Yeah I live in Panama but to get to Aus I have to go via LA. I am Australian but I also have British citizenship so I have no problems in Europe.
I have been away just over 2 years and I said to myself when I left I would come back to Aus once a year for a few weeks. I like Christmas the best cos it's summer and everyone is on hols so it's easier to see people. It's good. If I didn't want to be here (or in Panama for that matter) then I would leave.