Changes

[lovejoy]

Having just gotten home to Ireland for the first time in three years I am completely blown away by the changes in my town.

20 % of the population are foreigners (mostly Russians and Portuguese).

There is 98% employment, which is pretty much 100 taking into account people who are sick and just don’t work.

There are thousands of new houses built and prices have nearly quadrupled.

I never could have imagined such a drastic change in a place, I have lived away from home for over 10 years now and noticed small changes when I came back to visit, but this is quite surreal as its nothing like the place I left, its great to see everyone happy and doing well.

What changes to your hometowns have you noticed when returning after a while???

[Glauka]

Lost of south american, black people, chinese and east european people. the temporary job companies have taken over . It is easier to find a job but the conditions has worsen. The city has grown considerely more buildings and roads...accomodation is more expensive... I like that my city is more cosmopolita...

BTW the weather and the food are great!

[opothai]

england the same

a major influx of immigrants house prices through the roof, employment good for proffesionals not good for unskilled workers, but the diverse multicultural enviroment adds a little spice.

if the employment situation dives i would expect problems though.

i remember reading an article about the future of the uk and some european countries and it stated that if in the future we did not have immigration, because of the lowering birth rate in europe we would be paying to entice immigrants to move to our different countries to keep our economy going, as we have an ageing population and no money in the coffers.

[scotsman]

In my part of scotland i see more people who are drunk alcoholics and drug addicts. The city centre at night is full of drunken young people who cant stand up also a lot of fighting & muggings. There is no respect for anyone from the young people. I like the food But its getting very expensive to live there.

[HarryHerb]

Ahhhh, don't you just love the expat's privilege of sitting out on the verandah with a G 'n'T and complaining how the old country's gone to the dogs?

That's what life is all about.

Cheers, everyone.

[zzap]

I like the food

Well, that's something. Not shared by a lot of people. On the other hand, thinking about Scottish Malt Whiskies...but I guess the young folks couldn't afford this?

[kayo]

Ahhhh, don't you just love the expat's privilege of sitting out on the verandah with a G 'n'T and complaining how the old country's gone to the dogs?

That's what life is all about.

Cheers, everyone.

I never go home.. Home is where I lay my head.

Edited March 3, 2006 by kayo

[khall64au]

Ahhhh, don't you just love the expat's privilege of sitting out on the verandah with a G 'n'T and complaining how the old country's gone to the dogs?

That's what life is all about.

Cheers, everyone.

I never go home.. Home is where I lay my head.

me too bruva works for me....... so far!

[suegha]

The changes to our homeland would have happened if we were there, or not! It's just being away which makes it more surreal when we return (if you know what I mean). I also am from Ireland and the amount of changes over the past 10-15 years is staggering!!! I think part of the reason for that is that the changes for the previous 50 years or so, were relatively minor. What do you think lovejoy?

ps I'm from Dublin.