18 months in Perth - missing home!
Aug 20th 2009, 1:10 pm
#1
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Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: Mordialloc, Victoria
Posts: 67
18 months in Perth - missing home!
Moving to Perth from Guildford was a big move for us. My wife and I had good jobs, lots of freinds and were relatively close to our parents but still we always craved going back to Australia, where we met, to start a new life, or at least 'get it out of our systems'. Having enjoyed it initially things have changed...for me in particular.
The good...the obvious, weather, out door lifestyle and the size of house you can buy when compared to the UK. But sunshine and space are not everything.
Perth is beautifull, a big country town, relaxed and easy to get around but what we didnt take into account was the fact that there aint much outside Perth, so the feeling of isolation, particularly if you move out here without knowing people, grows on you. The fact that there is usually only one or two degrees of separation means that everyone knows each other and each others business...this can be a problem if you are a private person by nature! And some times, and i have heard this from some other british couples, is that west australians are reluctant to let outsiders into their circle of freinds, they all grow up together and they like to keep it that way. No shopping on a Sunday is a bit 1970s, no daylight savings in summmer is ridiculous and if you planning to come here to give a better life for your children, then give serious consideration to how bringing them up without their grandparents or other relatives might be. We didnt.
We think we will stay for this summer and then look at selling up and moving back home, and im quite happy about that which is a big change.
but please, these are just my experiences here so like any other post, dont take it too seriously...food for thought.
The good...the obvious, weather, out door lifestyle and the size of house you can buy when compared to the UK. But sunshine and space are not everything.
Perth is beautifull, a big country town, relaxed and easy to get around but what we didnt take into account was the fact that there aint much outside Perth, so the feeling of isolation, particularly if you move out here without knowing people, grows on you. The fact that there is usually only one or two degrees of separation means that everyone knows each other and each others business...this can be a problem if you are a private person by nature! And some times, and i have heard this from some other british couples, is that west australians are reluctant to let outsiders into their circle of freinds, they all grow up together and they like to keep it that way. No shopping on a Sunday is a bit 1970s, no daylight savings in summmer is ridiculous and if you planning to come here to give a better life for your children, then give serious consideration to how bringing them up without their grandparents or other relatives might be. We didnt.
We think we will stay for this summer and then look at selling up and moving back home, and im quite happy about that which is a big change.
but please, these are just my experiences here so like any other post, dont take it too seriously...food for thought.
Aug 20th 2009, 9:46 pm
#2
The Stars are Underground
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 423
Re: 18 months in Perth - missing home!
That sounded a bit bleak!
But honest is good though.
I am going out to WA myself soon, I suppose I can't relate to ye guys - kids and yerselves missing out on family.
But though I can relate to missing family for myself, and trying to get ahead in Oz on my tod(without the thinking if how the folks/family are getting on back home/missing me/me missing them etc).
Still though its better to have done it(out of yer systems than to not have)
You made one other interesting point to me though: of the feeling of privacy intrusion in Perth, is this the case with all of Perth?
Is there a specific area or area where you have had this?
I lived in Claremont for a short while a couple of years ago and found it not intrusive at all, then again it could just have been that part of the area(where I was staying was quite upmarket) - but not through my choice.
But honest is good though.
I am going out to WA myself soon, I suppose I can't relate to ye guys - kids and yerselves missing out on family.
But though I can relate to missing family for myself, and trying to get ahead in Oz on my tod(without the thinking if how the folks/family are getting on back home/missing me/me missing them etc).
Still though its better to have done it(out of yer systems than to not have)
You made one other interesting point to me though: of the feeling of privacy intrusion in Perth, is this the case with all of Perth?
Is there a specific area or area where you have had this?
I lived in Claremont for a short while a couple of years ago and found it not intrusive at all, then again it could just have been that part of the area(where I was staying was quite upmarket) - but not through my choice.
Aug 21st 2009, 12:10 am
#3
A horse walks into a bar.
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: Surrey
Posts: 581
Re: 18 months in Perth - missing home!
You gave it a go, it's something to look back on in life, and Guildford is a good place to come back too.
Good luck on your return.
Good luck on your return.
Aug 21st 2009, 12:52 am
#4
Account Closed
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,693
Re: 18 months in Perth - missing home!
.[/QUOTE]
Good points there.
Good points there.
Aug 21st 2009, 1:29 am
#5
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2008
Location: Perth
Posts: 6,775
Re: 18 months in Perth - missing home!
Moving to Perth from Guildford was a big move for us. My wife and I had good jobs, lots of freinds and were relatively close to our parents but still we always craved going back to Australia, where we met, to start a new life, or at least 'get it out of our systems'. Having enjoyed it initially things have changed...for me in particular.
The good...the obvious, weather, out door lifestyle and the size of house you can buy when compared to the UK. But sunshine and space are not everything.
Perth is beautifull, a big country town, relaxed and easy to get around but what we didnt take into account was the fact that there aint much outside Perth, so the feeling of isolation, particularly if you move out here without knowing people, grows on you. The fact that there is usually only one or two degrees of separation means that everyone knows each other and each others business...this can be a problem if you are a private person by nature! And some times, and i have heard this from some other british couples, is that west australians are reluctant to let outsiders into their circle of freinds, they all grow up together and they like to keep it that way. No shopping on a Sunday is a bit 1970s, no daylight savings in summmer is ridiculous and if you planning to come here to give a better life for your children, then give serious consideration to how bringing them up without their grandparents or other relatives might be. We didnt.
We think we will stay for this summer and then look at selling up and moving back home, and im quite happy about that which is a big change.
but please, these are just my experiences here so like any other post, dont take it too seriously...food for thought.
The good...the obvious, weather, out door lifestyle and the size of house you can buy when compared to the UK. But sunshine and space are not everything.
Perth is beautifull, a big country town, relaxed and easy to get around but what we didnt take into account was the fact that there aint much outside Perth, so the feeling of isolation, particularly if you move out here without knowing people, grows on you. The fact that there is usually only one or two degrees of separation means that everyone knows each other and each others business...this can be a problem if you are a private person by nature! And some times, and i have heard this from some other british couples, is that west australians are reluctant to let outsiders into their circle of freinds, they all grow up together and they like to keep it that way. No shopping on a Sunday is a bit 1970s, no daylight savings in summmer is ridiculous and if you planning to come here to give a better life for your children, then give serious consideration to how bringing them up without their grandparents or other relatives might be. We didnt.
We think we will stay for this summer and then look at selling up and moving back home, and im quite happy about that which is a big change.
but please, these are just my experiences here so like any other post, dont take it too seriously...food for thought.
And as for being able to break into a circle..can be very difficult indeed and even within the circle not always easy ...
Aug 21st 2009, 6:11 am
#6
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Joined: Jan 2009
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Posts: 421
Re: 18 months in Perth - missing home!
Moving to Perth from Guildford was a big move for us. My wife and I had good jobs, lots of freinds and were relatively close to our parents but still we always craved going back to Australia, where we met, to start a new life, or at least 'get it out of our systems'. Having enjoyed it initially things have changed...for me in particular.
The good...the obvious, weather, out door lifestyle and the size of house you can buy when compared to the UK. But sunshine and space are not everything.
Perth is beautifull, a big country town, relaxed and easy to get around but what we didnt take into account was the fact that there aint much outside Perth, so the feeling of isolation, particularly if you move out here without knowing people, grows on you. The fact that there is usually only one or two degrees of separation means that everyone knows each other and each others business...this can be a problem if you are a private person by nature! And some times, and i have heard this from some other british couples, is that west australians are reluctant to let outsiders into their circle of freinds, they all grow up together and they like to keep it that way. No shopping on a Sunday is a bit 1970s, no daylight savings in summmer is ridiculous and if you planning to come here to give a better life for your children, then give serious consideration to how bringing them up without their grandparents or other relatives might be. We didnt.
We think we will stay for this summer and then look at selling up and moving back home, and im quite happy about that which is a big change.
but please, these are just my experiences here so like any other post, dont take it too seriously...food for thought.
The good...the obvious, weather, out door lifestyle and the size of house you can buy when compared to the UK. But sunshine and space are not everything.
Perth is beautifull, a big country town, relaxed and easy to get around but what we didnt take into account was the fact that there aint much outside Perth, so the feeling of isolation, particularly if you move out here without knowing people, grows on you. The fact that there is usually only one or two degrees of separation means that everyone knows each other and each others business...this can be a problem if you are a private person by nature! And some times, and i have heard this from some other british couples, is that west australians are reluctant to let outsiders into their circle of freinds, they all grow up together and they like to keep it that way. No shopping on a Sunday is a bit 1970s, no daylight savings in summmer is ridiculous and if you planning to come here to give a better life for your children, then give serious consideration to how bringing them up without their grandparents or other relatives might be. We didnt.
We think we will stay for this summer and then look at selling up and moving back home, and im quite happy about that which is a big change.
but please, these are just my experiences here so like any other post, dont take it too seriously...food for thought.
At least you came, you saw and got the t-shirt.
I agree with everything you say about Perth, it is a big isolated country town but could be a fabulous place if it could pull itself out of the 1970's. My opinion only of course as many others love it for that exact reason.
Like another poster said as well, even if you manage to get into a circle you often still feel the odd one out.
Good luck with your decision, Guildford is lovely. It is where we would like to move back to but unfortunatley it is a bit pricey for us so looking at other places in the SE now.
Aug 21st 2009, 7:57 am
#7
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 839
Re: 18 months in Perth - missing home!
Moving to Perth from Guildford was a big move for us. My wife and I had good jobs, lots of freinds and were relatively close to our parents but still we always craved going back to Australia, where we met, to start a new life, or at least 'get it out of our systems'. Having enjoyed it initially things have changed...for me in particular.
The good...the obvious, weather, out door lifestyle and the size of house you can buy when compared to the UK. But sunshine and space are not everything.
Perth is beautifull, a big country town, relaxed and easy to get around but what we didnt take into account was the fact that there aint much outside Perth, so the feeling of isolation, particularly if you move out here without knowing people, grows on you. The fact that there is usually only one or two degrees of separation means that everyone knows each other and each others business...this can be a problem if you are a private person by nature! And some times, and i have heard this from some other british couples, is that west australians are reluctant to let outsiders into their circle of freinds, they all grow up together and they like to keep it that way. No shopping on a Sunday is a bit 1970s, no daylight savings in summmer is ridiculous and if you planning to come here to give a better life for your children, then give serious consideration to how bringing them up without their grandparents or other relatives might be. We didnt.
We think we will stay for this summer and then look at selling up and moving back home, and im quite happy about that which is a big change.
but please, these are just my experiences here so like any other post, dont take it too seriously...food for thought.
The good...the obvious, weather, out door lifestyle and the size of house you can buy when compared to the UK. But sunshine and space are not everything.
Perth is beautifull, a big country town, relaxed and easy to get around but what we didnt take into account was the fact that there aint much outside Perth, so the feeling of isolation, particularly if you move out here without knowing people, grows on you. The fact that there is usually only one or two degrees of separation means that everyone knows each other and each others business...this can be a problem if you are a private person by nature! And some times, and i have heard this from some other british couples, is that west australians are reluctant to let outsiders into their circle of freinds, they all grow up together and they like to keep it that way. No shopping on a Sunday is a bit 1970s, no daylight savings in summmer is ridiculous and if you planning to come here to give a better life for your children, then give serious consideration to how bringing them up without their grandparents or other relatives might be. We didnt.
We think we will stay for this summer and then look at selling up and moving back home, and im quite happy about that which is a big change.
but please, these are just my experiences here so like any other post, dont take it too seriously...food for thought.
Good luck. You are in the same boat as many of us were. Enjoy your time there and get back before you end up stuck and acceptant of Australia. It really is fairly "ordinary" as the Aussies like to say
Aug 22nd 2009, 4:04 am
#8
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: Tropical North QLD
Posts: 21,434
Re: 18 months in Perth - missing home!
Honest update!
Good luck with your move back to the UK next year but before you go, have you considered trying another part of Aus?
Good luck with your move back to the UK next year but before you go, have you considered trying another part of Aus?
Aug 22nd 2009, 4:06 am
#9
Just Joined
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3
Re: 18 months in Perth - missing home!
Moving to Perth from Guildford was a big move for us. My wife and I had good jobs, lots of freinds and were relatively close to our parents but still we always craved going back to Australia, where we met, to start a new life, or at least 'get it out of our systems'. Having enjoyed it initially things have changed...for me in particular.
The good...the obvious, weather, out door lifestyle and the size of house you can buy when compared to the UK. But sunshine and space are not everything.
Perth is beautifull, a big country town, relaxed and easy to get around but what we didnt take into account was the fact that there aint much outside Perth, so the feeling of isolation, particularly if you move out here without knowing people, grows on you. The fact that there is usually only one or two degrees of separation means that everyone knows each other and each others business...this can be a problem if you are a private person by nature! And some times, and i have heard this from some other british couples, is that west australians are reluctant to let outsiders into their circle of freinds, they all grow up together and they like to keep it that way. No shopping on a Sunday is a bit 1970s, no daylight savings in summmer is ridiculous and if you planning to come here to give a better life for your children, then give serious consideration to how bringing them up without their grandparents or other relatives might be. We didnt.
We think we will stay for this summer and then look at selling up and moving back home, and im quite happy about that which is a big change.
but please, these are just my experiences here so like any other post, dont take it too seriously...food for thought.
The good...the obvious, weather, out door lifestyle and the size of house you can buy when compared to the UK. But sunshine and space are not everything.
Perth is beautifull, a big country town, relaxed and easy to get around but what we didnt take into account was the fact that there aint much outside Perth, so the feeling of isolation, particularly if you move out here without knowing people, grows on you. The fact that there is usually only one or two degrees of separation means that everyone knows each other and each others business...this can be a problem if you are a private person by nature! And some times, and i have heard this from some other british couples, is that west australians are reluctant to let outsiders into their circle of freinds, they all grow up together and they like to keep it that way. No shopping on a Sunday is a bit 1970s, no daylight savings in summmer is ridiculous and if you planning to come here to give a better life for your children, then give serious consideration to how bringing them up without their grandparents or other relatives might be. We didnt.
We think we will stay for this summer and then look at selling up and moving back home, and im quite happy about that which is a big change.
but please, these are just my experiences here so like any other post, dont take it too seriously...food for thought.
I too am thinking and feeling the same as you- also came from near Guildford too. In fact I could have posted this too exactly how I feel!! Especially the bit about everyone knowing your business.......we have said another 6 months and then see.
Aug 22nd 2009, 7:04 am
#10
Banned
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,855
Re: 18 months in Perth - missing home!
They should have moved to Melbourne no one gets bored there and theres plenty of great places to travel to within the state of Victoria.
Aug 22nd 2009, 7:21 am
#11
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Posts: 839
Re: 18 months in Perth - missing home!
Up to a point! Melbourne gets boring too.You don't mean Winchelsea,Geelong,Ballarat etc-how dull!
Aug 22nd 2009, 8:57 am
#13
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2008
Location: Perth
Posts: 6,775
Re: 18 months in Perth - missing home!
Not really alone.Agree there is a certain sameness.Perhaps it is due to the fact that there is so little diversity in the way people speak(accents)think,humour,and otherness?
Aug 22nd 2009, 12:09 pm
#14
Banned
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,855
Re: 18 months in Perth - missing home!
l was'nt refering to any of those places, l could list alot of great palces in Victoria but whats the point people who hate OZ are going to say every place and everything is dreadful and boring even the places they have never been to, l doubt any of them could be bothered getting off their whinging backsides to go anywhere in OZ anyway.
Aug 22nd 2009, 3:52 pm
#15
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Re: 18 months in Perth - missing home!
l was'nt refering to any of those places, l could list alot of great palces in Victoria but whats the point people who hate OZ are going to say every place and everything is dreadful and boring even the places they have never been to, l doubt any of them could be bothered getting off their whinging backsides to go anywhere in OZ anyway.