Originally Posted by Notts_bloke (Post 6180666)

Is that a photo of Nottingham in your avatar bluejohn? Looks like Watson Forthergill's council house to me!

I am in Sydney too. Been here a year now. I miss the culture/history of the UK (yes even Nottingham).

Can't imagine staying here too long. I suppose the laid back lifestyle is good for some. I just feel like I have lost my drive and motivation since I got here.

Originally Posted by bluejohn (Post 6181300)

Yes it is! I was living at Beeston. I had never lived in Nottingham before and I love it. The people are great and to be honest I was a bIt bothered by the stories about chavs etc. These things do go on but in 4 days in Sydney I have witnessed some rotten behaviour and in 6 months in England I had never had any problems makes you wonder doesn't it?

Originally Posted by bil (Post 6180884)

Surely there have to be a store of amazing memories from having lived in such an unusual country.

Originally Posted by troj (Post 6180921)

Hi everyone!

First off, I have really enjoyed reading all your posts. I have spent a fair amount of time on the BE/Australia forum and was beginning to think I was the only one who could see the negatives to living here. :confused:

Thankfully I found MBTTUK forum! We are not alone!:thumbup:

We have been here (Brisbane) for nearly two years and the first 12 months were fine (I suppose in hindsight, 'the honeymoon period'). In July we found out we were expecting our first child - which was great news as we'd always planned to have kids, but maybe after we were totally settled and sure where we wanted to be. As it has turned out, the pregnancy has made us terribly homesick.
Our little boy was born just one month ago and this exciting time has been diluted by having to introduce him to his family via the internet:(

My OH has always been a bit unsure about staying or going and as she is one of five sisters (three of them have kids of their own), and now being a mother herself, the pull of home is getting stronger all the time.

For me, the reasons for wanting to go back to England are not as emotional. I feel, as some of you do, cheated by the advertised or percieved Australian way of life:ohmy:

i) Most of my neighbours come home from work in their car, 'buzz' the garage door, drive in and shut the door behind them. So you rarely get to 'have chat over the garden fence'.
ii) Outdoor lifestyle?? We spend less time outdoors than we did in England. Like most people, we spend alot of time during the day trying to stay out of direct sunlight.
iii) The driving:eek: Why does the average Aussie go from being the stereotype 'laid back, do it tomorrow' type of guy/woman; To the most impatient and inconsiderate fool once behind the wheel of a car???:confused:
I love driving and still consider having a driving licence a privilage but, driving in Brisbane is annoying and hazardous to say the least. And the Police think catching people speeding will solve the problem:confused: Maybe stop people tailgating, under taking, jumping lights and limit the speed trucks are able to reach:thumbup:
iv) Cost of living. eg, $3.60 for a loaf of decent bread:ohmy:
v) Feel very isolated.
vi) Beaches are nice, but because of our work, we don't live anywhere near them. Same goes for the rainforests.
vii) Miss the pubs, country pub meals, drives through the countryside.
viii) For some reason, I've lost alot of motivation at work... not sure why?
ix) We know how the system works in England. Always feel like I have to be on guard so I don't get my pants pulled down!

Thats enough for now!

Paul

Originally Posted by Notts_bloke (Post 6181321)

I am biased as its my home town, but there was a vibe in Nottingham (and Bristol where I lived before I moved here.) which is sadly missing in Sydney.I think Nottingham gets a very bad rep. Gun crime (and other violent crime) is as bad if not worse in Sydney (especially in the West) but you hardly hear about it.

I think sometimes us Brits have a tendancy to believe everything we hear, whereas Aussies either deny or ignore anything bad happens here.

My wife won't be happy but I am going home for a holiday next month and I am not sure I want to come back to Oz.

Originally Posted by troj (Post 6180921)

Hi everyone!

First off, I have really enjoyed reading all your posts. I have spent a fair amount of time on the BE/Australia forum and was beginning to think I was the only one who could see the negatives to living here. :confused:

Thankfully I found MBTTUK forum! We are not alone!:thumbup:

We have been here (Brisbane) for nearly two years and the first 12 months were fine (I suppose in hindsight, 'the honeymoon period'). In July we found out we were expecting our first child - which was great news as we'd always planned to have kids, but maybe after we were totally settled and sure where we wanted to be. As it has turned out, the pregnancy has made us terribly homesick.
Our little boy was born just one month ago and this exciting time has been diluted by having to introduce him to his family via the internet:(

My OH has always been a bit unsure about staying or going and as she is one of five sisters (three of them have kids of their own), and now being a mother herself, the pull of home is getting stronger all the time.

For me, the reasons for wanting to go back to England are not as emotional. I feel, as some of you do, cheated by the advertised or percieved Australian way of life:ohmy:

i) Most of my neighbours come home from work in their car, 'buzz' the garage door, drive in and shut the door behind them. So you rarely get to 'have chat over the garden fence'.
ii) Outdoor lifestyle?? We spend less time outdoors than we did in England. Like most people, we spend alot of time during the day trying to stay out of direct sunlight.
iii) The driving:eek: Why does the average Aussie go from being the stereotype 'laid back, do it tomorrow' type of guy/woman; To the most impatient and inconsiderate fool once behind the wheel of a car???:confused:
I love driving and still consider having a driving licence a privilage but, driving in Brisbane is annoying and hazardous to say the least. And the Police think catching people speeding will solve the problem:confused: Maybe stop people tailgating, under taking, jumping lights and limit the speed trucks are able to reach:thumbup:
iv) Cost of living. eg, $3.60 for a loaf of decent bread:ohmy:
v) Feel very isolated.
vi) Beaches are nice, but because of our work, we don't live anywhere near them. Same goes for the rainforests.
vii) Miss the pubs, country pub meals, drives through the countryside.
viii) For some reason, I've lost alot of motivation at work... not sure why?
ix) We know how the system works in England. Always feel like I have to be on guard so I don't get my pants pulled down!

Thats enough for now!


Paul

Originally Posted by troj (Post 6180921)

Hi everyone!

First off, I have really enjoyed reading all your posts. I have spent a fair amount of time on the BE/Australia forum and was beginning to think I was the only one who could see the negatives to living here. :confused:

Thankfully I found MBTTUK forum! We are not alone!:thumbup:

We have been here (Brisbane) for nearly two years and the first 12 months were fine (I suppose in hindsight, 'the honeymoon period'). In July we found out we were expecting our first child - which was great news as we'd always planned to have kids, but maybe after we were totally settled and sure where we wanted to be. As it has turned out, the pregnancy has made us terribly homesick.
Our little boy was born just one month ago and this exciting time has been diluted by having to introduce him to his family via the internet:(

My OH has always been a bit unsure about staying or going and as she is one of five sisters (three of them have kids of their own), and now being a mother herself, the pull of home is getting stronger all the time.

For me, the reasons for wanting to go back to England are not as emotional. I feel, as some of you do, cheated by the advertised or percieved Australian way of life:ohmy:

i) Most of my neighbours come home from work in their car, 'buzz' the garage door, drive in and shut the door behind them. So you rarely get to 'have chat over the garden fence'.
ii) Outdoor lifestyle?? We spend less time outdoors than we did in England. Like most people, we spend alot of time during the day trying to stay out of direct sunlight.
iii) The driving:eek: Why does the average Aussie go from being the stereotype 'laid back, do it tomorrow' type of guy/woman; To the most impatient and inconsiderate fool once behind the wheel of a car???:confused:
I love driving and still consider having a driving licence a privilage but, driving in Brisbane is annoying and hazardous to say the least. And the Police think catching people speeding will solve the problem:confused: Maybe stop people tailgating, under taking, jumping lights and limit the speed trucks are able to reach:thumbup:
iv) Cost of living. eg, $3.60 for a loaf of decent bread:ohmy:
v) Feel very isolated.
vi) Beaches are nice, but because of our work, we don't live anywhere near them. Same goes for the rainforests.
vii) Miss the pubs, country pub meals, drives through the countryside.
viii) For some reason, I've lost alot of motivation at work... not sure why?
ix) We know how the system works in England. Always feel like I have to be on guard so I don't get my pants pulled down!

Thats enough for now!

Paul

Originally Posted by bil (Post 6180806)

Don't regret it.

On our deathbeds what we usually say is 'I wish I had done that' Not the reverse.

Originally Posted by bluejohn (Post 6181450)

I think there is just as much rubbish goes on here but the attitudes in the media are different. I agree with you about the vibe, I fell in love with the place and many Australians live and work there too.

I hope you enjoy the holiday, can I ask how long you have been here? They have done a lot of things to the city and many people do like living there. Enjoy it you really won't have to try very hard!

Originally Posted by isleofmanmike (Post 6171520)

Hi Jackie

Watched the MC v Chelsea game live at my local......the score didn't reflect the game and if it wasn't for the own goal I think the result may have been different.

I was in Stockport last week with my son, he was going to a concert in Manchester. I was staying in Great Moor and had a great time.....the train station was five minute walk and a return ticket to manchester for myself and two teanagers was only £4.60. Took about 15 mins.....the was four of us for lunch at weatherspoons and cost us £18.00 and that also included a drink each (two pints of real ale and two cokes)......can't believe the people who call Britain for ripping them off.
How much would you pay in Perth for the same.....I bet a lot more than $40

Originally Posted by Notts_bloke (Post 6181321)

I am biased as its my home town, but there was a vibe in Nottingham (and Bristol where I lived before I moved here.) which is sadly missing in Sydney.I think Nottingham gets a very bad rep. Gun crime (and other violent crime) is as bad if not worse in Sydney (especially in the West) but you hardly hear about it.

I think sometimes us Brits have a tendancy to believe everything we hear, whereas Aussies either deny or ignore anything bad happens here.

My wife won't be happy but I am going home for a holiday next month and I am not sure I want to come back to Oz.

Originally Posted by LouiseD (Post 6182506)

I must be an exception - I totally 100% regret it every single day of my life. I don't hate or blame Australia in any way but just wish I had appreciated what I had.

Can't turn back the clock though :o

Originally Posted by brits1 (Post 6186379)

I was bought up in Danebank so Stockport was our nearest Town,

Hey I am from Denton :ohmy:

we may be having "Pub Grub" down by the Shambles and I still enjoy the Cheese Platter at the Marc Addy........
Have a good weekend.......what concert was your son going to?
Jackie in a rainy but warm Perth today......yuck

Originally Posted by Notts_bloke (Post 6185592)

I have been here a year now. Probably staying for 2 in total. There is lots of urban regeneration happening in Nottingham, which is another reason I fancy a move back. I am a town planner and the chance to change my home town is a big draw.