An Aussie Living Overseas Blog Day 1

Where to start?

In 2007, We decided to spend 6 months in the UK as a bit of an adventure, that was almost 3 years ago and I thought this blog would be a good way to convey our experiences along the way.

We are not your traditional young Aussies off on our 1st overseas jaunt, both my wife and I have traveled extensively over the years visiting over 60 countries between us.

A bit about us:

• Me - Late 40's in a bit of a mid life crisis
• Wife - Intelligent early 40's and ambitious
• 3 Great kids 4, 6 and 7

After traveling overseas for almost 200 days in 2006, I said to my wife, we either need to spend 6 months in the UK or find another job. Life was predictable and stable in Australia and as our children were yet to start school, the 6 month adventure seemed like a great idea. We could afford it and we thought it would benefit the children enormously. So far it has.

Six months flew by and we are still here, not entirely sure when we will return to Australia as our European adventure continues.

Since arriving we have managed to purchase 2 houses, 3 cars and enrolled all of our children in school. Whilst it may appear on the surface that Australia and the UK are very similar, there are huge differences which as you follow this blog you will be alerted to.

My first observation and one that we have to live with every day is that this country is as close to communist as you can get without having a hammer and sickle on the flag. People here are obsessed with welfare and expect the state to support them no matter what. In stark contrast to Australia, there is very little entrepreneurial spirit amongst the everyday people.

It strikes me that the UK Government is swimming against the tide and losing badly. The black economy is rife, everyone wants cash in hand and never pay tax. Without VAT to capture some of that lost income the country would literally sink under a mountain of debt trying to keep the welfare system going.

My opinion is that if the UK is to prosper, they need to learn lots of lessons from the Aussies when it comes to running social services, hospitals, welfare and lean Government. Having said that, Australia can also learn from the UK in many areas.

We are fortunate to live in South East England where the weather is actually OK and this weekend was lovely. 2 of my 3 Children attended birthday parties today, my eldest daughter went to a bowling and disco party and my son went to a farm party which when I collected him looked like a scene from Lord of the Flies. They were all running around with their shirts off shooting bows and arrows whilst a camp fire burned away near a tent.

Needless to say, the children are all exhausted and bed is nigh.

School tomorrow, 6 hours child free for 4 days. My youngest daughter stays home on Fridays where we get to spend some much loved one on one time with her.

That's it for the first post, I am off to have dinner and I hope to keep this up as our adventure continues.