· As an Aussie working in London, I initially had some sympathy for Pete... that is until I read that the cause of his loneliness is the desire to meet English people.
Why don't you try to meet some Aussies? It's a damn sight easier since you are, in fact, in Australia, and - contrary to the social culture in Britain - you won't be regarded with suspicion should you walk into, say, the Espy in St Kilda on a Sunday afternoon, and strike up a conversation with another punter enjoying his VB. Who knows, you might even meet a spunky chick wearing her thongs who'll give you a dink home.
Lyn Ambrose
· If you play any sport it'd definitely be worth trying to join a club of some sort.
Interested in any evening classes etc? CAE do loads - details on their website at www.cae.edu.au. As a fellow-Brit in Melbourne, I can identify with the fact that meeting others from the UK can be easier, as they tend to be in the similar situation of needing friends, but it really is worth getting to know the locals too. Melbourne is too much of a cosmopolitan city to spend all your time with ex-pats!
Maggie Illingworth
· Join the local Hash House Harriers. There must be more than one in Melbourne. If you can't find one ask at the British High Commission where they meet. Don't worry about not being a runner - it's more of a serious drinking and social club than a running club.You follow a paper chase and stop at pre-arranged check points every two or three hundred metres. No sweat - or very little!
Be warned, the language is crude but harmless. The worse that can happen to you is to have a jug of beer thrown over you after the run for being 'wanker of the week'!
Good luck. 'On On' (as the Hashers say!).
Pat Printy (retired Hasher)
· A good after-work bar in the centre is Mac's, which I think is on Franklin Street (near the Greyhound bus stn). The staff are really friendly and ready to chat. The palce used to be frequented by Ansett staff, as they had two buildings nearby, I guess it's a bit quieter now.
Another option is the Stork Hotel on the corner of Elizabeth Street and Thierry Street (opp Queen Vic markets), a little less salubrious, in fact decidedly down-at-heel but the regulars are so friendly I couldn't think of anywhere more welcoming.
Enjoy Melbourne, it's a great city.
Emma Jepson
emmajepson@yahoo.com
· I too am in Melbourne and am finding it difficult to meet people. Australians tell me that it was difficult for them too, it's not the most friendly city. I am quite busy and it's so hard to just keep going out so I spend most evenings in front of the TV or going to the cinema.
If you want, you could email me and maybe we could go out for a drink? I think maybe it's easier to meet people when there are more than one of you. Anyway, do email me if you fancy a drink after work.
If not, you could always try St Kilda - it's full of English backpackers.
Dominique Collins
DCollins@rveeh.vic.gov.au
