Reply to: Can't wait to come home

[Pinto]

The people who live on the South Island of New Zealand refer to it as "the Mainland".

They certainly mean that to denigrate the North Island.

It would be interesting to know whether the North Islanders get upset by that or use the term themselves when they need to refer to the South Island.

I say that because "mainland Europe" is used all the time by the English when they need to refer to the rest of Europe while excluding themselves. You only need to watch a weather forecast.

[wurzel]

Does anyone else stay in the place they are working when they're away from home? or do you go back every weekend?

My original intention was to come home every other weekend but constantly changing schedules and the ever increasing costs of flights means I come back once a month and make a long weekend of it.

Much as I love coming home & seeing people, I have to confess that I'm not looking forward to coming back that much. Half the nearest town (Frome) is boarded up, 3 out of the 4 closest pubs have closed in the last year and everywhere just seems dead. Since I hardly ever watch tv it looks like I'm going to have to find myself a new hobby when the time comes!

[Gonzo]

Correct. We say continental or mainland Portugal to distinguish it from the Madeira and Azores archipelagos. People here say in the UK say "mainland Europe" when they need to exclude the British Isles.

It's just a geographical term, and I don't think it infers any denigration.

The people who live on the South Island of New Zealand refer to it as "the Mainland".

They certainly mean that to denigrate the North Island.

[Pinto]

My cousin who lives on one of the smaller islands of Shetland refers to the largest island of Shetland as the mainland. It's all relative.

Correct. We say continental or mainland Portugal to distinguish it from the Madeira and Azores archipelagos. People here say in the UK say "mainland Europe" when they need to exclude the British Isles.

It's just a geographical term, and I don't think it infers any denigration.

[PM-Junkie]

So I've been working on the mainland for 3 months, found out the other day that contract won't be renewed. Can't wait to come home.

I've had fun, went snowboarding a fair few times. And lived in a different city. But I'm getting pretty damn bored here.

I miss London, friends and family.

So I have 23 days to go! roll on home!

Does anyone else stay in the place they are working when they're away from home? or do you go back every weekend? Going back every weekend might have made it better, but then again I can imagine it would have seemed like even more of a chore if I was having to travel so much.

If you think where you are is the "mainland", I suggest you stay there.

You won't be missed.

[expat]

It is an expression used by people on one land-mass to denigrate a supposedly less important land-mass.

In this case the poster is probably working in continental europe.

My cousin who lives on one of the smaller islands of Shetland refers to the largest island of Shetland as the mainland. It's all relative.

[Pogle]

It is an expression used by people on one land-mass to denigrate a supposedly less important land-mass.

In this case the poster is probably working in continental europe.

Oh thanks for letting me know

[Gonzo]

Forgive my ignorance - but mainland of where? - Just being nosey

It is an expression used by people on one land-mass to denigrate a supposedly less important land-mass.

In this case the poster is probably working in continental europe.

[Mehmeh]

Forgive my ignorance - but mainland of where? - Just being nosey
I work away during the week and have a 4 to 5 hour commute at either end of it - which is bad enough - but staying away all the time, must be hard.

THE mainland.... I'm in Italy at the moment, was a real novelty for the first 2 months, close to the mountains and exploring new place... but then the snow has melted and have explored all to see!

It's close enough to come home, but I really wanted to immerse myself here. Only being here mon-friday, would have meant a very different experience...plus the cost of the commute at weekends (tight bastid you see).

Was in the carribbean last summer working, funnily enough I would still be there now if it was offered... Guess Italy just isn't as amazing.

[Gonzo]

I am married so I do not normally except contracts where I can't come home most weekends.

accept

You obviously haven't been married long enough.

[Pondlife]

Monday eve to Thursday on the mainland with every effort made to ensure I'm home for the weekend. Obviously there are occaissions when getting back isn't possible so I use it as an opportunity to experience a new city.

The other option is to fly Mrs PL out on airmiles.

I don't mind the air travel too much. I'd rather be stuck in the lounge with a large G+T and my book than sat on the M5 anyday.

[Brussels Slumdog]

So I've been working on the mainland for 3 months, found out the other day that contract won't be renewed. Can't wait to come home.


Does anyone else stay in the place they are working when they're away from home? or do you go back every weekend? Going back every weekend might have made it better, but then again I can imagine it would have seemed like even more of a chore if I was having to travel so much.

I am married so I do not normally except contracts where I can't come home most weekends.

[Pogle]

So I've been working on the mainland for 3 months, found out the other day that contract won't be renewed. Can't wait to come home.

I've had fun, went snowboarding a fair few times. And lived in a different city. But I'm getting pretty damn bored here.

I miss London, friends and family.

So I have 23 days to go! roll on home!

Does anyone else stay in the place they are working when they're away from home? or do you go back every weekend? Going back every weekend might have made it better, but then again I can imagine it would have seemed like even more of a chore if I was having to travel so much.

Forgive my ignorance - but mainland of where? - Just being nosey
I work away during the week and have a 4 to 5 hour commute at either end of it - which is bad enough - but staying away all the time, must be hard.

[Tensai]

Being away usually makes you appreciate all the small stuff that's good about home, and applies a nice rose-tint to all the crappy stuff. Which can increase the shock of getting home again.

But I agree it *is* getting a bit dire here, so be prepared....

[sasguru]

It's raining here, half the shop fronts on the high street are boarded up as businesses crash, there are no jobs, most of the population are turning into chavs.

Welcome back.