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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