2 months on the Gold Coast - update
Nov 12th 2005, 8:47 am
#1
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2004
Location: Queensland
Posts: 744
2 months on the Gold Coast - update
G'day everyone,
Gosh, it has been ages since i have been on the forum now. things do really change when you are here. For those who dont remember me, well i am Fabienne, a 27 yo girl from Switzerland who moved to the Gold Coast on Sept. 20th. I had been here before for over a year (did my masters at uni on the gold coast) and applied for residency while back in Switzerland....
well well well, i stayed with my best friend for the first 3 weeks and was very active: went to sydney for a job interview, got back up here and bought a car (first thing to do definitely)... after 2 weeks i got a great job with Gold Coast Tourism in their Business Tourism department (studied tourism management at uni)... having spent a year hear previously really helped and having heaps of friends here as well. I have been working for GC tourism for about 3 weeks now and i am really enjoying it. We are based in Surfers Paradise.
I am currently flat sharing in Main Beach and i am actively looking at townhouses / apartments since i want my own. still havent fallen in love with one yet. the prices seem pretty stable and i have done my research. i am looking at southport / labrador / biggera waters / runaway bay. I had signed a contract on a beautiful Queenslander that had been totally redone in Labrador but pulled out since i found out that the roof hadn't and it was full of Asbestos. Some real estate agents are great, some are just liars.
In terms of food (i know heaps of you miss the English food), i am just loving it. The variety of thai/japanese/indian is just amazing (coming from Switzerland) and so affordable. I cant really give advice on cheese and ice cream and so forth because i am allergic to dairy but there is so much choice of fresh produce here and so many non-dairy options such as soy ice cream (even in gelateria shops).
I just love the outdoors. My colleague and i powerwalk everyday to work and i am just a 4 min drive away from Southport Olmpic Pool (go there about twice a week). I am also gettting a proper tan without lying down by the pool. its just all happening by itself.
I found Aussies very welcoming, but once again i might be a bit biased cause I have spent many years here (emigrated with my parents as a child). Most of my friends are Aussies, or half Aussies half other so its a great culture mix.
My container has also arrived, i have to go to the AQIS inspection on Tuesday in Bne. Since i had organised the transfer to the Port of Brisbane only, i had to organise someone on this side to look after the unloading etc. She seems to be great (havent met her in person yet) and managed to organise everything property. If there is no prob during inspection on Tuesday i would be more than happy to recommend her. Since i dont have a place on my own yet, i will be storing my stuff at a self storage place (280 $ a month with 24/7 access) and the lady organised the transfer from BNE to the Gold Coast for 600$ (cheapest - i rang a few movers to check i was not being ripped off). Oh by the way, the fees for this lady were 300$.
I will also update you regarding the LLeyton Percival insurance! seems to have worked well so far.
so all in all i am pretty settled, do not regret the move one minute. there are so many opportunities here, but u have to be willing to integrate. my family (parents) will come and visit as soon as i am settled, and i will be going to Rainbow Beach (next 2 fraser island) for xmas cause my uncle / aunt / cousin live up there. its a little paradise on earth.
voila, i hope that wasnt too long and boring, shoot me a PM if any of u want more info!!!!
good luck with all the visa / move processes.
fabie
Gosh, it has been ages since i have been on the forum now. things do really change when you are here. For those who dont remember me, well i am Fabienne, a 27 yo girl from Switzerland who moved to the Gold Coast on Sept. 20th. I had been here before for over a year (did my masters at uni on the gold coast) and applied for residency while back in Switzerland....
well well well, i stayed with my best friend for the first 3 weeks and was very active: went to sydney for a job interview, got back up here and bought a car (first thing to do definitely)... after 2 weeks i got a great job with Gold Coast Tourism in their Business Tourism department (studied tourism management at uni)... having spent a year hear previously really helped and having heaps of friends here as well. I have been working for GC tourism for about 3 weeks now and i am really enjoying it. We are based in Surfers Paradise.
I am currently flat sharing in Main Beach and i am actively looking at townhouses / apartments since i want my own. still havent fallen in love with one yet. the prices seem pretty stable and i have done my research. i am looking at southport / labrador / biggera waters / runaway bay. I had signed a contract on a beautiful Queenslander that had been totally redone in Labrador but pulled out since i found out that the roof hadn't and it was full of Asbestos. Some real estate agents are great, some are just liars.
In terms of food (i know heaps of you miss the English food), i am just loving it. The variety of thai/japanese/indian is just amazing (coming from Switzerland) and so affordable. I cant really give advice on cheese and ice cream and so forth because i am allergic to dairy but there is so much choice of fresh produce here and so many non-dairy options such as soy ice cream (even in gelateria shops).
I just love the outdoors. My colleague and i powerwalk everyday to work and i am just a 4 min drive away from Southport Olmpic Pool (go there about twice a week). I am also gettting a proper tan without lying down by the pool. its just all happening by itself.
I found Aussies very welcoming, but once again i might be a bit biased cause I have spent many years here (emigrated with my parents as a child). Most of my friends are Aussies, or half Aussies half other so its a great culture mix.
My container has also arrived, i have to go to the AQIS inspection on Tuesday in Bne. Since i had organised the transfer to the Port of Brisbane only, i had to organise someone on this side to look after the unloading etc. She seems to be great (havent met her in person yet) and managed to organise everything property. If there is no prob during inspection on Tuesday i would be more than happy to recommend her. Since i dont have a place on my own yet, i will be storing my stuff at a self storage place (280 $ a month with 24/7 access) and the lady organised the transfer from BNE to the Gold Coast for 600$ (cheapest - i rang a few movers to check i was not being ripped off). Oh by the way, the fees for this lady were 300$.
I will also update you regarding the LLeyton Percival insurance! seems to have worked well so far.
so all in all i am pretty settled, do not regret the move one minute. there are so many opportunities here, but u have to be willing to integrate. my family (parents) will come and visit as soon as i am settled, and i will be going to Rainbow Beach (next 2 fraser island) for xmas cause my uncle / aunt / cousin live up there. its a little paradise on earth.
voila, i hope that wasnt too long and boring, shoot me a PM if any of u want more info!!!!
good luck with all the visa / move processes.
fabie
Nov 12th 2005, 8:58 am
#2
da Bonehead
Joined: Jan 2004
Location: Lion in da jungle
Posts: 22,767
Re: 2 months on the Gold Coast - update
Mmmmmmm......I do seem to recall someone named Fabie posting on here ages ago 
Delighted to hear it's going so well for you..........sounds great.
Keep enjoying
Delighted to hear it's going so well for you..........sounds great.
Keep enjoying
Nov 12th 2005, 8:59 am
#3
.
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 21,374
Re: 2 months on the Gold Coast - update
Originally Posted by Bix
Mmmmmmm......I do seem to recall someone named Fabie posting on here ages ago
Delighted to hear it's going so well for you..........sounds great.
Keep enjoying
Delighted to hear it's going so well for you..........sounds great.
Keep enjoying
Nov 12th 2005, 9:13 am
#4
cheeky tart
Joined: May 2005
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 2,239
Re: 2 months on the Gold Coast - update
Sounds wonderful.....a great post!!!
Nov 12th 2005, 10:36 pm
#5
Ok this isn't so bad
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: Dundee (Scotland) now Bayside Brisbane
Posts: 4,824
Re: 2 months on the Gold Coast - update
Originally Posted by swissfabs
G'day everyone,
Gosh, it has been ages since i have been on the forum now. things do really change when you are here. For those who dont remember me, well i am Fabienne, a 27 yo girl from Switzerland who moved to the Gold Coast on Sept. 20th. I had been here before for over a year (did my masters at uni on the gold coast) and applied for residency while back in Switzerland....
well well well, i stayed with my best friend for the first 3 weeks and was very active: went to sydney for a job interview, got back up here and bought a car (first thing to do definitely)... after 2 weeks i got a great job with Gold Coast Tourism in their Business Tourism department (studied tourism management at uni)... having spent a year hear previously really helped and having heaps of friends here as well. I have been working for GC tourism for about 3 weeks now and i am really enjoying it. We are based in Surfers Paradise.
I am currently flat sharing in Main Beach and i am actively looking at townhouses / apartments since i want my own. still havent fallen in love with one yet. the prices seem pretty stable and i have done my research. i am looking at southport / labrador / biggera waters / runaway bay. I had signed a contract on a beautiful Queenslander that had been totally redone in Labrador but pulled out since i found out that the roof hadn't and it was full of Asbestos. Some real estate agents are great, some are just liars.
In terms of food (i know heaps of you miss the English food), i am just loving it. The variety of thai/japanese/indian is just amazing (coming from Switzerland) and so affordable. I cant really give advice on cheese and ice cream and so forth because i am allergic to dairy but there is so much choice of fresh produce here and so many non-dairy options such as soy ice cream (even in gelateria shops).
I just love the outdoors. My colleague and i powerwalk everyday to work and i am just a 4 min drive away from Southport Olmpic Pool (go there about twice a week). I am also gettting a proper tan without lying down by the pool. its just all happening by itself.
I found Aussies very welcoming, but once again i might be a bit biased cause I have spent many years here (emigrated with my parents as a child). Most of my friends are Aussies, or half Aussies half other so its a great culture mix.
My container has also arrived, i have to go to the AQIS inspection on Tuesday in Bne. Since i had organised the transfer to the Port of Brisbane only, i had to organise someone on this side to look after the unloading etc. She seems to be great (havent met her in person yet) and managed to organise everything property. If there is no prob during inspection on Tuesday i would be more than happy to recommend her. Since i dont have a place on my own yet, i will be storing my stuff at a self storage place (280 $ a month with 24/7 access) and the lady organised the transfer from BNE to the Gold Coast for 600$ (cheapest - i rang a few movers to check i was not being ripped off). Oh by the way, the fees for this lady were 300$.
I will also update you regarding the LLeyton Percival insurance! seems to have worked well so far.
so all in all i am pretty settled, do not regret the move one minute. there are so many opportunities here, but u have to be willing to integrate. my family (parents) will come and visit as soon as i am settled, and i will be going to Rainbow Beach (next 2 fraser island) for xmas cause my uncle / aunt / cousin live up there. its a little paradise on earth.
voila, i hope that wasnt too long and boring, shoot me a PM if any of u want more info!!!!
good luck with all the visa / move processes.
fabie
Gosh, it has been ages since i have been on the forum now. things do really change when you are here. For those who dont remember me, well i am Fabienne, a 27 yo girl from Switzerland who moved to the Gold Coast on Sept. 20th. I had been here before for over a year (did my masters at uni on the gold coast) and applied for residency while back in Switzerland....
well well well, i stayed with my best friend for the first 3 weeks and was very active: went to sydney for a job interview, got back up here and bought a car (first thing to do definitely)... after 2 weeks i got a great job with Gold Coast Tourism in their Business Tourism department (studied tourism management at uni)... having spent a year hear previously really helped and having heaps of friends here as well. I have been working for GC tourism for about 3 weeks now and i am really enjoying it. We are based in Surfers Paradise.
I am currently flat sharing in Main Beach and i am actively looking at townhouses / apartments since i want my own. still havent fallen in love with one yet. the prices seem pretty stable and i have done my research. i am looking at southport / labrador / biggera waters / runaway bay. I had signed a contract on a beautiful Queenslander that had been totally redone in Labrador but pulled out since i found out that the roof hadn't and it was full of Asbestos. Some real estate agents are great, some are just liars.
In terms of food (i know heaps of you miss the English food), i am just loving it. The variety of thai/japanese/indian is just amazing (coming from Switzerland) and so affordable. I cant really give advice on cheese and ice cream and so forth because i am allergic to dairy but there is so much choice of fresh produce here and so many non-dairy options such as soy ice cream (even in gelateria shops).
I just love the outdoors. My colleague and i powerwalk everyday to work and i am just a 4 min drive away from Southport Olmpic Pool (go there about twice a week). I am also gettting a proper tan without lying down by the pool. its just all happening by itself.
I found Aussies very welcoming, but once again i might be a bit biased cause I have spent many years here (emigrated with my parents as a child). Most of my friends are Aussies, or half Aussies half other so its a great culture mix.
My container has also arrived, i have to go to the AQIS inspection on Tuesday in Bne. Since i had organised the transfer to the Port of Brisbane only, i had to organise someone on this side to look after the unloading etc. She seems to be great (havent met her in person yet) and managed to organise everything property. If there is no prob during inspection on Tuesday i would be more than happy to recommend her. Since i dont have a place on my own yet, i will be storing my stuff at a self storage place (280 $ a month with 24/7 access) and the lady organised the transfer from BNE to the Gold Coast for 600$ (cheapest - i rang a few movers to check i was not being ripped off). Oh by the way, the fees for this lady were 300$.
I will also update you regarding the LLeyton Percival insurance! seems to have worked well so far.
so all in all i am pretty settled, do not regret the move one minute. there are so many opportunities here, but u have to be willing to integrate. my family (parents) will come and visit as soon as i am settled, and i will be going to Rainbow Beach (next 2 fraser island) for xmas cause my uncle / aunt / cousin live up there. its a little paradise on earth.
voila, i hope that wasnt too long and boring, shoot me a PM if any of u want more info!!!!
good luck with all the visa / move processes.
fabie
Cheers
Ginny
Nov 12th 2005, 11:07 pm
#6
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,808
Re: 2 months on the Gold Coast - update
Originally Posted by swissfabs
I had signed a contract on a beautiful Queenslander that had been totally redone in Labrador but pulled out since i found out that the roof hadn't and it was full of Asbestos. Some real estate agents are great, some are just liars.
It's the mouldy bread top (roof - old tin or asbestos) and bottom (rotted timber / corroded steel /cracked concrete stumps) and rusted galvanised water pipes that can leave a really bad taste in your mouth (and pocket). :scared:
Good luck with your searching.
WW
Nov 13th 2005, 12:33 am
#7
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 354
Re: 2 months on the Gold Coast - update
Originally Posted by swissfabs
G'day everyone,
Gosh, it has been ages since i have been on the forum now. things do really change when you are here. For those who dont remember me, well i am Fabienne, a 27 yo girl from Switzerland who moved to the Gold Coast on Sept. 20th. I had been here before for over a year (did my masters at uni on the gold coast) and applied for residency while back in Switzerland....
well well well, i stayed with my best friend for the first 3 weeks and was very active: went to sydney for a job interview, got back up here and bought a car (first thing to do definitely)... after 2 weeks i got a great job with Gold Coast Tourism in their Business Tourism department (studied tourism management at uni)... having spent a year hear previously really helped and having heaps of friends here as well. I have been working for GC tourism for about 3 weeks now and i am really enjoying it. We are based in Surfers Paradise.
I am currently flat sharing in Main Beach and i am actively looking at townhouses / apartments since i want my own. still havent fallen in love with one yet. the prices seem pretty stable and i have done my research. i am looking at southport / labrador / biggera waters / runaway bay. I had signed a contract on a beautiful Queenslander that had been totally redone in Labrador but pulled out since i found out that the roof hadn't and it was full of Asbestos. Some real estate agents are great, some are just liars.
In terms of food (i know heaps of you miss the English food), i am just loving it. The variety of thai/japanese/indian is just amazing (coming from Switzerland) and so affordable. I cant really give advice on cheese and ice cream and so forth because i am allergic to dairy but there is so much choice of fresh produce here and so many non-dairy options such as soy ice cream (even in gelateria shops).
I just love the outdoors. My colleague and i powerwalk everyday to work and i am just a 4 min drive away from Southport Olmpic Pool (go there about twice a week). I am also gettting a proper tan without lying down by the pool. its just all happening by itself.
I found Aussies very welcoming, but once again i might be a bit biased cause I have spent many years here (emigrated with my parents as a child). Most of my friends are Aussies, or half Aussies half other so its a great culture mix.
My container has also arrived, i have to go to the AQIS inspection on Tuesday in Bne. Since i had organised the transfer to the Port of Brisbane only, i had to organise someone on this side to look after the unloading etc. She seems to be great (havent met her in person yet) and managed to organise everything property. If there is no prob during inspection on Tuesday i would be more than happy to recommend her. Since i dont have a place on my own yet, i will be storing my stuff at a self storage place (280 $ a month with 24/7 access) and the lady organised the transfer from BNE to the Gold Coast for 600$ (cheapest - i rang a few movers to check i was not being ripped off). Oh by the way, the fees for this lady were 300$.
I will also update you regarding the LLeyton Percival insurance! seems to have worked well so far.
so all in all i am pretty settled, do not regret the move one minute. there are so many opportunities here, but u have to be willing to integrate. my family (parents) will come and visit as soon as i am settled, and i will be going to Rainbow Beach (next 2 fraser island) for xmas cause my uncle / aunt / cousin live up there. its a little paradise on earth.
voila, i hope that wasnt too long and boring, shoot me a PM if any of u want more info!!!!
good luck with all the visa / move processes.
fabie
Gosh, it has been ages since i have been on the forum now. things do really change when you are here. For those who dont remember me, well i am Fabienne, a 27 yo girl from Switzerland who moved to the Gold Coast on Sept. 20th. I had been here before for over a year (did my masters at uni on the gold coast) and applied for residency while back in Switzerland....
well well well, i stayed with my best friend for the first 3 weeks and was very active: went to sydney for a job interview, got back up here and bought a car (first thing to do definitely)... after 2 weeks i got a great job with Gold Coast Tourism in their Business Tourism department (studied tourism management at uni)... having spent a year hear previously really helped and having heaps of friends here as well. I have been working for GC tourism for about 3 weeks now and i am really enjoying it. We are based in Surfers Paradise.
I am currently flat sharing in Main Beach and i am actively looking at townhouses / apartments since i want my own. still havent fallen in love with one yet. the prices seem pretty stable and i have done my research. i am looking at southport / labrador / biggera waters / runaway bay. I had signed a contract on a beautiful Queenslander that had been totally redone in Labrador but pulled out since i found out that the roof hadn't and it was full of Asbestos. Some real estate agents are great, some are just liars.
In terms of food (i know heaps of you miss the English food), i am just loving it. The variety of thai/japanese/indian is just amazing (coming from Switzerland) and so affordable. I cant really give advice on cheese and ice cream and so forth because i am allergic to dairy but there is so much choice of fresh produce here and so many non-dairy options such as soy ice cream (even in gelateria shops).
I just love the outdoors. My colleague and i powerwalk everyday to work and i am just a 4 min drive away from Southport Olmpic Pool (go there about twice a week). I am also gettting a proper tan without lying down by the pool. its just all happening by itself.
I found Aussies very welcoming, but once again i might be a bit biased cause I have spent many years here (emigrated with my parents as a child). Most of my friends are Aussies, or half Aussies half other so its a great culture mix.
My container has also arrived, i have to go to the AQIS inspection on Tuesday in Bne. Since i had organised the transfer to the Port of Brisbane only, i had to organise someone on this side to look after the unloading etc. She seems to be great (havent met her in person yet) and managed to organise everything property. If there is no prob during inspection on Tuesday i would be more than happy to recommend her. Since i dont have a place on my own yet, i will be storing my stuff at a self storage place (280 $ a month with 24/7 access) and the lady organised the transfer from BNE to the Gold Coast for 600$ (cheapest - i rang a few movers to check i was not being ripped off). Oh by the way, the fees for this lady were 300$.
I will also update you regarding the LLeyton Percival insurance! seems to have worked well so far.
so all in all i am pretty settled, do not regret the move one minute. there are so many opportunities here, but u have to be willing to integrate. my family (parents) will come and visit as soon as i am settled, and i will be going to Rainbow Beach (next 2 fraser island) for xmas cause my uncle / aunt / cousin live up there. its a little paradise on earth.
voila, i hope that wasnt too long and boring, shoot me a PM if any of u want more info!!!!
good luck with all the visa / move processes.
fabie
Nov 14th 2005, 10:07 am
#8
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2004
Location: Queensland
Posts: 744
Re: 2 months on the Gold Coast - update
Thanks for ur replies guys! well i have just made an offer on a non-timber house! its a little 2-bdrm townhouse with an extra room downstairs so fingers crossed, will see if they accept it!!!!
will let u all know of course!
fabie
will let u all know of course!
fabie
Nov 14th 2005, 10:48 am
#9
Account Closed
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,439
Re: 2 months on the Gold Coast - update
Hope to do a post like this one day ...
Glad all is goin well ...
Glad all is goin well ...
Nov 14th 2005, 11:08 am
#10
¤¤¤ • ¤¤¤ • ¤¤¤ • ¤¤¤
Joined: May 2004
Location: Frankston South, Victoria
Posts: 2,867
Re: 2 months on the Gold Coast - update
Originally Posted by swissfabs
G'day everyone,
Gosh, it has been ages since i have been on the forum now. things do really change when you are here. For those who dont remember me, well i am Fabienne, a 27 yo girl from Switzerland who moved to the Gold Coast on Sept. 20th. I had been here before for over a year (did my masters at uni on the gold coast) and applied for residency while back in Switzerland....
well well well, i stayed with my best friend for the first 3 weeks and was very active: went to sydney for a job interview, got back up here and bought a car (first thing to do definitely)... after 2 weeks i got a great job with Gold Coast Tourism in their Business Tourism department (studied tourism management at uni)... having spent a year hear previously really helped and having heaps of friends here as well. I have been working for GC tourism for about 3 weeks now and i am really enjoying it. We are based in Surfers Paradise.
I am currently flat sharing in Main Beach and i am actively looking at townhouses / apartments since i want my own. still havent fallen in love with one yet. the prices seem pretty stable and i have done my research. i am looking at southport / labrador / biggera waters / runaway bay. I had signed a contract on a beautiful Queenslander that had been totally redone in Labrador but pulled out since i found out that the roof hadn't and it was full of Asbestos. Some real estate agents are great, some are just liars.
In terms of food (i know heaps of you miss the English food), i am just loving it. The variety of thai/japanese/indian is just amazing (coming from Switzerland) and so affordable. I cant really give advice on cheese and ice cream and so forth because i am allergic to dairy but there is so much choice of fresh produce here and so many non-dairy options such as soy ice cream (even in gelateria shops).
I just love the outdoors. My colleague and i powerwalk everyday to work and i am just a 4 min drive away from Southport Olmpic Pool (go there about twice a week). I am also gettting a proper tan without lying down by the pool. its just all happening by itself.
I found Aussies very welcoming, but once again i might be a bit biased cause I have spent many years here (emigrated with my parents as a child). Most of my friends are Aussies, or half Aussies half other so its a great culture mix.
My container has also arrived, i have to go to the AQIS inspection on Tuesday in Bne. Since i had organised the transfer to the Port of Brisbane only, i had to organise someone on this side to look after the unloading etc. She seems to be great (havent met her in person yet) and managed to organise everything property. If there is no prob during inspection on Tuesday i would be more than happy to recommend her. Since i dont have a place on my own yet, i will be storing my stuff at a self storage place (280 $ a month with 24/7 access) and the lady organised the transfer from BNE to the Gold Coast for 600$ (cheapest - i rang a few movers to check i was not being ripped off). Oh by the way, the fees for this lady were 300$.
I will also update you regarding the LLeyton Percival insurance! seems to have worked well so far.
so all in all i am pretty settled, do not regret the move one minute. there are so many opportunities here, but u have to be willing to integrate. my family (parents) will come and visit as soon as i am settled, and i will be going to Rainbow Beach (next 2 fraser island) for xmas cause my uncle / aunt / cousin live up there. its a little paradise on earth.
voila, i hope that wasnt too long and boring, shoot me a PM if any of u want more info!!!!
good luck with all the visa / move processes.
fabie
Gosh, it has been ages since i have been on the forum now. things do really change when you are here. For those who dont remember me, well i am Fabienne, a 27 yo girl from Switzerland who moved to the Gold Coast on Sept. 20th. I had been here before for over a year (did my masters at uni on the gold coast) and applied for residency while back in Switzerland....
well well well, i stayed with my best friend for the first 3 weeks and was very active: went to sydney for a job interview, got back up here and bought a car (first thing to do definitely)... after 2 weeks i got a great job with Gold Coast Tourism in their Business Tourism department (studied tourism management at uni)... having spent a year hear previously really helped and having heaps of friends here as well. I have been working for GC tourism for about 3 weeks now and i am really enjoying it. We are based in Surfers Paradise.
I am currently flat sharing in Main Beach and i am actively looking at townhouses / apartments since i want my own. still havent fallen in love with one yet. the prices seem pretty stable and i have done my research. i am looking at southport / labrador / biggera waters / runaway bay. I had signed a contract on a beautiful Queenslander that had been totally redone in Labrador but pulled out since i found out that the roof hadn't and it was full of Asbestos. Some real estate agents are great, some are just liars.
In terms of food (i know heaps of you miss the English food), i am just loving it. The variety of thai/japanese/indian is just amazing (coming from Switzerland) and so affordable. I cant really give advice on cheese and ice cream and so forth because i am allergic to dairy but there is so much choice of fresh produce here and so many non-dairy options such as soy ice cream (even in gelateria shops).
I just love the outdoors. My colleague and i powerwalk everyday to work and i am just a 4 min drive away from Southport Olmpic Pool (go there about twice a week). I am also gettting a proper tan without lying down by the pool. its just all happening by itself.
I found Aussies very welcoming, but once again i might be a bit biased cause I have spent many years here (emigrated with my parents as a child). Most of my friends are Aussies, or half Aussies half other so its a great culture mix.
My container has also arrived, i have to go to the AQIS inspection on Tuesday in Bne. Since i had organised the transfer to the Port of Brisbane only, i had to organise someone on this side to look after the unloading etc. She seems to be great (havent met her in person yet) and managed to organise everything property. If there is no prob during inspection on Tuesday i would be more than happy to recommend her. Since i dont have a place on my own yet, i will be storing my stuff at a self storage place (280 $ a month with 24/7 access) and the lady organised the transfer from BNE to the Gold Coast for 600$ (cheapest - i rang a few movers to check i was not being ripped off). Oh by the way, the fees for this lady were 300$.
I will also update you regarding the LLeyton Percival insurance! seems to have worked well so far.
so all in all i am pretty settled, do not regret the move one minute. there are so many opportunities here, but u have to be willing to integrate. my family (parents) will come and visit as soon as i am settled, and i will be going to Rainbow Beach (next 2 fraser island) for xmas cause my uncle / aunt / cousin live up there. its a little paradise on earth.
voila, i hope that wasnt too long and boring, shoot me a PM if any of u want more info!!!!
good luck with all the visa / move processes.
fabie
Take no notice of the Bixter and Fraser.....I certainly remember you. I was wondering what you were up to. Last I heard you were still in Switzerland.
Really pleased it all worked out for you....I know you've had your ups and downs!
Take care
D D
