Tricia's Diary Part 4
Jul 1st 2009, 4:15 am
#1
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Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Perth WA
Posts: 209
Tricia's Diary Part 4
December 08’
John and I went to Melbourne for a long weekend break. Now a lot of Aussies had told us it was a lot like London. Well all I can say to that is they probably haven’t been to London for a long time! Although there were similarities, I can see where they are coming from. Upon first impressions as we were in a taxi from the airport, it seemed like most cites old and grey looking (the overcast weather did not help I suppose) It made me realise what a pretty city Perth actually is.
We stayed in the Crown hotel and had a fantastic view over the river and casino. The casino is HUGE much bigger than the one in Perth, the only down side to it was the $1 machines they were all fruit machines not one variation anywhere unless you played the tables.
Now the shopping that a different story OMG I was in heaven, so many shops, so much to choose from. They also have a fantastic transport system so it was really easy to get around. There is a tourist tram that goes in a circle around the city and announces each stop and what attractions are there. It also gives a running commentary of the things you are passing, and best of all its FREE.
The restaurants along the Yarra River were really nice, and we also ate at China town, where I had the most fantastic crispy duck.
John and I visited the ice bar which as the name suggests is made completely of ice, you are only allowed to be in there for 25 mins at the most. They give you ski boots, ski jackets and gloves before you go in and all the drinks are ice themed. Even the glasses are made of ice and you get to smash them when you have finished.
The day we went in the ice bar was 30 deg so it was quite a relief from the heat. We then walked up to the main shopping area and visited all the big stores, much the same as Perth only about 5 times the size. Now, as we had eaten and drunk during the day nature called, and I popped in to McDonald’s for a wee. When I came out not only had the weather changed but the season as well!! The heavens had opened and it was freezing, something which I had been told about, and is quite common in Melbourne.
So we went back to the hotel for a woolly jumper and a nice warm coffee.
All in all we had a fantastic time and a much needed break, and I loved Melbourne.
Daniel went on holiday with his mates to Surfers paradise in the gold coast and then travelled to Coffs Harbour with friends and then on to Sydney. He had a fantastic time and now has the travel bug and wants to go and explore……EUROPE!.....that’s teenager logic for you. Still good luck to him, I was always a traveller when I was young so it’s in his blood I suppose. One thing he did realise is that travelling costs money. He now has a job with Westnet and is saving hard for his next adventure.
He went east we went to Melbourne and poor April went nowhere, she was supposed to be going to Sydney with my Mum to visit my other waste of space (brother) that lives there. But Mum has now had more problems with her leg and is has to go to see a specialist at Sir Charles Gardner hospital now on a weekly basis as well as having silver chain visit every day so Sydney is out of the question for a while.
Now busy preparing for second Xmas in OZ does it feel like Xmas this year? …Nope. Bing is still doing his bit in the shopping malls and as usual I have out up the Xmas tree and lights.
Daniels birthday passed by quietly, no big celebration this year, and then Barb Chris Pam and Megan arrive. It was so good to see them all again.
We had a wonderful Christmas day, we all went down the beach and had a BBQ breakfast, the back home to open our pressies. We had steak and salad for dinner accompanied by a spit roast turkey. Barb and Chris said it did not feel like Xmas just cos’ the sun was shining, but they much preferred it to a cold ordinary UK Christmas.
The weather got hotter for them each day they were here, on New Years Eve at the stroke of midnight John and Chris jumped in the pool.
We did not go on any big adventures this time I think the furthest we travelled was Fremantle. We did ordinary things and spent a lot of time enjoying the hot weather chatting and sitting by the pool. We as usual had a lot of laughs especially when Chris did his naked Chef impression!!
The girls enjoyed each others company, Barb and I chilled and Pam and my mum engaged in dishwasher wars.
I had pondered before they came as to what I might buy Barb for Xmas, in one of her emails she was telling me how stressed she was, and was looking forward to a relaxing break. So that’s when I hit on the idea of booking her in for a massage. I thought I would join her and we decided to make it on there last full day. John Chris and the girls went off to Hilary’s, Pam went bingo with an old friend and Barb and I set off to Chi at Joondalup for our nice relaxing massage.
They asked us no questions when we arrived just smiled in that very Asian way and led us to our booths which were next to each other and separated by a curtain.
Then the massage began…….NO WHERE IN THE BROUCHER OR WHEN I BOOKED IT DID ANYONE MENTION THE WORDS SHIATSU!..
If you have ever had this and enjoyed it, then I am probably a wimp in your eyes but I felt like I was being beaten up. At one point I did yell out, and the young man asked me “plessure to hard?” to which I replied “yes” but he didn’t seem to lesson it any! And then if that wasn’t enough he started slapping me. I honestly keep thinking he will stop in a minute and I will get the nice bit….it never happened.
They also do your head and face and Barb did say that at one point she thought her eyeball may just have popped out if they squeezed her head any harder.
When they finished they asked that we sit up and left the room. I pulled back the curtain and there was Barb sitting opposite me, hair standing on end with a somewhat glazed expression on her face. I just looked at her and said “I am so sorry, that’s one Christmas present you won’t forget in a hurry.” We both just burst out laughing and struggled to the nearest café to sit down have a drink and try to recover. John called me to ask how it went and I said “I have just paid $60 to be beaten up”!
The time came for them to leave too soon, and again I was very sad to see them leave, but I know now that they will be back and next time hopefully it will be for good.
We all had a great Xmas and new year, no sign of my brother and his wife although I must admit I did not call them to invite them over.
Back to work now, life has returned to normality. As I was heading for the train this morning I saw a young lad running for the train bare foot and with a surfboard tucked under his arm. I smiled to myself and thought that’s what I love about this country. It just suddenly occurred to me then that I do love this country and I am glad I live here.
…Am I starting to feel like I belong?? We’ll see………….
February 09
April has started her new School Mindarie senior college and she loves it. (So far)
Daniel has a job with Westnet technical support and is enjoying that and saving hard for his next round of adventure.
Mum got really sick again and had to be rushed to SCGH by ambulance, she had 2 really bad seizures while in ED and it was a really scary time, I really though we were going to loose her. I called my brother to tell him even though I new he would be as much support as a strapless bra.
Well he did not let me down, he managed to go and see her 10 days later, and by this time she had been transferred to Osborn Park hospital for rehab.
Jordie came again , moaned the whole time he was here and even my John (who has the patience of a saint) said “never again”
We are definitely not going to be able to accommodate him next year. I will open my home to any one that wants to stay, but please don’t complain about my Kids, dogs, the way I live and the fact that its to bloody HOT……what do you expect its February in Australia!!
Mum is out of hospital now and is making a slow recovery.
June 09’ 2 years
My god where has the time gone??
Everyone told me you must give it 2 years to know how you feel, well the question is do I?
My Husband loves it here he enjoys his job and has really got into the Aussie way of life. Fishing for yabbies and Crabs, gold prospecting, popping over to the neighbours after work for a beer, to mention just a few.
Daniel seems to have all but forgotten his life in the UK, he is still at Uni and working part time. He has told me that if we did ever go back he would not be coming with us!
April, well she just gets on with it I think she would be happy anywhere.
So that just leave ME……………
Seeing my family happy and my hubbie so much more relaxed means a lot to me and I know I could not put them through returning to the UK just because of me. However saying that I really don’t think I could give up what I have here. I love my life here, so I will stay, but never say never. You just never know what life will bring.
Mum still struggles with her health but at the moment everything seems ok no big dramas’
Although she was concerned the other day as she heard on the news the Taliban were fighting in the Swan Valley! And if her OAP club did another trip there she wouldn’t be going. I tried to explain that it was the Swat valley and was no where near us, but I am not sure she was convinced. Still it gave us all a giggle.
I am still at work and still at the same place, will I ever leave??
Off to meet Kate and Stuart this weekend (British Expats Essex Meet) they have finally had there new home built.
Other than that I am trying to keep warm, (how quick I have acclimatised) looking forward to the summer returning and our Trip to Sydney in September.
Take care everyone
Tricia
x
John and I went to Melbourne for a long weekend break. Now a lot of Aussies had told us it was a lot like London. Well all I can say to that is they probably haven’t been to London for a long time! Although there were similarities, I can see where they are coming from. Upon first impressions as we were in a taxi from the airport, it seemed like most cites old and grey looking (the overcast weather did not help I suppose) It made me realise what a pretty city Perth actually is.
We stayed in the Crown hotel and had a fantastic view over the river and casino. The casino is HUGE much bigger than the one in Perth, the only down side to it was the $1 machines they were all fruit machines not one variation anywhere unless you played the tables.
Now the shopping that a different story OMG I was in heaven, so many shops, so much to choose from. They also have a fantastic transport system so it was really easy to get around. There is a tourist tram that goes in a circle around the city and announces each stop and what attractions are there. It also gives a running commentary of the things you are passing, and best of all its FREE.
The restaurants along the Yarra River were really nice, and we also ate at China town, where I had the most fantastic crispy duck.
John and I visited the ice bar which as the name suggests is made completely of ice, you are only allowed to be in there for 25 mins at the most. They give you ski boots, ski jackets and gloves before you go in and all the drinks are ice themed. Even the glasses are made of ice and you get to smash them when you have finished.
The day we went in the ice bar was 30 deg so it was quite a relief from the heat. We then walked up to the main shopping area and visited all the big stores, much the same as Perth only about 5 times the size. Now, as we had eaten and drunk during the day nature called, and I popped in to McDonald’s for a wee. When I came out not only had the weather changed but the season as well!! The heavens had opened and it was freezing, something which I had been told about, and is quite common in Melbourne.
So we went back to the hotel for a woolly jumper and a nice warm coffee.
All in all we had a fantastic time and a much needed break, and I loved Melbourne.
Daniel went on holiday with his mates to Surfers paradise in the gold coast and then travelled to Coffs Harbour with friends and then on to Sydney. He had a fantastic time and now has the travel bug and wants to go and explore……EUROPE!.....that’s teenager logic for you. Still good luck to him, I was always a traveller when I was young so it’s in his blood I suppose. One thing he did realise is that travelling costs money. He now has a job with Westnet and is saving hard for his next adventure.
He went east we went to Melbourne and poor April went nowhere, she was supposed to be going to Sydney with my Mum to visit my other waste of space (brother) that lives there. But Mum has now had more problems with her leg and is has to go to see a specialist at Sir Charles Gardner hospital now on a weekly basis as well as having silver chain visit every day so Sydney is out of the question for a while.
Now busy preparing for second Xmas in OZ does it feel like Xmas this year? …Nope. Bing is still doing his bit in the shopping malls and as usual I have out up the Xmas tree and lights.
Daniels birthday passed by quietly, no big celebration this year, and then Barb Chris Pam and Megan arrive. It was so good to see them all again.
We had a wonderful Christmas day, we all went down the beach and had a BBQ breakfast, the back home to open our pressies. We had steak and salad for dinner accompanied by a spit roast turkey. Barb and Chris said it did not feel like Xmas just cos’ the sun was shining, but they much preferred it to a cold ordinary UK Christmas.
The weather got hotter for them each day they were here, on New Years Eve at the stroke of midnight John and Chris jumped in the pool.
We did not go on any big adventures this time I think the furthest we travelled was Fremantle. We did ordinary things and spent a lot of time enjoying the hot weather chatting and sitting by the pool. We as usual had a lot of laughs especially when Chris did his naked Chef impression!!
The girls enjoyed each others company, Barb and I chilled and Pam and my mum engaged in dishwasher wars.
I had pondered before they came as to what I might buy Barb for Xmas, in one of her emails she was telling me how stressed she was, and was looking forward to a relaxing break. So that’s when I hit on the idea of booking her in for a massage. I thought I would join her and we decided to make it on there last full day. John Chris and the girls went off to Hilary’s, Pam went bingo with an old friend and Barb and I set off to Chi at Joondalup for our nice relaxing massage.
They asked us no questions when we arrived just smiled in that very Asian way and led us to our booths which were next to each other and separated by a curtain.
Then the massage began…….NO WHERE IN THE BROUCHER OR WHEN I BOOKED IT DID ANYONE MENTION THE WORDS SHIATSU!..
If you have ever had this and enjoyed it, then I am probably a wimp in your eyes but I felt like I was being beaten up. At one point I did yell out, and the young man asked me “plessure to hard?” to which I replied “yes” but he didn’t seem to lesson it any! And then if that wasn’t enough he started slapping me. I honestly keep thinking he will stop in a minute and I will get the nice bit….it never happened.
They also do your head and face and Barb did say that at one point she thought her eyeball may just have popped out if they squeezed her head any harder.
When they finished they asked that we sit up and left the room. I pulled back the curtain and there was Barb sitting opposite me, hair standing on end with a somewhat glazed expression on her face. I just looked at her and said “I am so sorry, that’s one Christmas present you won’t forget in a hurry.” We both just burst out laughing and struggled to the nearest café to sit down have a drink and try to recover. John called me to ask how it went and I said “I have just paid $60 to be beaten up”!
The time came for them to leave too soon, and again I was very sad to see them leave, but I know now that they will be back and next time hopefully it will be for good.
We all had a great Xmas and new year, no sign of my brother and his wife although I must admit I did not call them to invite them over.
Back to work now, life has returned to normality. As I was heading for the train this morning I saw a young lad running for the train bare foot and with a surfboard tucked under his arm. I smiled to myself and thought that’s what I love about this country. It just suddenly occurred to me then that I do love this country and I am glad I live here.
…Am I starting to feel like I belong?? We’ll see………….
February 09
April has started her new School Mindarie senior college and she loves it. (So far)
Daniel has a job with Westnet technical support and is enjoying that and saving hard for his next round of adventure.
Mum got really sick again and had to be rushed to SCGH by ambulance, she had 2 really bad seizures while in ED and it was a really scary time, I really though we were going to loose her. I called my brother to tell him even though I new he would be as much support as a strapless bra.
Well he did not let me down, he managed to go and see her 10 days later, and by this time she had been transferred to Osborn Park hospital for rehab.
Jordie came again , moaned the whole time he was here and even my John (who has the patience of a saint) said “never again”
We are definitely not going to be able to accommodate him next year. I will open my home to any one that wants to stay, but please don’t complain about my Kids, dogs, the way I live and the fact that its to bloody HOT……what do you expect its February in Australia!!
Mum is out of hospital now and is making a slow recovery.
June 09’ 2 years
My god where has the time gone??
Everyone told me you must give it 2 years to know how you feel, well the question is do I?
My Husband loves it here he enjoys his job and has really got into the Aussie way of life. Fishing for yabbies and Crabs, gold prospecting, popping over to the neighbours after work for a beer, to mention just a few.
Daniel seems to have all but forgotten his life in the UK, he is still at Uni and working part time. He has told me that if we did ever go back he would not be coming with us!
April, well she just gets on with it I think she would be happy anywhere.
So that just leave ME……………
Seeing my family happy and my hubbie so much more relaxed means a lot to me and I know I could not put them through returning to the UK just because of me. However saying that I really don’t think I could give up what I have here. I love my life here, so I will stay, but never say never. You just never know what life will bring.
Mum still struggles with her health but at the moment everything seems ok no big dramas’
Although she was concerned the other day as she heard on the news the Taliban were fighting in the Swan Valley! And if her OAP club did another trip there she wouldn’t be going. I tried to explain that it was the Swat valley and was no where near us, but I am not sure she was convinced. Still it gave us all a giggle.
I am still at work and still at the same place, will I ever leave??
Off to meet Kate and Stuart this weekend (British Expats Essex Meet) they have finally had there new home built.
Other than that I am trying to keep warm, (how quick I have acclimatised) looking forward to the summer returning and our Trip to Sydney in September.
Take care everyone
Tricia
x
Jul 1st 2009, 6:56 am
#2
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: Tropical North QLD
Posts: 21,434
Re: Tricia's Diary Part 4
Lovely update as always!
Jul 1st 2009, 7:10 pm
#3
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 78
Re: Tricia's Diary Part 4
i have read through all of your time in australia and have really enjoyed it
your mam seems a real character and i hope shes ok, my grandma would regularly come out with the 'taliban' type comments
thanks for not sugar coating any part of your experiences it really helps everyone
your mam seems a real character and i hope shes ok, my grandma would regularly come out with the 'taliban' type comments
thanks for not sugar coating any part of your experiences it really helps everyone
Jul 1st 2009, 10:13 pm
#4
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2007
Location: Queensland
Posts: 281
Re: Tricia's Diary Part 4
Great Update.
We arrived into Queensland about the same time as you arrived in Perth. 27th September 2007. Can't believe we will also be heading for that 2 year mark, where has the time gone. Like you there are lots of things i love about Australia and there is the odd thing i miss about the UK. not sure i'd be able to settle back into UK life if ever we moved back. Your posts about Xmas ring true, really strange getting into the Christmas spirit when it's 30 plus outside. I've took to putting my tree up on Dec 1st to help.
Look forward to reading part 5
JANE
We arrived into Queensland about the same time as you arrived in Perth. 27th September 2007. Can't believe we will also be heading for that 2 year mark, where has the time gone. Like you there are lots of things i love about Australia and there is the odd thing i miss about the UK. not sure i'd be able to settle back into UK life if ever we moved back. Your posts about Xmas ring true, really strange getting into the Christmas spirit when it's 30 plus outside. I've took to putting my tree up on Dec 1st to help.
Look forward to reading part 5
JANE
Jul 2nd 2009, 7:22 am
#5
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,905
Re: Tricia's Diary Part 4
What a hoot, your updates are brilliant.
I particularly liked the description of the ginger,pale and freckly family for the planning permission for you pool. I laughed alot at this (well I am pale and freckly).
Also laughed really loud at the massage christmas present. Definitely a present to remember.
Great update, Ive been in rural WA 2 years today. So it was good reading your update.
Gems
I particularly liked the description of the ginger,pale and freckly family for the planning permission for you pool. I laughed alot at this (well I am pale and freckly).
Also laughed really loud at the massage christmas present. Definitely a present to remember.
Great update, Ive been in rural WA 2 years today. So it was good reading your update.
Gems
Jul 5th 2009, 12:26 pm
#6
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Buderim, Qld, Australia
Posts: 1,072
Re: Tricia's Diary Part 4
Just read your diary -all 4 posts (and I'm sitting here freezing
). You sound like you have settled really well, seems you've had your moments what with family but you've pulled thru.
We've been here 10 months tomorrow - we love it and at the minute couldn't imagine living anywhere else. I'm having difficulty finding a job but hopefully that will come to me
OH is working and kids are happy - oldest has blossomed over the past few months which is great
No sign of any visitors yet, just can't persuade them to come this far
Their loss I guess.
Anyway, best of luck for the next 2 years.
Lynn xx
). You sound like you have settled really well, seems you've had your moments what with family but you've pulled thru. We've been here 10 months tomorrow - we love it and at the minute couldn't imagine living anywhere else. I'm having difficulty finding a job but hopefully that will come to me
OH is working and kids are happy - oldest has blossomed over the past few months which is great No sign of any visitors yet, just can't persuade them to come this far Their loss I guess.Anyway, best of luck for the next 2 years.
Lynn xx
