I assume that many of you, like me, have survived London’s worst month – January
It’s almost exciting when we finally enter February, with March on the horizon. That is until Facebook cast its evil ‘the grass is greener on the other side’ spell. How dare our friends back home in Australia post pictures of themselves sunning themselves at the beach!
It’s a constant reminder of the differences between the UK and Australia, especially during the depths of the British winter.
Also read: For love, money and travel: the top reasons why Australians move to the UK
These are my classic London Aussie expat winter whinges.
UK vs Australia weather
Yeah, yeah, I am ranting on about it and it’s a cliché but I can’t leave the weather out, can I? I still can’t get over the sun-kissed pictures I admired whilst under my blanket in my thick scratchy socks. At least Britain has the snow to boast about – sometimes. And there’s skiing, but it’s not exactly a quick drive to the slopes on a Friday after work, is it?
Score: UK 0, Australia 1
UK vs Australia tax
Over here, just to keep things really happy in January, many of us have to submit our online tax self-assessments by the 31st of the month. And, unlike in Australia (at a far more civilised time of year), we usually owe the government money. Harsh.
Score: UK 0, Australia 2
UK vs Australia houses
In London, you and your housmates are likely to stay indoors much more at this time of year, finding yourselves on top of each other in what are already cramped quarters. This is when we reminisce over our homes back Down Under. Such a smaller slice of your income, such a larger garden, even a laundry and a spare room.
Score: UK 0, Australia 3
But there is light in the gloom
Ah, but a crisp Richmond Park at the weekend, West End theatre the weekend before, and a skiing trip to the French Alps the weekend after. It is pretty great living in London, even in winter. Just a few more rays of sunshine every now and would help. And hey, spring is just about here, right.. RIGHT?
IMAGE: Via Pixabay
