I'll be the first to admit, Australia is a long way from being perfect.
That said, I think you can acknowledge that Australia is deeply flawed, while still appreciating all of the little things that make it feel spectacular.
And it seems the old adage of "distance makes the heart grow fonder" has never rung more true — as one Redditer discovered after living outside of Australia for two years.
"I miss summer-dressed Santa, hearing 'no worries', Macca's drive-thru after late nights out, meat pies with tomato sauce, Bunnings sausage sizzles, the BEST coffee in the world, outdoor barbies with a bit of cricket."
In the comments, other expats and even non-Aussies shared their own longing for the great Down Under — and I've gotta say, this level of patriotism brings a tear to my eye:
"I missed Australia when I moved too. I hear a lot negative sentiment towards Australia here and a lot of it is justified, but I can't understand the people who think Australia is a worse country to live in than elsewhere. Moving overseas put things into perspective for me. Our standard of living is vastly superior to many other developed countries."
—u/Stonky_Kong_
"Australia is easily one of the best — if not the best place — to live in the world. All our cities rank insanely high on liveability indices. I’ve lived long term in seven countries and while there are individual things some countries do better, as an overall package there’s really nothing that beats Australia IMO."
—u/Cimexus
"Kiwi here. I’m moving back to Australia after being away for eight years. I loved Australia when I first moved there, and have been longing to go back and live there ever since. Should I turn the lights off before I leave?"
—u/swidtsocks
"I yearn to feel the sun warming my cold bones, to sit in the backyard with mates and have a barbie and a few beers. I miss the bakeries, the chip shops, chicken salt, my beach in SA, wine regions, the birds and all the wildlife."
"Left in 1999. Got married and have a house in Japan. My mother just passed away in Australia and I deeply regret being away for such a long time. I travelled through Europe, Asia and the States. Australia kicks their ass as far as a place to live (though not necessarily work). People in other countries ask me why I left."
"I miss the smell of eucalyptus trees. I didn't even know that was a thing until I lived overseas for a while. Got off the plane and smelled HOME!"
"I just hit my 11th year overseas and we're on the home stretch, looking to get back when my current contract expires in 2023. I can't begin to tell you how fucking STOKED I am to get back. I've had the privilege of living in the US, Prague, Japan, Korea and now Hong Kong and it has all lead me to one conclusion — fuck me dead, Australia absolutely rules."
"I'm a Yank with Aussie PR (permanent residence) and I've been in the States again for the last few years to help mum through some health issues. I miss the more laidback vibe, not having to worry about what it'll cost me to see a doc, cracking a Yak and having a snag sizzle. How easy it is to get out away from the city lights and take in the stars and the parrots in my backyard."
"Peter Allen said it best: Someday we'll all be together once more, when all of the ships come back to the shore and I'll realise something that I've always known: I still call Australia home."
—u/Juraga
And finally, this touching and age-old sentiment: "Come home you sick cunt and get a dog up ya."
