Although we have been very happy here, it's a decision we have been musing over for a while now but to be honest there's not really one main factor pushing or pulling us either way.
It's more like there's lots of little things, that on balance have gradually pushed us over to want to return. Here's a few of our thoughts:
The weather
Oh the weather. Most of the time it's beautiful here. Sunny days are definitely the norm. But during the summer months it gets far too hot, While 30 degree days are bearable, 40 degree ones are not and you can't even hang the washing out without feeling drained. Nick especially has not coped well with the heat!
And there is something cosy and appealing about wrapping up warm and going for a winter walk that you never experience here. I've barely worn a coat, even in winter.
The isolation
Perth is one of the most isolated cities in the world and international and domestic flights are pretty expensive. We were hoping to travel more but we just haven't really been able to afford it with just one of us working. Western Australia is full of beautiful beaches and bushland but if you want something different... you have to go a long way to get it.
The cost
Perth is an expensive place to live! It's got a booming economy because of the mining industry and rental properties are expensive and in demand, We currently live with my parents which has been great while Devon was a baby and I wasn't working. However we would like to get our own place (after nearly three years of being either homeless gypsies or lodging in with parents!) but we simply can't afford it here. Rent in the UK is at least half what it is in Perth.
Used cars are also a lot less in the UK (e.g. Our 2001 Mazda MPV here cost us £4800. By contrast there is a similar spec MPV on AutoTrader, two years newer, for £2290). In fact, apart from petrol and parking, everything is cheaper in the UK. But Nick can earn the same salary in the UK as he gets here, so we'd be financially better off.
Friends and family
My parent's have lived in Australia for 10 years or so while Nick's parent's live in the UK. So one set of parent's is always going to miss out wherever we live. Of course I'm sad to be leaving my family while Nick is looking forward to seeing his again. I'm also looking forward to meeting my niece Alice for the first time who is four months older than Devon, and hope her and Devon can grow up seeing each other regularly.
Having Devon has meant I have made some new mum friends over the past two years. In particular my yoga buddy Moira had her little girl Winnie just one day after Devon was born and I'll definitely miss our play dates together.
Nick has been working full time though so hasn't made as many friends which is crazy because he is such a social person. Because of Facebook, etc. we are still very much in touch with all our old friends from the UK (many of which have had babies since we left) so can't wait to meet up with everyone. We're all very close and have missed them a lot.
Things we miss in the UK
These are the little things that on their own aren't particularly important, but that we are looking forward to having again. In no particular order:
The BBC, biscuits, beer, clotted cream, sausages, seasons, cold Christmas's, country pubs, historic buildings, fishing villages, market towns, windy country lanes, windswept moors and snow-topped mountain peaks, decent clothes shops, Waitrose, Greggs sausage rolls and pasties and probably lots more.
We also miss the diversity of Europe. A very short (and relatively inexpensive) plane trip and you're in an entirely different culture. Australia just doesn't have that. Oh, and skiing holidays of course (we have one booked already).
What we'll miss about Australia
This really is an amazing country and most people I'm sure will think we are crazy for going back. Here's what we know we will miss:
Nick's job - he really enjoys working for KTM motorcycles and gets on well with everyone he works with. If only he could take his job with him.
Traffic jams are practically non-existent. Or at least tiny in comparison to UK jams.
Food in restaurants and taverns is nearly always really good. No dodgy Wetherspoons style food here.
The wildlife - it's great seeing parrots and kookaburras on a daily basis, and the occasional kangaroo; contrary to some peoples fears, you very rarely see anything dangerous.
The outside space - there are so many beaches and parks, with hardly anybody in them.
My family. It truly has been great spending so much time with my Mum, Dad and youngest brother after being apart from them for so long. And Devon has benefited from having them so close too.
So, there we are. It's been an awesome adventure, and we don't regret coming here for a second! We thoroughly recommend to anyone thinking about coming out here to at least give it a go. Even if, like us, you decide it's not for you, it's a life changing experience that gives you a renewed sense of appreciation for everything.
So now all that's left is to pack up and get Devon a passport (easier said than done!)
