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Post By haggis
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17 Sep 2013
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Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Perth West Australia
Posts: 153
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love it or leave
Quote:
Originally Posted by RogerM
If you're unhappy at home, you'll be unhappy in an adopted country.
I reckon the first rule of migration is "keep your negative opinion of your adopted country to yourself" - if you hate the place, fine then leave.
Second rule "whenever a local ask's how you like the place?" - you always love it. This one simple statement will open doors to a social life that will let you truly love the place, your circle of friends will expand and you'll get introduced to places/things that takes the locals years to find/do. You have to remember that you are not unique - many millions have gone before and will have tainted the locals views - hence the "whingeing pom" tag in Australia.
Third rule "become a citizen as soon as you're able to" - keep your old citizenship if allowed, but do the people of your adopted country the courtesy of taking part in their society fully - they'll appreciate you even more. It also confers great responsibility - you can now abuse the local politicians at the pub!!
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good points & agree with some rogerM.
I have to be honest and as I said many times I'm 60/40, sometimes 70/30 or the reverse. No today I'm 55/45. There is the turmoil in my soul.
The aussies are very tolerant and put up with a lot from migrants, perhaps more than we in UK would.
Yes I do love bits of it, bits of culture, people, the weather mostly but have a few moans as well. No one here wants to hear this so i don't talk to Aussies about it anymore.
I feel I'm not allowed to criticize anything Australian for fear of being told "love it or leave". I tend to shy of conversations with Aussies when it comes to things contentious like that as it sometimes ends up in "well if you don't like it - leave then" so I never really connect with the locals fully to some extent. Despite living as a citizen and paying taxes here for 21 years does not qualify me to voice a negative opinion. There are other cultural and intellectual differences too but you have to change your ways a little to fit in.
There is good and bad being a migrant and those who have never done so would never understand. Not trying to be some sort of smartass here so apologies in advance, but immigrants will know exactly what I'm saying. also you'd be amazed at what stupid ridiculous things you miss from home. Usually they are stupid and blown out of all proportion. e.g. white sheep, sparrows, decent pubs, UK humour, danish bacon and sausages, yes don't laugh but there it is.
I also appreciate what its like to see immigrants take over your country, I'm from UK after all.
I understand the 6 month thing, I loved it for first 3 months then at about 6 months hated the place. I was going to stick it out for 2 years regardless and pulled through.
This thought doesn't really rule my life, but in a way, I don't really belong here, sadly I don't belong there either. I reckon the transit lounge of Singapore airport is where i'll be buried.
hang on a minute, I belong on my bike for gawds sake!
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17 Sep 2013
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Dunedin, NZ
Posts: 308
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Thought provoking comments, thank you 
Quote:
Originally Posted by PaulD
you really must learn the New Zealand national anthem
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I don't even know the British one! 
Quote:
Originally Posted by haggis
The true test of how settled people are is: "would you die here"? strange question but most say "no way" Proves to me where their heart lies.
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I don't know what that means. Do I care where I die? Not really, I'll be dead. However, I do care how & when (on my bike, somewhere beautiful & when I'm a lot older)
Quote:
Originally Posted by NearlyHomelessNick
I hope you find a place for your heart that you can call "home"
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Here, you have a point. Apart from my childhood home, I've never felt settled anywhere. Currently in my 14th abode since leaving my parents & I've never been in the forces! Perhaps I'm part gypsy 
Quote:
Originally Posted by RogerM
If you're unhappy at home, you'll be unhappy in an adopted country.
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I only partly agree because the reasons for being unhappy are complex. I miss my daughter, we have a close relationship & whilst Skype is great, it's not the same. But I've also become cynical about Britain, the EU, my employer, banks & occasionally, so-called friends!
Quote:
Originally Posted by docsherlock
I say go for it - if it doesn't work out you can always come back.....
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I have no choice but to sell up so I have to think of this as a "no going back" move.
Quote:
Originally Posted by haggis
The aussies are very tolerant and put up with a lot from migrants, perhaps more than we in UK would.
......you'd be amazed at what stupid ridiculous things you miss from home
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Parts of the UK are incredibly over-populated and multi-cultural to the extreme but the majority of us remain very tolerant. In general we don't say anything outright in fear of being labelled racist or a bigot then taken to court! Many nations could be quite out-spoken & nothing would happen to them! 
I'm not a pub person & never drink tea so won't miss either.
I'm at my happiest when riding my bike so I can live anywhere that offers this freedom, but more so if they have wonderful vistas and great cafes. NZ has these 
I will miss the easy opportunities to visit EU countries :confused1:
NZ has Sand Flies which love to bite me 
& I worry that the minute I migrate to NZ, she'll find a job in the UK! 
__________________
 Elaine
Striving to live the ordinary life in a non ordinary way
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17 Sep 2013
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Registered Users
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Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: on the Road, at the moment somewhere else
Posts: 289
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pheonix
NZ has Sand Flies which love to bite me
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They bite everybody, even the Kiwis! In some places they have a "Sandfly Bar", "The Sandfly Caffee" and "The Sandfly Petrol Station"... Sometimes we put our compete Gear incl Helmet IN THE TENT B4 putting it down...
Good luck, we are on our way to NZ as well! Maybe c u there!
Cheers Sascha
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