orgprophet: not sure if you are committed to emigrate, almost committed, or still exploring the possibility. You speak so highly of your present situation that it must be a most difficult matter to decide, indeed.

Australia is geographically separate from N.A. of course, but in all other respects is part of it. In some respects they appear to be closer to the U.S. than Canada. In this era, geography is far from the imperative it once was. My believe is they are not "sympatico" with China and India and their main connection to these entities will be as a hewer of wood and carrier of water, rather than as a catalyst welcoming them into the modern world. When the chips are down, I feel Aussie will sink with the U.S. rather than rise with "developing" nations.

You say you are in the twilight of your life. This being the case, I would not dream of exchanging a "comfortable and idyllic paradise" for a few years of adapting to what amounts to a different culture, unless for the sake of an accompanying family's future. On that basis, you might justify such a move, but that could end up coming back to bite your children.

Stick around, buddy, and be ready to enjoy global warming when our vast northern land areas and abundant fresh water will come into their own! You will then, of course, do what you can to assist your drought-stricken friends in Australia.

Best, O.F.