Just about to hit 3 years - how about you?

5 weeks!!

coming up to 11 years!!!!! gulp

nearly 11 years and counting!!!!

29 years 1 month and 15 days. Counting??? Me??? nah!

22 years...and deciding. If we go back, I shall keep a room free for Brits and Quoll to visit.

I'm hiding over here on this thread as they're being a bit nasty to me over on the 'sign the petition' thread...which I started! Just trying to strike a bit of equality for expats....sob!

Yep, I had noticed it had gone a bit that way, keep your pecker up your doing a good job and just look at how many more names are on the petition.

Yes, it's brilliant isn't it. If it doesn't get 200 signatures, then it gets sent to the bin. If it does get 200 signatures, it gets sent to the gov't to look at....and then put in the bin.

Noooo! Must stop negative thoughts....I'm sure they'll act on it! At least it reminds them that there are Brits out there who would like to come back.

Don't think I'll head back to the other board...they're not listening to me, so no point. I shall do something useful, like hang the washing out.

BTW...it's my twin daughters birthdays today....13 yrs and gorgeous. Told them this morning how proud I am of them. Just watched a clip on youtube on muslims taking over the UK, chavs etc and am sitting here wondering why I would want to take my 3 beautiful gentle kids back to that. What a tragedy it is about that lovely 16 yr old boy killed in London and what an amazing woman his mum is.

There is just as much sh*t going on here too its just not reported in the same way. The good old British press sensationalise stuff and whip the public up into a frenzy . Aussies have a different way of reporting stuff, they dont . They like to hide stuff scratch the surface and its all there just the same as in the Uk. Remember too there is 60 million people in Uk and not 20 like here statistically crime, racism etc is virtually like for like per head of population. I have vowed not to watch the news

Yes this is about right. I have been back in Oz about 6 weeks now after 6 months in the UK and reporting is very different here, somethings you barely hear about and in the UK they are like a dog with an old bone,can't let go of it. They also discuss in the media ie The Wright Stuff just for an example, we don't seem to have those sorts of programmes here, everything comes across as glossy and perfect (didn't really notice it before).

Hello there bluejohn...so did you go back for just a visit to the UK or are you pingponging?

What's your overall opinion of living back in the UK as opposed to here. It'd be great to have your take on it as being as you've been there in the last few weeks (and over winter...bravery points to you).

Hi ezzie, We went for 2 years, my husband was offered a contract there. He wanted to stay and I do mean stay and I didn't because all of my family live here in Australia. .I did enjoy it there, some things like litter, got on my nerves but other things like the people (Nottingham) I found them wonderful and this city gets a bad rap from the press.I am not suggesting there are no problems but I have seen more in Sydney in the last few weeks than Notts in 6 months.
Biggest problem on the whole was space, if the weathers good you are fighting for your space, however the winter was fine and I prefer an English Christmas. Notts had an ice skating rink in the market sq and a large German market with hot food and drink, to be honest it was great loved it.
I think we are a bit backward in oz with the choice of goods and pricing of goods particularly technical stuff.
We came back early because one of my sons told us we were to be grandparents this year. I was the one that pushed to come back, but not because of the Britain's gone to the dogs but because this is my family. I don't hate Australia. The worst thing is I fell in love with Nottingham, the people , canals, history, etc.
I am still trying to get a rental in the Illawarra, the other one fell through.

I sighed your petition. If you get in touch with the Uni your child may go to, they have it in their power via the council to decide your fate regarding fees,whether you get charged international or not? Good Luck with it all.

Gahhhh! Bluejohn...just realised who you are...damn these pseudo online names. Was brilliant chatting to you today...just back from orchestra - the poor twins had stew for their birthday meal (will have to take them out somewhere on Friday to make up for it!). Did you remember where your son works?

Hi, yes the onlines names get you don't they lol Stew for your lovely girls birthday! Bless I am sure they loved it! My son is at a pasta and pizza something or other, I know he told me this morning and I forgot , a lot on my mind at the mo. I will get his dad to ask him so I don't look thick and tell you the proper name of the place.

I have just unscribed from that thread....have sent my vote in.....ingnore the ignorant...my gran use to say!!! (never sure what she really meant but sounds good!!!!) I will still vote for you if you fun for MP!!! Happy Birthday to your Daughters......I have twin nephew and nieces!! now thats some party to organise!!!!! have a good day and enjoy yourself......