time and again.
I do thank everyone else who have brought such valued and interesting comments to this thread though - I've really enjoyed reading them, discussing ideas from them with my family and having a chuckle over some of the humour that can still be found even though we're all wrestling with difficult issues over where we want to be, or for some, not being able to be where we know we want to be.
I've enjoyed all comments up to this point and have even enjoyed writing it (even though it's a bit of an effort to get up early to do so on these dark mornings). I know a lot of people...and mostly those who just read, rather than comment are getting something out of it. It's been great to hear different perspectives and totally brilliant to hear that what we're experiencing isn't necessary the picture everywhere in Britain.
I've always enjoyed hearing things 'as they are' from many individuals perspective, but making innane judgmental comments that I should 'go back to Australia' is destroying everything I hoped this thread would provide.
I would have thought by now that it was obvious that we love England, we're just pretty disappointed with some aspects of it. I would imagine that there's not many of us who could say otherwise. We, like many, want to return to the UK and are just sussing it all out - how feasible it is, how wise a move it would be and, importantly, where to move.
We love this village and I would not hesitate to live here, but my comments about the teens stand. If anyone's seen the film 'Hot Fuzz', well there's an awful lot of similarities there! What concerns me is that should we stay here in this village, whilst there's a lovely group of kids, how on earth would a teen who doesn't smoke or drink socialise when all the social events are based around getting smashed? I certainly did much the same when younger, but there was always a significant no. of groups who didn't. I'm not really seeing this at the moment in this area. If ever there was a place to run a youth group - this is it I reckon.
Anyhow, I really haven't the energy for putting up with personal attacks made under the guise of 'I've a right to say what I like'. I can either carry on writing or just leave this thread to fall into a list of vitriole like many before have. I'm just peed off because it's always the same few vocal posters that do this time and again.
I do thank everyone else who have brought such valued and interesting comments to this thread though - I've really enjoyed reading them, discussing ideas from them with my family and having a chuckle over some of the humour that can still be found even though we're all wrestling with difficult issues over where we want to be, or for some, not being able to be where we know we want to be.
A lot of people seem to forget the concept of what a public forum is all about and need to understand that they will read things they don`t like. Wherever you go in the world making what is deemed negative comments about the country you are living in, will always get the same old narrow minded responses from people telling you to go back to the country you came from etc etc
So you continue giving out your opinion and if certain people offend you, just tell them to piss of (politely of course) But don`t let them bully you into silence.
Last edited by Jules Europe; Dec 6th 2008 at 1:17 pm.
Dec 6th 2008, 1:29 pm
#265
In the pink
Joined: Oct 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 3,324
Re: Just returned to UK to film for TV prog....initial thoughts
I want to thank you for your posts Ezzie, very enjoyable and interesting reading. Look forward to reading every day. The content of your posts seems very honest and real.
Ignore the pack. Just keep relating your thoughts and experiences. It's been a wonderful thread! Keep it up!
Ignore the pack. Just keep relating your thoughts and experiences. It's been a wonderful thread! Keep it up!
Dec 6th 2008, 1:50 pm
#266
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Southwestern Illinois, USA
Posts: 1,902
Re: Just returned to UK to film for TV prog....initial thoughts
Well, I guess this thread had to descend in personal attacks at some point and not suprising it was from the same three people who bring every other thread down.
I've enjoyed all comments up to this point and have even enjoyed writing it (even though it's a bit of an effort to get up early to do so on these dark mornings). I know a lot of people...and mostly those who just read, rather than comment are getting something out of it. It's been great to hear different perspectives and totally brilliant to hear that what we're experiencing isn't necessary the picture everywhere in Britain.
I've always enjoyed hearing things 'as they are' from many individuals perspective, but making innane judgmental comments that I should 'go back to Australia' is destroying everything I hoped this thread would provide.
I would have thought by now that it was obvious that we love England, we're just pretty disappointed with some aspects of it. I would imagine that there's not many of us who could say otherwise. We, like many, want to return to the UK and are just sussing it all out - how feasible it is, how wise a move it would be and, importantly, where to move.
We love this village and I would not hesitate to live here, but my comments about the teens stand. If anyone's seen the film 'Hot Fuzz', well there's an awful lot of similarities there! What concerns me is that should we stay here in this village, whilst there's a lovely group of kids, how on earth would a teen who doesn't smoke or drink socialise when all the social events are based around getting smashed? I certainly did much the same when younger, but there was always a significant no. of groups who didn't. I'm not really seeing this at the moment in this area. If ever there was a place to run a youth group - this is it I reckon.
Anyhow, I really haven't the energy for putting up with personal attacks made under the guise of 'I've a right to say what I like'. I can either carry on writing or just leave this thread to fall into a list of vitriole like many before have. I'm just peed off because it's always the same few vocal posters that do this time and again.
I do thank everyone else who have brought such valued and interesting comments to this thread though - I've really enjoyed reading them, discussing ideas from them with my family and having a chuckle over some of the humour that can still be found even though we're all wrestling with difficult issues over where we want to be, or for some, not being able to be where we know we want to be.
I've enjoyed all comments up to this point and have even enjoyed writing it (even though it's a bit of an effort to get up early to do so on these dark mornings). I know a lot of people...and mostly those who just read, rather than comment are getting something out of it. It's been great to hear different perspectives and totally brilliant to hear that what we're experiencing isn't necessary the picture everywhere in Britain.
I've always enjoyed hearing things 'as they are' from many individuals perspective, but making innane judgmental comments that I should 'go back to Australia' is destroying everything I hoped this thread would provide.
I would have thought by now that it was obvious that we love England, we're just pretty disappointed with some aspects of it. I would imagine that there's not many of us who could say otherwise. We, like many, want to return to the UK and are just sussing it all out - how feasible it is, how wise a move it would be and, importantly, where to move.
We love this village and I would not hesitate to live here, but my comments about the teens stand. If anyone's seen the film 'Hot Fuzz', well there's an awful lot of similarities there! What concerns me is that should we stay here in this village, whilst there's a lovely group of kids, how on earth would a teen who doesn't smoke or drink socialise when all the social events are based around getting smashed? I certainly did much the same when younger, but there was always a significant no. of groups who didn't. I'm not really seeing this at the moment in this area. If ever there was a place to run a youth group - this is it I reckon.
Anyhow, I really haven't the energy for putting up with personal attacks made under the guise of 'I've a right to say what I like'. I can either carry on writing or just leave this thread to fall into a list of vitriole like many before have. I'm just peed off because it's always the same few vocal posters that do this time and again.
I do thank everyone else who have brought such valued and interesting comments to this thread though - I've really enjoyed reading them, discussing ideas from them with my family and having a chuckle over some of the humour that can still be found even though we're all wrestling with difficult issues over where we want to be, or for some, not being able to be where we know we want to be.
I haven't really read where the kids especially have wanted to...........correct me if I'm wrong.
Dec 6th 2008, 4:26 pm
#267
Searching for contentment
Joined: Dec 2008
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 513
Re: Just returned to UK to film for TV prog....initial thoughts
Ezzie, I am a Brit and have lived in Texas for the last 3 years and having stumbled upon your posts today, have really enjoyed them. I have always had bouts of homesickness, but at this stage am the closest I have been to a starting the process of a full return to the UK. Once the bouts become more regular, and have an underlying presence in day to day life (albeit a "back of the mind" type deal), I guess it's time to do something about it! I think you've presented a really good "ups and downs" thread and it has helped me focus on the harsh realities involved in leaving one location for another, regardless of where exactly those locations are. I have two kids, a boy of 13 and a girl of 10 and their re-settlement is the most stressful part of the decision - that and the fact my Husband will have a complete fit when I tell him I really do want to go home. I suppose that makes me like you in that I'm in the minority. However, there's a saying in Texas: "If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy"! I'm gonna use that in my defense!!! Anyway, just wanted to thank you for taking the time to continue your thread, even when you have probably felt a little personally put-out by some of the responses. They have been helpful and I am sure there will be many out there, just like me, who have read them and gained insight from them. Thanks.!
Dec 6th 2008, 5:54 pm
#268
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Dec 2006
Location: Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, BC
Posts: 1,377
Re: Just returned to UK to film for TV prog....initial thoughts
Ezzie - please continue your posts I am also one of the "silent types" I came across your original post when I was browsing the forum. I have really enjoyed reading your account of your return to the Midlands. We left Birmingham 15 months ago and I can relate completely to your posts.
We have no intention of returning to the UK to live. Vancouver Island is SO different - the lifestyle and the people are fantastic. We love it here
I feel it is a real shame that the thread has become somewhat agressive - I suppose it was tempting fate for you to say
"It's been lovely being part of, and reading a thread that hasn't descended into vitriole. I think probably because this thread is appreciated by those who are stuck between two places - able to see the good points and bad of both. After all, if one place was all bad, then the choice to stay or go would be simple!"
It was probably "a red rag to a bull" to some posters
PLEASE keep up your reports - there is always the "ignore" list
Jo
I am also one of the "silent types" I came across your original post when I was browsing the forum. I have really enjoyed reading your account of your return to the Midlands. We left Birmingham 15 months ago and I can relate completely to your posts. We have no intention of returning to the UK to live. Vancouver Island is SO different - the lifestyle and the people are fantastic. We love it here
I feel it is a real shame that the thread has become somewhat agressive - I suppose it was tempting fate for you to say
"It's been lovely being part of, and reading a thread that hasn't descended into vitriole. I think probably because this thread is appreciated by those who are stuck between two places - able to see the good points and bad of both. After all, if one place was all bad, then the choice to stay or go would be simple!"
It was probably "a red rag to a bull" to some posters
PLEASE keep up your reports - there is always the "ignore" list
Jo
Dec 6th 2008, 7:52 pm
#269
Sloopy Frickenbutt
Joined: May 2006
Location: Its good ere Honest........
Posts: 5,225
Re: Just returned to UK to film for TV prog....initial thoughts
I think the " red rag to a bull" was implying that we are all underclass and our 15 yr olds are either piss heads / smokers or both....It would be rather like me saying that on Vancouver Island all the kids are drug addicts and brain dead..........Oh but then most of them are.
Dec 6th 2008, 8:45 pm
#270
BE Forum Addict
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: Castle Hill, Sydney (previously Brum)
Posts: 1,095
Re: Just returned to UK to film for TV prog....initial thoughts
Thank you all for the kind comments and PM's. As to the circling harridians...well, let's just ignore them shall we?
I have to tell you that we've had a super day today. It was absolutely the best that Britain can throw at you and very nearly had us standing up in the car through the sunroof singing 'there'll always be an England'. Quite obviously, we weren't on a visit to Saltley, instead we drove down from Bridgend through some glorious countryside in perfect sunny weather to Leominster.
It's nice to know that Britain really can shine even in the winter. We were aiming at seeing the Victorian markets but got the day wrong! Still, a lovely market town, very friendly and definitely seemed to have a less depressing tone to it than Bridgend - although that might have been the effect of the sunny weather. We popped into various shops and it seemed everyone was intent on waylaying us with a bit of banter and cheerfulness. Really lovely. After some stonking good pasties and handmade mince pies, we were going to visit Ludlow Castle but did a last minute handbrake turn into a Nat. Trust house that none of us can remember the name of.
We were greeted at the entrance with 'members are you?' and waved in....God, I must look old if it's 'presumed' I'm a NT member - even though I am...(both a member and old!!!!!) The House was closed as the security firm stuffed up the dates to install the new system. Still, they were going ahead with a lovely little Christmas fair. In the stables they had a couple of gorgeous black and white donkeys for the kids plus all sorts of handmade items. We bought a small candle holder as it was made by a group who provide work for the handicapped and enjoyed chatting to the ladies on the stalls about their work. Then into the courtyard where the house had made a few rooms available along the theme of 'servants at Christmas'. Each room was decorated for Christmas in using Edwardian style trimmings. Really well done, right down to the real pheasants and ducks hanging in the kitchen.
The Christmas atmosphere was nearly complete with a group of handbell ringers who were cheerfully braving the cold to ring out some carols. They looked frozen to the marrow but ploughed on for the couple of hours we were there and I suspect they'd been there all day collecting donations for a hospice I think.
I can't tell you how magical it really was to be there....but I'll have a go. The courtyard had been decorated with variagated holly off the estate and there was plenty of misteltoe. There were Christmas trees and small handmade decorations laid out on tables - someone had been very busy putting a lot of effort into it all. Some NT staff were dressed in period dress - and we all hooted with laughter with one lady who'd added pink knitted Tellytubbies arm warmers out of necessity!
Again, the thing that really sticks out is that people will just chuck a little comment at you as you walk past. Or, if you throw a comment at them, you get a friendly, usually funny, remark back. So different to the forced smile and worried expression I get in Sydney when I try for a bit of banter. Here, I just feel like a glove that's found it's hand. I don't feel 'different' here, I just blend in and 'fit'.
We then went through a gate into the grounds which opened up onto a vision of rolling hills bathed in sunlight. The greens were dappled with remnants of Autumn browns and the greys of winter. We all stood there for a long, long time just taking it all in. No wonder some rich buggers chose that spot in the 18 Century to build their pad there!
The kids were a bit dumbfounded by a sign saying 'Beware of the Ha Ha!' Not suprising really. They thought it was some sort of weird English joke. So we explained what a 'ha ha' was which of course meant they had to test it out by spending the rest of the afternoon jumping up and down it. They also tried to pat sheep, photograph robins and do 'posh poses' on the steps of the House. Ludlow Castle was forgotten and dh and I talked about the massive amount of things to do here in the UK. We decided not to remind the kids about how they didn't want to go to anything 'NT'!
Back in Sydney, we seem to spend a lot of time at the weekend going 'what shall we do?'. We quickly have run out of things to do, and whilst we enjoy walking etc, which you can do over and over again, the scenery is often similar as you're walking through bushland.
Driving back, we just lapped up the scenery, discussing which hills we'd love to climb and which cottage would be the perfect home. It was slowly getting darker and soon all we could see was the twinkling of the cottage windows and a few whispy trails of smoke from the chimneys. It felt a million miles away from the city, recession, lack of jobs or money worries....in fact any worries at all. I know they're there, but it's been such a perfect day that I'm just not going to think about them today.
I have to tell you that we've had a super day today. It was absolutely the best that Britain can throw at you and very nearly had us standing up in the car through the sunroof singing 'there'll always be an England'. Quite obviously, we weren't on a visit to Saltley, instead we drove down from Bridgend through some glorious countryside in perfect sunny weather to Leominster.
It's nice to know that Britain really can shine even in the winter. We were aiming at seeing the Victorian markets but got the day wrong! Still, a lovely market town, very friendly and definitely seemed to have a less depressing tone to it than Bridgend - although that might have been the effect of the sunny weather. We popped into various shops and it seemed everyone was intent on waylaying us with a bit of banter and cheerfulness. Really lovely. After some stonking good pasties and handmade mince pies, we were going to visit Ludlow Castle but did a last minute handbrake turn into a Nat. Trust house that none of us can remember the name of.
We were greeted at the entrance with 'members are you?' and waved in....God, I must look old if it's 'presumed' I'm a NT member - even though I am...(both a member and old!!!!!) The House was closed as the security firm stuffed up the dates to install the new system. Still, they were going ahead with a lovely little Christmas fair. In the stables they had a couple of gorgeous black and white donkeys for the kids plus all sorts of handmade items. We bought a small candle holder as it was made by a group who provide work for the handicapped and enjoyed chatting to the ladies on the stalls about their work. Then into the courtyard where the house had made a few rooms available along the theme of 'servants at Christmas'. Each room was decorated for Christmas in using Edwardian style trimmings. Really well done, right down to the real pheasants and ducks hanging in the kitchen.
The Christmas atmosphere was nearly complete with a group of handbell ringers who were cheerfully braving the cold to ring out some carols. They looked frozen to the marrow but ploughed on for the couple of hours we were there and I suspect they'd been there all day collecting donations for a hospice I think.
I can't tell you how magical it really was to be there....but I'll have a go. The courtyard had been decorated with variagated holly off the estate and there was plenty of misteltoe. There were Christmas trees and small handmade decorations laid out on tables - someone had been very busy putting a lot of effort into it all. Some NT staff were dressed in period dress - and we all hooted with laughter with one lady who'd added pink knitted Tellytubbies arm warmers out of necessity!
Again, the thing that really sticks out is that people will just chuck a little comment at you as you walk past. Or, if you throw a comment at them, you get a friendly, usually funny, remark back. So different to the forced smile and worried expression I get in Sydney when I try for a bit of banter. Here, I just feel like a glove that's found it's hand. I don't feel 'different' here, I just blend in and 'fit'.
We then went through a gate into the grounds which opened up onto a vision of rolling hills bathed in sunlight. The greens were dappled with remnants of Autumn browns and the greys of winter. We all stood there for a long, long time just taking it all in. No wonder some rich buggers chose that spot in the 18 Century to build their pad there!
The kids were a bit dumbfounded by a sign saying 'Beware of the Ha Ha!' Not suprising really. They thought it was some sort of weird English joke. So we explained what a 'ha ha' was which of course meant they had to test it out by spending the rest of the afternoon jumping up and down it. They also tried to pat sheep, photograph robins and do 'posh poses' on the steps of the House. Ludlow Castle was forgotten and dh and I talked about the massive amount of things to do here in the UK. We decided not to remind the kids about how they didn't want to go to anything 'NT'!
Back in Sydney, we seem to spend a lot of time at the weekend going 'what shall we do?'. We quickly have run out of things to do, and whilst we enjoy walking etc, which you can do over and over again, the scenery is often similar as you're walking through bushland.
Driving back, we just lapped up the scenery, discussing which hills we'd love to climb and which cottage would be the perfect home. It was slowly getting darker and soon all we could see was the twinkling of the cottage windows and a few whispy trails of smoke from the chimneys. It felt a million miles away from the city, recession, lack of jobs or money worries....in fact any worries at all. I know they're there, but it's been such a perfect day that I'm just not going to think about them today.