Happy In The Land Of Oz

[Bazile]

Has there been wizards in the land of Oz , running the economy over the past two decades .

They seem to have avoided the global recesion , and is the place to be if you want to be happy .

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22685260


Would you consider emigrating ?

[doctordb]

They won't be that happy after we stuff them in the ashes!

[emmie]

they didn't fall into the pit we have, and so haven't the same problems of constantly getting back on one's feet after failed economic policies.

[sp1814]

Bazile

Been to Oz three times. Lovely place (Sydney is particularly awesome).

Would I emigrate?

Nope. Ton of positives, but it would too far away from my friends/families. Difficult to 'pop back'.

Personally, I'm looking at Spain as a potential retirement option.

[emmie]

and no i am too old to emigrate

[Bazile]

That can be said of a lot of countries EM - not just GB.

However , no doubt you think we uniquely , could have avoided it

[LoftyLottie]

No. Lovely place to visit, but couldn't live there. I love the diversity of Europe. Things are not that great there actually.

[pusskin]

Agree with you SP, although I've only been to Perth twice. Was great.
Would I emigrate --NO.
I would love to live in Spain too. I'll carry on wishing! x

[society]

They have more control on their immigration.

No offense meant to immigrants anywhere in the world, but, I believe illegal immigration is a drain on all countrys' revenues.

[pusskin]

^^^ waves to Lottie! ^^^^

[LoftyLottie]

Things aren't great in Spain either. I love Spain though (away from the beaches and the tourists)

[emmie]

according to some Aussie friends they have as much a problem with illegal immigration as elsewhere. And no need to stress the fact it was white Europeans who went there, i get that.

[LoftyLottie]

Waves back to Pusskin x

[emmie]

Bazile, we may not have been able to avoid the financial crunch, but the fact is some places have been looking after their pennies for a rainy day, we didn't and are now paying the price in austerity measures.

[China Doll]

It's not that great. My sister and her other half have just moved back here. They have the same problems with immigration and apparently things had gotten particulary expensive as well, (they were in Sydney).

I've got nothing Australia want sadly.

[LoftyLottie]

Lots of crime in Australia too, especially in the Perth area so my cousin tells me (who lives between Perth,Australia and Cheddar in the UK).

[emmie]

i get regular calls, letters from these friends, and no it isn't all rosy.

[LoftyLottie]

Friend just back from Brisbane after a long stay with her son was appalled at how expensive Australia was. Also, after really considering emigrating to be with her son, has come back and says she would never live there.

Personally, I don't much like the Australian culture (or lack of it!). Sydney is amazing.

[China Doll]

Aye... heard that too Lofty. Sisters fiance has family in Perth.

Bascially I think it's a case of the grass always looking greener and all that.

[daffy654]

If I could afford it I would have set sail for Australia decades ago.

[237SJ]

Their economy certainly seems to be ok A$1.5 to the £ at the mo. I'm in Sydney at the moment and much as I like coming over, I wouldn't want to live here.