Are you all mad.................
#1
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 123
Are you all mad.................
I'm sorry but are you mad, list me things that are better in the UK than here, I mean seriously what are you thinking of............................ :scared:
#2
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2003
Location: Hawkes Bay
Posts: 359
Re: Are you all mad.................
Been in New Zealand for two years. Loved the experience, the people, the weather (in Hawkes Bay), the scenery, and most importantly the REST. However now I want to get on and actually achieve something with my life, I just seem to exist here in a cocooned state of stress free comfort.
Also I am getting very bored with the limited work opportunities and blatant little town nepotism - okay may be different in Christchurch/Wellington/Auckland but wouldn't live there. Also the pay and conditions are an embarrassment- earnt more 20 years ago but didn't enjoy 1950s conditions of service. Yeh if promotion was there, it would be very little more money.
Miss the opportunities to travel. Do you meet many Kiwis who actually go on holiday outside mad January down to the mice ridden bach? No can't afford it other than rich doctors/lawyers/businessman etc. Most Kiwis I meet haven't been outside the North Island other than the once in a lifetime OE. I've friends who have been across from the UK twice in couple of years and seen more of NZ than I can afford to see in my measly three weeks leave (and I know many who get a week).
Bloody houses are freezing and made of a similar structure to my 1970s school Nissan Hut. Houses colder than those in Siberia I'm told. Kiwis are too proud/daft to admit it other than those who have lived abroad.
Admittedly being so far from friends and family is a big issue, particularly where there is ill health - there's the three weeks leave but flights paid for by money I kept in the UK for visiting frail parents.
New Zealand is a great place, and the UK has many problems but (for me) life is richer in the UK. I'm certainly not complaining about my two years here, even coming home with more cash than I took out (from housing surge and nice exchange rate - but forget that if you're coming now as that is a thing of the past). Will see life from a different angle and not rush back to the mad South-East.
So no I'm not mad IMHO.
Roger
P.S. The wreck diving sucks and the dog can't go to the pub.
Also I am getting very bored with the limited work opportunities and blatant little town nepotism - okay may be different in Christchurch/Wellington/Auckland but wouldn't live there. Also the pay and conditions are an embarrassment- earnt more 20 years ago but didn't enjoy 1950s conditions of service. Yeh if promotion was there, it would be very little more money.
Miss the opportunities to travel. Do you meet many Kiwis who actually go on holiday outside mad January down to the mice ridden bach? No can't afford it other than rich doctors/lawyers/businessman etc. Most Kiwis I meet haven't been outside the North Island other than the once in a lifetime OE. I've friends who have been across from the UK twice in couple of years and seen more of NZ than I can afford to see in my measly three weeks leave (and I know many who get a week).
Bloody houses are freezing and made of a similar structure to my 1970s school Nissan Hut. Houses colder than those in Siberia I'm told. Kiwis are too proud/daft to admit it other than those who have lived abroad.
Admittedly being so far from friends and family is a big issue, particularly where there is ill health - there's the three weeks leave but flights paid for by money I kept in the UK for visiting frail parents.
New Zealand is a great place, and the UK has many problems but (for me) life is richer in the UK. I'm certainly not complaining about my two years here, even coming home with more cash than I took out (from housing surge and nice exchange rate - but forget that if you're coming now as that is a thing of the past). Will see life from a different angle and not rush back to the mad South-East.
So no I'm not mad IMHO.
Roger
P.S. The wreck diving sucks and the dog can't go to the pub.
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Are you all mad.................
Originally Posted by kiwiloverjohn
I'm sorry but are you mad, list me things that are better in the UK than here, I mean seriously what are you thinking of............................ :scared:
stark raving!!!!!!
Green countryside
wages
working conditions
mates
family
education
opportunities more varied
drivers
weather
european gettaways
clothes
variety and quality in shops
houses and architecture
culture
history
Things we miss about Aus? Kangaroos in the drive and wider spaces, and some good mates we made. Can think of nothing else!
#4
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 511
Re: Are you all mad.................
Originally Posted by Roger
Been in New Zealand for two years. Loved the experience, the people, the weather (in Hawkes Bay), the scenery, and most importantly the REST. However now I want to get on and actually achieve something with my life, I just seem to exist here in a cocooned state of stress free comfort.
Also I am getting very bored with the limited work opportunities and blatant little town nepotism - okay may be different in Christchurch/Wellington/Auckland but wouldn't live there. Also the pay and conditions are an embarrassment- earnt more 20 years ago but didn't enjoy 1950s conditions of service. Yeh if promotion was there, it would be very little more money.
Miss the opportunities to travel. Do you meet many Kiwis who actually go on holiday outside mad January down to the mice ridden bach? No can't afford it other than rich doctors/lawyers/businessman etc. Most Kiwis I meet haven't been outside the North Island other than the once in a lifetime OE. I've friends who have been across from the UK twice in couple of years and seen more of NZ than I can afford to see in my measly three weeks leave (and I know many who get a week).
Bloody houses are freezing and made of a similar structure to my 1970s school Nissan Hut. Houses colder than those in Siberia I'm told. Kiwis are too proud/daft to admit it other than those who have lived abroad.
Admittedly being so far from friends and family is a big issue, particularly where there is ill health - there's the three weeks leave but flights paid for by money I kept in the UK for visiting frail parents.
New Zealand is a great place, and the UK has many problems but (for me) life is richer in the UK. I'm certainly not complaining about my two years here, even coming home with more cash than I took out (from housing surge and nice exchange rate - but forget that if you're coming now as that is a thing of the past). Will see life from a different angle and not rush back to the mad South-East.
So no I'm not mad IMHO.
Roger
P.S. The wreck diving sucks and the dog can't go to the pub.
Also I am getting very bored with the limited work opportunities and blatant little town nepotism - okay may be different in Christchurch/Wellington/Auckland but wouldn't live there. Also the pay and conditions are an embarrassment- earnt more 20 years ago but didn't enjoy 1950s conditions of service. Yeh if promotion was there, it would be very little more money.
Miss the opportunities to travel. Do you meet many Kiwis who actually go on holiday outside mad January down to the mice ridden bach? No can't afford it other than rich doctors/lawyers/businessman etc. Most Kiwis I meet haven't been outside the North Island other than the once in a lifetime OE. I've friends who have been across from the UK twice in couple of years and seen more of NZ than I can afford to see in my measly three weeks leave (and I know many who get a week).
Bloody houses are freezing and made of a similar structure to my 1970s school Nissan Hut. Houses colder than those in Siberia I'm told. Kiwis are too proud/daft to admit it other than those who have lived abroad.
Admittedly being so far from friends and family is a big issue, particularly where there is ill health - there's the three weeks leave but flights paid for by money I kept in the UK for visiting frail parents.
New Zealand is a great place, and the UK has many problems but (for me) life is richer in the UK. I'm certainly not complaining about my two years here, even coming home with more cash than I took out (from housing surge and nice exchange rate - but forget that if you're coming now as that is a thing of the past). Will see life from a different angle and not rush back to the mad South-East.
So no I'm not mad IMHO.
Roger
P.S. The wreck diving sucks and the dog can't go to the pub.
You never know until you try it. I was just "dying" to get here..... a) just for a change, and b) to see whether it REALLY was better than the UK. Now I've got my answer.
The only "advantage" I can see, is the climate, but then you have got to consider skin cancer, and nuking yourself and your kids up in suncream for 4/5 months of the year, and god only knows what's in that!!!
Miss friends and family - the big big problem, travel to Europe, decent shops....oh I could list loads.......at the end of the day, it's just another country to live in, with the same old load of problems as the UK. No we're NOT mad.....
#5
Re: Are you all mad.................
Originally Posted by kiwiloverjohn
I'm sorry but are you mad, list me things that are better in the UK than here, I mean seriously what are you thinking of............................ :scared:
My top ten (comparing to the US, but many of these probably apply to Oz and New Zealand):
History (where else can you find prehistoric stones in a field while on a walk?)
The press (who not only can use the English language, but use it to great effect)
The beautiful countryside
Cheap travel to Europe
The sense of modesty (i.e.,. lack of superego) of the average Brit
The great supermarkets (US "foodstores" just can't compete)
Curries!!
British TV dramas and documentaries
The ease of discussing topics like religion and politics without having to worry about "offending" someone
The pub (and as so rightly pointed out, the fact you can take your dog there!)
#7
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,198
Are you all mad.................
Originally Posted by kiwiloverjohn
I'm sorry but are you mad, list me things that are better in the UK than here, I mean seriously what are you thinking of............................ :scared:
In addition to the other lists, my husband (UKC) and I (USC) would add:
25 days holiday/year
Sunday roast (lamb)
Television (in general)
No hurricanes
Magazines with 'free' gifts
Being able to see ahead when driving as there are not SUVs or 4x4s everywhere
Better driving skills (rain does not mean accidents)
Not all towns are copies of the one you just left
Newspapers that actually have real news and are interesting
TV programs that let you know they are cutting to an advert by displaying a 'splash screen'
Decent road signs that give mileages to destinations and not junctions
Traffic lights in the correct location
Decent street signs
Proper road paint markings
Decent biscuits (cookies)
Decent fish and chips
Decent cheese
Decent bacon
Decent bread
...and decent tea! (Not to mention tea rooms!)
Last edited by DDL; Jul 12th 2005 at 5:00 pm.
#8
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2003
Location: Hawkes Bay
Posts: 359
Re: Are you all mad.................
Damn I forgot the curries too. Really must be loosing it.
Roger
Roger
#9
Just Joined
Joined: Feb 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 16
Re: Are you all mad.................
Originally Posted by kiwiloverjohn
I'm sorry but are you mad, list me things that are better in the UK than here, I mean seriously what are you thinking of............................ :scared:
Being back in the UK has loads and loads of negatives on paper, but bizarrely enough, it feels more 'real' (whatever that means!) and interesting. Here at home you are always striving for something, to improve, to move up and on; as a expat (in my experience) you already have it all, and actually, that's boring.
#10
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2005
Location: Frederick, Maryland USA
Posts: 75
Re: Are you all mad.................
Originally Posted by millavi
But all the time I was there, I felt my life was on hold.
Being back in the UK has loads and loads of negatives on paper, but bizarrely enough, it feels more 'real' (whatever that means!) and interesting. Here at home you are always striving for something, to improve, to move up and on; as a expat (in my experience) you already have it all, and actually, that's boring.
Being back in the UK has loads and loads of negatives on paper, but bizarrely enough, it feels more 'real' (whatever that means!) and interesting. Here at home you are always striving for something, to improve, to move up and on; as a expat (in my experience) you already have it all, and actually, that's boring.
Maybe many Brits thrive on adversity and we think life being easy and comfortable is somehow bad for the character - of course it could just be some warped aspect of my character!
#11
Re: Are you all mad.................
Originally Posted by DDL
Proper road paint markings
#12
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,198
Re: Are you all mad.................
Originally Posted by gruffbrown
Remind me to move back soon.......
My husband's a London man. He takes his driving VERY seriously.
#13
BE Enthusiast
Joined: May 2005
Location: Rochdale, then Toronto, then Preston now Tampa, Florida.
Posts: 903
Re: Are you all mad.................
Originally Posted by scoobydoo
stark raving!!!!!!
Green countryside
wages
working conditions
mates
family
education
opportunities more varied
drivers
weather
european gettaways
clothes
variety and quality in shops
houses and architecture
culture
history
Things we miss about Aus? Kangaroos in the drive and wider spaces, and some good mates we made. Can think of nothing else!
Green countryside
wages
working conditions
mates
family
education
opportunities more varied
drivers
weather
european gettaways
clothes
variety and quality in shops
houses and architecture
culture
history
Things we miss about Aus? Kangaroos in the drive and wider spaces, and some good mates we made. Can think of nothing else!
Green countryside - Thats because its always raining.
wages - Yes but much higher cost of living.
working conditions - Cant answer that.
mates - My best mates were from when I lived abroad.its what you make of it when your abroad that determines how you interact with people, who wants to be friends with a winger.
family - 100% agree, unless you have a family like mine
education - Not sure I agree.
opportunities more varied - Opportunities are everywhere, not just in the UK.
drivers - You should drive around St Anne's, maybe you would think different.
weather - If your a slug
European getaways - Fair comment.
clothes - Sorry but rubbish, you get what you pay for.
variety and quality in shops - same as above.
houses and architecture - Yes, you gotta love them UK housing estates, every house the same!
culture - Chavs, lager louts etc
history - Cant this be enjoyed from anywhere?
#14
Just Joined
Joined: Feb 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 16
Re: Are you all mad.................
Originally Posted by Roger
Damn I forgot the curries too. Really must be loosing it.
Roger
Roger
To lose something is to mislay it. Loose, is a completely different word, it means that something is not tight.
Loosing is not a word at all as far as I know. Yet I keep coming across people writing loose, when obviously they mean lose.
What's going on? are we totally losing (note spelling) our grasp of the English language.
Roger, if this was a typo, I apologise, but this does not excuse all the other people who regularly do it.
#15
Re: Are you all mad.................
Originally Posted by millavi
I know I'm risking getting a reputation for being a pedant, but why do so many people misspell 'lose'?
To lose something is to mislay it. Loose, is a completely different word, it means that something is not tight.
Loosing is not a word at all as far as I know. Yet I keep coming across people writing loose, when obviously they mean lose.
What's going on? are we totally losing (note spelling) our grasp of the English language.
Roger, if this was a typo, I apologise, but this does not excuse all the other people who regularly do it.
To lose something is to mislay it. Loose, is a completely different word, it means that something is not tight.
Loosing is not a word at all as far as I know. Yet I keep coming across people writing loose, when obviously they mean lose.
What's going on? are we totally losing (note spelling) our grasp of the English language.
Roger, if this was a typo, I apologise, but this does not excuse all the other people who regularly do it.
Getting back on topic...
One big reason the UK is better is because I grew up there. Doesn't matter how good life is on paper here, for me personally, the place where my roots are makes it superior.