[Markulous]

I worked in Canada for a year a few moons ago and loved both the country and the people - I'd go again

I visited my Aussie brother in Oz (Brisbane) a couple of years ago - I disliked Sydney, the distances (had to fly everywhere), the boring weather (and I was there for the "best" weather) but loved the people - I'd go again

Some very good friends emigrated to Oz - back within a year as their kids hated it

Next door neighbour's daughter met a Yank (both in IT - IBM) in 'States where they had big house, swimming pool and 2 cars. Moved to Oz (still with IBM) and back to 'States within a year - poor wages so couldn't afford a house (so rented) and only one car (and hated the fact there's no night life)

Tho' with the 'Big Dry' as they apparently call their drought, things are getting pretty desperate

I'd still go again........ to visit! But I still well remember how I felt after hitching around the 'States and every day was identically hot and sunny! I was bored senseless, welcomed my first cloud (upon return to UK) and have never seriously complained about UK weather since

I would definitely advise visiting first, preferably in the winter (when it's at it's hottest/dryest). I travelled to Oz next to someone who was moving there (another IT person, as it happens!) who had visited first, loved it and continues to love it (she's even getting hitched soon!)