Dicko's 6th Month update
Oct 22nd 2005, 12:27 am
#1
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Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2003
Location: Utopia?
Posts: 865
Dicko's 6th Month update
Warning don't read on if you don't like long posts ! :scared:
Well everyone as I don't get on here that much anymore, thought I would post an update on the adventure that is Oz emigration.
We arrived on May 8th and the day we got here we went into Maccies it was Mothers day so all mums got given a bunch of flowers, which was a great start to our adventure. We got the kids settled into Helensvale Schools that week, daughter in high and eldest lad in the Primary, we even got the youngest a place in Pre school, beware though you don't just buy uniform here you hire the text books and everything.
Anyway we then found it is a nightmare getting a rental as you basically need a letter from God, But we finally settled on nice little 4 bed lowset, with a pool, in Pacific Pines.
I was lucky in the respect I had a job to come to but it was a bit of a pain as we still had loads to do but I was starting work the second week after arriving, we needed to get cars sorted and medicare driving licences etc, what you need to do though is prioritise things in order of importance.
Be careful on cars as we bought one which we now realise we paid over the odds for and would pass on the advice to take your time picking one.
As for work well I have been offered numerous jobs since I have been here and now start a new one closer to where I live in 2 weeks, so take no notice of doom mongers who say there is no work, there is loads in the manufacturing industry which is so strong over here.
Life in General? in one word Fan 'Bloody' Tastic!! we absolutely love it here, and the kids have settled unbelievably well, my daughter who is quite sporty and was in the UK joined a footy team as soon as we arrived, she is now having trials to represent the Gold Coast in a tournament next year. Thru' this and school, she has made numerous friends, in fact she had few staying last night on a sleepover. My eldest boy also has loads of friends, and the outdoor life really suits him, he is always out on his bike or in the pool, in school he even goes swimming once a week now and his stroke has improved brilliantly!
My youngest son who was quite shy, has come out of himself and is also really enjoying the outdoor lifestyle.
As for us, well we have made some really brilliant friends, I can honestly say they have become a lot better friends than ones we had in the UK, we have so much in common with them, they have 2 girls about the same age as our boys and they even get on, and there is no squabbling among them which usually happens with kids together.
We had some friends who we stayed with when we got here and we really only see them every so often now, honestly it is better to go out get your own friends as this gives you an independence. We see our really good mates at least once every weekend and it is great as you can just relax and have a beer and a chat.We are even spending Xmas with them, which we are so looking forward to.
We are out every weekend and it has got to the point where we feel guilty if we do nothing on a Saturday or Sunday, I personally look forward to my weekend so much more than I ever did in the UK. One word of warning though it is not the UK, and if you are used to a Sunday Dinner and all the other stuff that seemed to be the law of a weekend in the UK then this place is not for you.
We went to Indy last night which for $15 was money so well spent, we left the car at Parklands and got a free bus, wow what an atmosphere, the point is there is something happening most weekends. I know a lot of people don't like the GC as it is so busy but this is just the sort of thing we as a family, love.
Next week my brother is coming over for a holiday and I can't wait to show him all the stuff this place has to offer.
The bad things? well as has been said before the driving leaves a lot to be desired! also one thing which is really hard to get used to is the laid back she'll be right attitude, every shop, business, service etc has 2 speeds: slow and even slower
but I think this comes from the British way of life where everything is so hurried and maybe when you step back and have a look it is not so bad to be relaxed and in no hurry to do anything.
We miss family and friends from the UK quite a lot, in fact we have had a few family issues relayed to us by telephone from UK lately and it does make you feel guilty that you are not there to help out, but if we were there we wouldn't be able to do much anyway. These are the things that you have to deal with but that comes with living thousands of miles away.
To summarise: we have absolutely no regrets at all, yes there are difficult times and yes I wont tell lies there are times when you question whether you have done the right thing? but all in all we have enjoyed the adventure so far and my advice is; it is not for everyone, it is completely different to living in the UK, but if you don't do it you will never know. will you?
Well everyone as I don't get on here that much anymore, thought I would post an update on the adventure that is Oz emigration.
We arrived on May 8th and the day we got here we went into Maccies it was Mothers day so all mums got given a bunch of flowers, which was a great start to our adventure. We got the kids settled into Helensvale Schools that week, daughter in high and eldest lad in the Primary, we even got the youngest a place in Pre school, beware though you don't just buy uniform here you hire the text books and everything.
Anyway we then found it is a nightmare getting a rental as you basically need a letter from God, But we finally settled on nice little 4 bed lowset, with a pool, in Pacific Pines.
I was lucky in the respect I had a job to come to but it was a bit of a pain as we still had loads to do but I was starting work the second week after arriving, we needed to get cars sorted and medicare driving licences etc, what you need to do though is prioritise things in order of importance.
Be careful on cars as we bought one which we now realise we paid over the odds for and would pass on the advice to take your time picking one.
As for work well I have been offered numerous jobs since I have been here and now start a new one closer to where I live in 2 weeks, so take no notice of doom mongers who say there is no work, there is loads in the manufacturing industry which is so strong over here.
Life in General? in one word Fan 'Bloody' Tastic!! we absolutely love it here, and the kids have settled unbelievably well, my daughter who is quite sporty and was in the UK joined a footy team as soon as we arrived, she is now having trials to represent the Gold Coast in a tournament next year. Thru' this and school, she has made numerous friends, in fact she had few staying last night on a sleepover. My eldest boy also has loads of friends, and the outdoor life really suits him, he is always out on his bike or in the pool, in school he even goes swimming once a week now and his stroke has improved brilliantly!
My youngest son who was quite shy, has come out of himself and is also really enjoying the outdoor lifestyle.
As for us, well we have made some really brilliant friends, I can honestly say they have become a lot better friends than ones we had in the UK, we have so much in common with them, they have 2 girls about the same age as our boys and they even get on, and there is no squabbling among them which usually happens with kids together.
We had some friends who we stayed with when we got here and we really only see them every so often now, honestly it is better to go out get your own friends as this gives you an independence. We see our really good mates at least once every weekend and it is great as you can just relax and have a beer and a chat.We are even spending Xmas with them, which we are so looking forward to.
We are out every weekend and it has got to the point where we feel guilty if we do nothing on a Saturday or Sunday, I personally look forward to my weekend so much more than I ever did in the UK. One word of warning though it is not the UK, and if you are used to a Sunday Dinner and all the other stuff that seemed to be the law of a weekend in the UK then this place is not for you.
We went to Indy last night which for $15 was money so well spent, we left the car at Parklands and got a free bus, wow what an atmosphere, the point is there is something happening most weekends. I know a lot of people don't like the GC as it is so busy but this is just the sort of thing we as a family, love.
Next week my brother is coming over for a holiday and I can't wait to show him all the stuff this place has to offer.
The bad things? well as has been said before the driving leaves a lot to be desired! also one thing which is really hard to get used to is the laid back she'll be right attitude, every shop, business, service etc has 2 speeds: slow and even slower
but I think this comes from the British way of life where everything is so hurried and maybe when you step back and have a look it is not so bad to be relaxed and in no hurry to do anything.We miss family and friends from the UK quite a lot, in fact we have had a few family issues relayed to us by telephone from UK lately and it does make you feel guilty that you are not there to help out, but if we were there we wouldn't be able to do much anyway. These are the things that you have to deal with but that comes with living thousands of miles away.
To summarise: we have absolutely no regrets at all, yes there are difficult times and yes I wont tell lies there are times when you question whether you have done the right thing? but all in all we have enjoyed the adventure so far and my advice is; it is not for everyone, it is completely different to living in the UK, but if you don't do it you will never know. will you?
Oct 22nd 2005, 1:28 am
#2
Rocket Scientist
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: Dreamland AKA Brisbane which is a different country to the UK
Posts: 6,911
Re: Dicko's 6th Month update
Hey Dicko, great to hear the update & that you seem to be enjoying it so much. Congrats on the new job, I bet you are glad you wont have to face the Gateway or back roads for much longer 
.
.
Oct 22nd 2005, 1:31 am
#3
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2005
Location: Bunbury WA
Posts: 1,844
Re: Dicko's 6th Month update
Originally Posted by Dicko
Warning don't read on if you don't like long posts ! :scared:
Well everyone as I don't get on here that much anymore, thought I would post an update on the adventure that is Oz emigration.
We arrived on May 8th and the day we got here we went into Maccies it was Mothers day so all mums got given a bunch of flowers, which was a great start to our adventure. We got the kids settled into Helensvale Schools that week, daughter in high and eldest lad in the Primary, we even got the youngest a place in Pre school, beware though you don't just buy uniform here you hire the text books and everything.
Anyway we then found it is a nightmare getting a rental as you basically need a letter from God, But we finally settled on nice little 4 bed lowset, with a pool, in Pacific Pines.
I was lucky in the respect I had a job to come to but it was a bit of a pain as we still had loads to do but I was starting work the second week after arriving, we needed to get cars sorted and medicare driving licences etc, what you need to do though is prioritise things in order of importance.
Be careful on cars as we bought one which we now realise we paid over the odds for and would pass on the advice to take your time picking one.
As for work well I have been offered numerous jobs since I have been here and now start a new one closer to where I live in 2 weeks, so take no notice of doom mongers who say there is no work, there is loads in the manufacturing industry which is so strong over here.
Life in General? in one word Fan 'Bloody' Tastic!! we absolutely love it here, and the kids have settled unbelievably well, my daughter who is quite sporty and was in the UK joined a footy team as soon as we arrived, she is now having trials to represent the Gold Coast in a tournament next year. Thru' this and school, she has made numerous friends, in fact she had few staying last night on a sleepover. My eldest boy also has loads of friends, and the outdoor life really suits him, he is always out on his bike or in the pool, in school he even goes swimming once a week now and his stroke has improved brilliantly!
My youngest son who was quite shy, has come out of himself and is also really enjoying the outdoor lifestyle.
As for us, well we have made some really brilliant friends, I can honestly say they have become a lot better friends than ones we had in the UK, we have so much in common with them, they have 2 girls about the same age as our boys and they even get on, and there is no squabbling among them which usually happens with kids together.
We had some friends who we stayed with when we got here and we really only see them every so often now, honestly it is better to go out get your own friends as this gives you an independence. We see our really good mates at least once every weekend and it is great as you can just relax and have a beer and a chat.We are even spending Xmas with them, which we are so looking forward to.
We are out every weekend and it has got to the point where we feel guilty if we do nothing on a Saturday or Sunday, I personally look forward to my weekend so much more than I ever did in the UK. One word of warning though it is not the UK, and if you are used to a Sunday Dinner and all the other stuff that seemed to be the law of a weekend in the UK then this place is not for you.
We went to Indy last night which for $15 was money so well spent, we left the car at Parklands and got a free bus, wow what an atmosphere, the point is there is something happening most weekends. I know a lot of people don't like the GC as it is so busy but this is just the sort of thing we as a family, love.
Next week my brother is coming over for a holiday and I can't wait to show him all the stuff this place has to offer.
The bad things? well as has been said before the driving leaves a lot to be desired! also one thing which is really hard to get used to is the laid back she'll be right attitude, every shop, business, service etc has 2 speeds: slow and even slower but I think this comes from the British way of life where everything is so hurried and maybe when you step back and have a look it is not so bad to be relaxed and in no hurry to do anything.
We miss family and friends from the UK quite a lot, in fact we have had a few family issues relayed to us by telephone from UK lately and it does make you feel guilty that you are not there to help out, but if we were there we wouldn't be able to do much anyway. These are the things that you have to deal with but that comes with living thousands of miles away.
To summarise: we have absolutely no regrets at all, yes there are difficult times and yes I wont tell lies there are times when you question whether you have done the right thing? but all in all we have enjoyed the adventure so far and my advice is; it is not for everyone, it is completely different to living in the UK, but if you don't do it you will never know. will you?
Well everyone as I don't get on here that much anymore, thought I would post an update on the adventure that is Oz emigration.
We arrived on May 8th and the day we got here we went into Maccies it was Mothers day so all mums got given a bunch of flowers, which was a great start to our adventure. We got the kids settled into Helensvale Schools that week, daughter in high and eldest lad in the Primary, we even got the youngest a place in Pre school, beware though you don't just buy uniform here you hire the text books and everything.
Anyway we then found it is a nightmare getting a rental as you basically need a letter from God, But we finally settled on nice little 4 bed lowset, with a pool, in Pacific Pines.
I was lucky in the respect I had a job to come to but it was a bit of a pain as we still had loads to do but I was starting work the second week after arriving, we needed to get cars sorted and medicare driving licences etc, what you need to do though is prioritise things in order of importance.
Be careful on cars as we bought one which we now realise we paid over the odds for and would pass on the advice to take your time picking one.
As for work well I have been offered numerous jobs since I have been here and now start a new one closer to where I live in 2 weeks, so take no notice of doom mongers who say there is no work, there is loads in the manufacturing industry which is so strong over here.
Life in General? in one word Fan 'Bloody' Tastic!! we absolutely love it here, and the kids have settled unbelievably well, my daughter who is quite sporty and was in the UK joined a footy team as soon as we arrived, she is now having trials to represent the Gold Coast in a tournament next year. Thru' this and school, she has made numerous friends, in fact she had few staying last night on a sleepover. My eldest boy also has loads of friends, and the outdoor life really suits him, he is always out on his bike or in the pool, in school he even goes swimming once a week now and his stroke has improved brilliantly!
My youngest son who was quite shy, has come out of himself and is also really enjoying the outdoor lifestyle.
As for us, well we have made some really brilliant friends, I can honestly say they have become a lot better friends than ones we had in the UK, we have so much in common with them, they have 2 girls about the same age as our boys and they even get on, and there is no squabbling among them which usually happens with kids together.
We had some friends who we stayed with when we got here and we really only see them every so often now, honestly it is better to go out get your own friends as this gives you an independence. We see our really good mates at least once every weekend and it is great as you can just relax and have a beer and a chat.We are even spending Xmas with them, which we are so looking forward to.
We are out every weekend and it has got to the point where we feel guilty if we do nothing on a Saturday or Sunday, I personally look forward to my weekend so much more than I ever did in the UK. One word of warning though it is not the UK, and if you are used to a Sunday Dinner and all the other stuff that seemed to be the law of a weekend in the UK then this place is not for you.
We went to Indy last night which for $15 was money so well spent, we left the car at Parklands and got a free bus, wow what an atmosphere, the point is there is something happening most weekends. I know a lot of people don't like the GC as it is so busy but this is just the sort of thing we as a family, love.
Next week my brother is coming over for a holiday and I can't wait to show him all the stuff this place has to offer.
The bad things? well as has been said before the driving leaves a lot to be desired! also one thing which is really hard to get used to is the laid back she'll be right attitude, every shop, business, service etc has 2 speeds: slow and even slower
but I think this comes from the British way of life where everything is so hurried and maybe when you step back and have a look it is not so bad to be relaxed and in no hurry to do anything.We miss family and friends from the UK quite a lot, in fact we have had a few family issues relayed to us by telephone from UK lately and it does make you feel guilty that you are not there to help out, but if we were there we wouldn't be able to do much anyway. These are the things that you have to deal with but that comes with living thousands of miles away.
To summarise: we have absolutely no regrets at all, yes there are difficult times and yes I wont tell lies there are times when you question whether you have done the right thing? but all in all we have enjoyed the adventure so far and my advice is; it is not for everyone, it is completely different to living in the UK, but if you don't do it you will never know. will you?
I will write my story on our 1st anniversary. Have a great life, Denise
Oct 22nd 2005, 1:49 am
#4
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2003
Location: Tyabb, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia
Posts: 563
Re: Dicko's 6th Month update
Hey Dicko, how's it going? You've changed your avatar. Is that because of your current position? Never mind mate, can't get much lower, well not til May anyway.
Andy
Andy
Oct 22nd 2005, 2:46 am
#5
Account Closed
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,997
Re: Dicko's 6th Month update
Hi Dicko.
Sounds like you've gone through the highs and lows with a positive attitude and life is coming together.
Great post. Really enjoyed reading it. Thanks
Sounds like you've gone through the highs and lows with a positive attitude and life is coming together.
Great post. Really enjoyed reading it. Thanks
Oct 22nd 2005, 8:51 am
#6
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2003
Location: Utopia?
Posts: 865
Re: Dicko's 6th Month update
Originally Posted by MrsDagboy
Hey Dicko, great to hear the update & that you seem to be enjoying it so much. Congrats on the new job, I bet you are glad you wont have to face the Gateway or back roads for much longer .
.Hi Mrs D,
Yeh the job I have now got is based in Yatala a better salary and only 20 mins, which is basically round the corner compared to what I was used to.
Did'nt really mind the travel it was just the driving I had to put up with day in day out, and I don't mean mine by the way
Oct 22nd 2005, 8:58 am
#7
birmingham to brisbane
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 330
Re: Dicko's 6th Month update
Great post .. hope we're as positive after we've been there 6 months
Oct 22nd 2005, 9:28 am
#8
Chocoholic
Joined: Apr 2005
Location: Betchworth, Surrey.
Posts: 2,899
Re: Dicko's 6th Month update
Glad you've settled really well Dicko.
Thanks for the update and look forward to the next one.
Good Luck with the new job.
Julie
Thanks for the update and look forward to the next one.
Good Luck with the new job.
Julie
Oct 22nd 2005, 9:36 am
#9
Joined: Mar 2004
Location: pacific pines
Posts: 4,418
Re: Dicko's 6th Month update
Originally Posted by Dicko
Warning don't read on if you don't like long posts ! :scared:
Well everyone as I don't get on here that much anymore, thought I would post an update on the adventure that is Oz emigration.
We arrived on May 8th and the day we got here we went into Maccies it was Mothers day so all mums got given a bunch of flowers, which was a great start to our adventure. We got the kids settled into Helensvale Schools that week, daughter in high and eldest lad in the Primary, we even got the youngest a place in Pre school, beware though you don't just buy uniform here you hire the text books and everything.
Anyway we then found it is a nightmare getting a rental as you basically need a letter from God, But we finally settled on nice little 4 bed lowset, with a pool, in Pacific Pines.
I was lucky in the respect I had a job to come to but it was a bit of a pain as we still had loads to do but I was starting work the second week after arriving, we needed to get cars sorted and medicare driving licences etc, what you need to do though is prioritise things in order of importance.
Be careful on cars as we bought one which we now realise we paid over the odds for and would pass on the advice to take your time picking one.
As for work well I have been offered numerous jobs since I have been here and now start a new one closer to where I live in 2 weeks, so take no notice of doom mongers who say there is no work, there is loads in the manufacturing industry which is so strong over here.
Life in General? in one word Fan 'Bloody' Tastic!! we absolutely love it here, and the kids have settled unbelievably well, my daughter who is quite sporty and was in the UK joined a footy team as soon as we arrived, she is now having trials to represent the Gold Coast in a tournament next year. Thru' this and school, she has made numerous friends, in fact she had few staying last night on a sleepover. My eldest boy also has loads of friends, and the outdoor life really suits him, he is always out on his bike or in the pool, in school he even goes swimming once a week now and his stroke has improved brilliantly!
My youngest son who was quite shy, has come out of himself and is also really enjoying the outdoor lifestyle.
As for us, well we have made some really brilliant friends, I can honestly say they have become a lot better friends than ones we had in the UK, we have so much in common with them, they have 2 girls about the same age as our boys and they even get on, and there is no squabbling among them which usually happens with kids together.
We had some friends who we stayed with when we got here and we really only see them every so often now, honestly it is better to go out get your own friends as this gives you an independence. We see our really good mates at least once every weekend and it is great as you can just relax and have a beer and a chat.We are even spending Xmas with them, which we are so looking forward to.
We are out every weekend and it has got to the point where we feel guilty if we do nothing on a Saturday or Sunday, I personally look forward to my weekend so much more than I ever did in the UK. One word of warning though it is not the UK, and if you are used to a Sunday Dinner and all the other stuff that seemed to be the law of a weekend in the UK then this place is not for you.
We went to Indy last night which for $15 was money so well spent, we left the car at Parklands and got a free bus, wow what an atmosphere, the point is there is something happening most weekends. I know a lot of people don't like the GC as it is so busy but this is just the sort of thing we as a family, love.
Next week my brother is coming over for a holiday and I can't wait to show him all the stuff this place has to offer.
The bad things? well as has been said before the driving leaves a lot to be desired! also one thing which is really hard to get used to is the laid back she'll be right attitude, every shop, business, service etc has 2 speeds: slow and even slower but I think this comes from the British way of life where everything is so hurried and maybe when you step back and have a look it is not so bad to be relaxed and in no hurry to do anything.
We miss family and friends from the UK quite a lot, in fact we have had a few family issues relayed to us by telephone from UK lately and it does make you feel guilty that you are not there to help out, but if we were there we wouldn't be able to do much anyway. These are the things that you have to deal with but that comes with living thousands of miles away.
To summarise: we have absolutely no regrets at all, yes there are difficult times and yes I wont tell lies there are times when you question whether you have done the right thing? but all in all we have enjoyed the adventure so far and my advice is; it is not for everyone, it is completely different to living in the UK, but if you don't do it you will never know. will you?
Well everyone as I don't get on here that much anymore, thought I would post an update on the adventure that is Oz emigration.
We arrived on May 8th and the day we got here we went into Maccies it was Mothers day so all mums got given a bunch of flowers, which was a great start to our adventure. We got the kids settled into Helensvale Schools that week, daughter in high and eldest lad in the Primary, we even got the youngest a place in Pre school, beware though you don't just buy uniform here you hire the text books and everything.
Anyway we then found it is a nightmare getting a rental as you basically need a letter from God, But we finally settled on nice little 4 bed lowset, with a pool, in Pacific Pines.
I was lucky in the respect I had a job to come to but it was a bit of a pain as we still had loads to do but I was starting work the second week after arriving, we needed to get cars sorted and medicare driving licences etc, what you need to do though is prioritise things in order of importance.
Be careful on cars as we bought one which we now realise we paid over the odds for and would pass on the advice to take your time picking one.
As for work well I have been offered numerous jobs since I have been here and now start a new one closer to where I live in 2 weeks, so take no notice of doom mongers who say there is no work, there is loads in the manufacturing industry which is so strong over here.
Life in General? in one word Fan 'Bloody' Tastic!! we absolutely love it here, and the kids have settled unbelievably well, my daughter who is quite sporty and was in the UK joined a footy team as soon as we arrived, she is now having trials to represent the Gold Coast in a tournament next year. Thru' this and school, she has made numerous friends, in fact she had few staying last night on a sleepover. My eldest boy also has loads of friends, and the outdoor life really suits him, he is always out on his bike or in the pool, in school he even goes swimming once a week now and his stroke has improved brilliantly!
My youngest son who was quite shy, has come out of himself and is also really enjoying the outdoor lifestyle.
As for us, well we have made some really brilliant friends, I can honestly say they have become a lot better friends than ones we had in the UK, we have so much in common with them, they have 2 girls about the same age as our boys and they even get on, and there is no squabbling among them which usually happens with kids together.
We had some friends who we stayed with when we got here and we really only see them every so often now, honestly it is better to go out get your own friends as this gives you an independence. We see our really good mates at least once every weekend and it is great as you can just relax and have a beer and a chat.We are even spending Xmas with them, which we are so looking forward to.
We are out every weekend and it has got to the point where we feel guilty if we do nothing on a Saturday or Sunday, I personally look forward to my weekend so much more than I ever did in the UK. One word of warning though it is not the UK, and if you are used to a Sunday Dinner and all the other stuff that seemed to be the law of a weekend in the UK then this place is not for you.
We went to Indy last night which for $15 was money so well spent, we left the car at Parklands and got a free bus, wow what an atmosphere, the point is there is something happening most weekends. I know a lot of people don't like the GC as it is so busy but this is just the sort of thing we as a family, love.
Next week my brother is coming over for a holiday and I can't wait to show him all the stuff this place has to offer.
The bad things? well as has been said before the driving leaves a lot to be desired! also one thing which is really hard to get used to is the laid back she'll be right attitude, every shop, business, service etc has 2 speeds: slow and even slower
but I think this comes from the British way of life where everything is so hurried and maybe when you step back and have a look it is not so bad to be relaxed and in no hurry to do anything.We miss family and friends from the UK quite a lot, in fact we have had a few family issues relayed to us by telephone from UK lately and it does make you feel guilty that you are not there to help out, but if we were there we wouldn't be able to do much anyway. These are the things that you have to deal with but that comes with living thousands of miles away.
To summarise: we have absolutely no regrets at all, yes there are difficult times and yes I wont tell lies there are times when you question whether you have done the right thing? but all in all we have enjoyed the adventure so far and my advice is; it is not for everyone, it is completely different to living in the UK, but if you don't do it you will never know. will you?
good for you & your's mate, glad to hear it's going so well.
Oct 22nd 2005, 9:59 am
#10
redlion
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: Livin it large in the lovely Perth!!!
Posts: 1,743
Re: Dicko's 6th Month update
Fantastic to see you doing so well dicko, its really great to read about kids settling in so well too as i think this is a major worry for all of us with kids. Good luck with the next six months, i would say good luck with the footy too mate but i think your team need a bit more than luck right now up the reds!!
All the best mate.
Nev.
up the reds!!All the best mate.
Nev.
Oct 22nd 2005, 10:51 am
#11
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2003
Location: Utopia?
Posts: 865
Re: Dicko's 6th Month update
Originally Posted by madsad
good for you & your's mate, glad to hear it's going so well.
I did try and email u and PM u with an update, but you obviously didn't get them.
No worries, how is evrything with yourselves?
Oct 22nd 2005, 10:58 am
#12
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Scotland
Posts: 89
Re: Dicko's 6th Month update
Originally Posted by Dicko
Warning don't read on if you don't like long posts ! :scared:
Well everyone as I don't get on here that much anymore, thought I would post an update on the adventure that is Oz emigration.
We arrived on May 8th and the day we got here we went into Maccies it was Mothers day so all mums got given a bunch of flowers, which was a great start to our adventure. We got the kids settled into Helensvale Schools that week, daughter in high and eldest lad in the Primary, we even got the youngest a place in Pre school, beware though you don't just buy uniform here you hire the text books and everything.
Anyway we then found it is a nightmare getting a rental as you basically need a letter from God, But we finally settled on nice little 4 bed lowset, with a pool, in Pacific Pines.
I was lucky in the respect I had a job to come to but it was a bit of a pain as we still had loads to do but I was starting work the second week after arriving, we needed to get cars sorted and medicare driving licences etc, what you need to do though is prioritise things in order of importance.
Be careful on cars as we bought one which we now realise we paid over the odds for and would pass on the advice to take your time picking one.
As for work well I have been offered numerous jobs since I have been here and now start a new one closer to where I live in 2 weeks, so take no notice of doom mongers who say there is no work, there is loads in the manufacturing industry which is so strong over here.
Life in General? in one word Fan 'Bloody' Tastic!! we absolutely love it here, and the kids have settled unbelievably well, my daughter who is quite sporty and was in the UK joined a footy team as soon as we arrived, she is now having trials to represent the Gold Coast in a tournament next year. Thru' this and school, she has made numerous friends, in fact she had few staying last night on a sleepover. My eldest boy also has loads of friends, and the outdoor life really suits him, he is always out on his bike or in the pool, in school he even goes swimming once a week now and his stroke has improved brilliantly!
My youngest son who was quite shy, has come out of himself and is also really enjoying the outdoor lifestyle.
As for us, well we have made some really brilliant friends, I can honestly say they have become a lot better friends than ones we had in the UK, we have so much in common with them, they have 2 girls about the same age as our boys and they even get on, and there is no squabbling among them which usually happens with kids together.
We had some friends who we stayed with when we got here and we really only see them every so often now, honestly it is better to go out get your own friends as this gives you an independence. We see our really good mates at least once every weekend and it is great as you can just relax and have a beer and a chat.We are even spending Xmas with them, which we are so looking forward to.
We are out every weekend and it has got to the point where we feel guilty if we do nothing on a Saturday or Sunday, I personally look forward to my weekend so much more than I ever did in the UK. One word of warning though it is not the UK, and if you are used to a Sunday Dinner and all the other stuff that seemed to be the law of a weekend in the UK then this place is not for you.
We went to Indy last night which for $15 was money so well spent, we left the car at Parklands and got a free bus, wow what an atmosphere, the point is there is something happening most weekends. I know a lot of people don't like the GC as it is so busy but this is just the sort of thing we as a family, love.
Next week my brother is coming over for a holiday and I can't wait to show him all the stuff this place has to offer.
The bad things? well as has been said before the driving leaves a lot to be desired! also one thing which is really hard to get used to is the laid back she'll be right attitude, every shop, business, service etc has 2 speeds: slow and even slower but I think this comes from the British way of life where everything is so hurried and maybe when you step back and have a look it is not so bad to be relaxed and in no hurry to do anything.
We miss family and friends from the UK quite a lot, in fact we have had a few family issues relayed to us by telephone from UK lately and it does make you feel guilty that you are not there to help out, but if we were there we wouldn't be able to do much anyway. These are the things that you have to deal with but that comes with living thousands of miles away.
To summarise: we have absolutely no regrets at all, yes there are difficult times and yes I wont tell lies there are times when you question whether you have done the right thing? but all in all we have enjoyed the adventure so far and my advice is; it is not for everyone, it is completely different to living in the UK, but if you don't do it you will never know. will you?
Well everyone as I don't get on here that much anymore, thought I would post an update on the adventure that is Oz emigration.
We arrived on May 8th and the day we got here we went into Maccies it was Mothers day so all mums got given a bunch of flowers, which was a great start to our adventure. We got the kids settled into Helensvale Schools that week, daughter in high and eldest lad in the Primary, we even got the youngest a place in Pre school, beware though you don't just buy uniform here you hire the text books and everything.
Anyway we then found it is a nightmare getting a rental as you basically need a letter from God, But we finally settled on nice little 4 bed lowset, with a pool, in Pacific Pines.
I was lucky in the respect I had a job to come to but it was a bit of a pain as we still had loads to do but I was starting work the second week after arriving, we needed to get cars sorted and medicare driving licences etc, what you need to do though is prioritise things in order of importance.
Be careful on cars as we bought one which we now realise we paid over the odds for and would pass on the advice to take your time picking one.
As for work well I have been offered numerous jobs since I have been here and now start a new one closer to where I live in 2 weeks, so take no notice of doom mongers who say there is no work, there is loads in the manufacturing industry which is so strong over here.
Life in General? in one word Fan 'Bloody' Tastic!! we absolutely love it here, and the kids have settled unbelievably well, my daughter who is quite sporty and was in the UK joined a footy team as soon as we arrived, she is now having trials to represent the Gold Coast in a tournament next year. Thru' this and school, she has made numerous friends, in fact she had few staying last night on a sleepover. My eldest boy also has loads of friends, and the outdoor life really suits him, he is always out on his bike or in the pool, in school he even goes swimming once a week now and his stroke has improved brilliantly!
My youngest son who was quite shy, has come out of himself and is also really enjoying the outdoor lifestyle.
As for us, well we have made some really brilliant friends, I can honestly say they have become a lot better friends than ones we had in the UK, we have so much in common with them, they have 2 girls about the same age as our boys and they even get on, and there is no squabbling among them which usually happens with kids together.
We had some friends who we stayed with when we got here and we really only see them every so often now, honestly it is better to go out get your own friends as this gives you an independence. We see our really good mates at least once every weekend and it is great as you can just relax and have a beer and a chat.We are even spending Xmas with them, which we are so looking forward to.
We are out every weekend and it has got to the point where we feel guilty if we do nothing on a Saturday or Sunday, I personally look forward to my weekend so much more than I ever did in the UK. One word of warning though it is not the UK, and if you are used to a Sunday Dinner and all the other stuff that seemed to be the law of a weekend in the UK then this place is not for you.
We went to Indy last night which for $15 was money so well spent, we left the car at Parklands and got a free bus, wow what an atmosphere, the point is there is something happening most weekends. I know a lot of people don't like the GC as it is so busy but this is just the sort of thing we as a family, love.
Next week my brother is coming over for a holiday and I can't wait to show him all the stuff this place has to offer.
The bad things? well as has been said before the driving leaves a lot to be desired! also one thing which is really hard to get used to is the laid back she'll be right attitude, every shop, business, service etc has 2 speeds: slow and even slower
but I think this comes from the British way of life where everything is so hurried and maybe when you step back and have a look it is not so bad to be relaxed and in no hurry to do anything.We miss family and friends from the UK quite a lot, in fact we have had a few family issues relayed to us by telephone from UK lately and it does make you feel guilty that you are not there to help out, but if we were there we wouldn't be able to do much anyway. These are the things that you have to deal with but that comes with living thousands of miles away.
To summarise: we have absolutely no regrets at all, yes there are difficult times and yes I wont tell lies there are times when you question whether you have done the right thing? but all in all we have enjoyed the adventure so far and my advice is; it is not for everyone, it is completely different to living in the UK, but if you don't do it you will never know. will you?
Oct 22nd 2005, 12:23 pm
#13
sunshinesarah
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Buderim, Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Posts: 203
Re: Dicko's 6th Month update
Originally Posted by Dicko
Warning don't read on if you don't like long posts ! :scared:
Well everyone as I don't get on here that much anymore, thought I would post an update on the adventure that is Oz emigration.
We arrived on May 8th and the day we got here we went into Maccies it was Mothers day so all mums got given a bunch of flowers, which was a great start to our adventure. We got the kids settled into Helensvale Schools that week, daughter in high and eldest lad in the Primary, we even got the youngest a place in Pre school, beware though you don't just buy uniform here you hire the text books and everything.
Anyway we then found it is a nightmare getting a rental as you basically need a letter from God, But we finally settled on nice little 4 bed lowset, with a pool, in Pacific Pines.
I was lucky in the respect I had a job to come to but it was a bit of a pain as we still had loads to do but I was starting work the second week after arriving, we needed to get cars sorted and medicare driving licences etc, what you need to do though is prioritise things in order of importance.
Be careful on cars as we bought one which we now realise we paid over the odds for and would pass on the advice to take your time picking one.
As for work well I have been offered numerous jobs since I have been here and now start a new one closer to where I live in 2 weeks, so take no notice of doom mongers who say there is no work, there is loads in the manufacturing industry which is so strong over here.
Life in General? in one word Fan 'Bloody' Tastic!! we absolutely love it here, and the kids have settled unbelievably well, my daughter who is quite sporty and was in the UK joined a footy team as soon as we arrived, she is now having trials to represent the Gold Coast in a tournament next year. Thru' this and school, she has made numerous friends, in fact she had few staying last night on a sleepover. My eldest boy also has loads of friends, and the outdoor life really suits him, he is always out on his bike or in the pool, in school he even goes swimming once a week now and his stroke has improved brilliantly!
My youngest son who was quite shy, has come out of himself and is also really enjoying the outdoor lifestyle.
As for us, well we have made some really brilliant friends, I can honestly say they have become a lot better friends than ones we had in the UK, we have so much in common with them, they have 2 girls about the same age as our boys and they even get on, and there is no squabbling among them which usually happens with kids together.
We had some friends who we stayed with when we got here and we really only see them every so often now, honestly it is better to go out get your own friends as this gives you an independence. We see our really good mates at least once every weekend and it is great as you can just relax and have a beer and a chat.We are even spending Xmas with them, which we are so looking forward to.
We are out every weekend and it has got to the point where we feel guilty if we do nothing on a Saturday or Sunday, I personally look forward to my weekend so much more than I ever did in the UK. One word of warning though it is not the UK, and if you are used to a Sunday Dinner and all the other stuff that seemed to be the law of a weekend in the UK then this place is not for you.
We went to Indy last night which for $15 was money so well spent, we left the car at Parklands and got a free bus, wow what an atmosphere, the point is there is something happening most weekends. I know a lot of people don't like the GC as it is so busy but this is just the sort of thing we as a family, love.
Next week my brother is coming over for a holiday and I can't wait to show him all the stuff this place has to offer.
The bad things? well as has been said before the driving leaves a lot to be desired! also one thing which is really hard to get used to is the laid back she'll be right attitude, every shop, business, service etc has 2 speeds: slow and even slower but I think this comes from the British way of life where everything is so hurried and maybe when you step back and have a look it is not so bad to be relaxed and in no hurry to do anything.
We miss family and friends from the UK quite a lot, in fact we have had a few family issues relayed to us by telephone from UK lately and it does make you feel guilty that you are not there to help out, but if we were there we wouldn't be able to do much anyway. These are the things that you have to deal with but that comes with living thousands of miles away.
To summarise: we have absolutely no regrets at all, yes there are difficult times and yes I wont tell lies there are times when you question whether you have done the right thing? but all in all we have enjoyed the adventure so far and my advice is; it is not for everyone, it is completely different to living in the UK, but if you don't do it you will never know. will you?
Well everyone as I don't get on here that much anymore, thought I would post an update on the adventure that is Oz emigration.
We arrived on May 8th and the day we got here we went into Maccies it was Mothers day so all mums got given a bunch of flowers, which was a great start to our adventure. We got the kids settled into Helensvale Schools that week, daughter in high and eldest lad in the Primary, we even got the youngest a place in Pre school, beware though you don't just buy uniform here you hire the text books and everything.
Anyway we then found it is a nightmare getting a rental as you basically need a letter from God, But we finally settled on nice little 4 bed lowset, with a pool, in Pacific Pines.
I was lucky in the respect I had a job to come to but it was a bit of a pain as we still had loads to do but I was starting work the second week after arriving, we needed to get cars sorted and medicare driving licences etc, what you need to do though is prioritise things in order of importance.
Be careful on cars as we bought one which we now realise we paid over the odds for and would pass on the advice to take your time picking one.
As for work well I have been offered numerous jobs since I have been here and now start a new one closer to where I live in 2 weeks, so take no notice of doom mongers who say there is no work, there is loads in the manufacturing industry which is so strong over here.
Life in General? in one word Fan 'Bloody' Tastic!! we absolutely love it here, and the kids have settled unbelievably well, my daughter who is quite sporty and was in the UK joined a footy team as soon as we arrived, she is now having trials to represent the Gold Coast in a tournament next year. Thru' this and school, she has made numerous friends, in fact she had few staying last night on a sleepover. My eldest boy also has loads of friends, and the outdoor life really suits him, he is always out on his bike or in the pool, in school he even goes swimming once a week now and his stroke has improved brilliantly!
My youngest son who was quite shy, has come out of himself and is also really enjoying the outdoor lifestyle.
As for us, well we have made some really brilliant friends, I can honestly say they have become a lot better friends than ones we had in the UK, we have so much in common with them, they have 2 girls about the same age as our boys and they even get on, and there is no squabbling among them which usually happens with kids together.
We had some friends who we stayed with when we got here and we really only see them every so often now, honestly it is better to go out get your own friends as this gives you an independence. We see our really good mates at least once every weekend and it is great as you can just relax and have a beer and a chat.We are even spending Xmas with them, which we are so looking forward to.
We are out every weekend and it has got to the point where we feel guilty if we do nothing on a Saturday or Sunday, I personally look forward to my weekend so much more than I ever did in the UK. One word of warning though it is not the UK, and if you are used to a Sunday Dinner and all the other stuff that seemed to be the law of a weekend in the UK then this place is not for you.
We went to Indy last night which for $15 was money so well spent, we left the car at Parklands and got a free bus, wow what an atmosphere, the point is there is something happening most weekends. I know a lot of people don't like the GC as it is so busy but this is just the sort of thing we as a family, love.
Next week my brother is coming over for a holiday and I can't wait to show him all the stuff this place has to offer.
The bad things? well as has been said before the driving leaves a lot to be desired! also one thing which is really hard to get used to is the laid back she'll be right attitude, every shop, business, service etc has 2 speeds: slow and even slower
but I think this comes from the British way of life where everything is so hurried and maybe when you step back and have a look it is not so bad to be relaxed and in no hurry to do anything.We miss family and friends from the UK quite a lot, in fact we have had a few family issues relayed to us by telephone from UK lately and it does make you feel guilty that you are not there to help out, but if we were there we wouldn't be able to do much anyway. These are the things that you have to deal with but that comes with living thousands of miles away.
To summarise: we have absolutely no regrets at all, yes there are difficult times and yes I wont tell lies there are times when you question whether you have done the right thing? but all in all we have enjoyed the adventure so far and my advice is; it is not for everyone, it is completely different to living in the UK, but if you don't do it you will never know. will you?
Sunshine Sarah
Oct 22nd 2005, 1:15 pm
#14
Joined: Mar 2004
Location: pacific pines
Posts: 4,418
Re: Dicko's 6th Month update
Originally Posted by Dicko
Hi Malc & Donna,
I did try and email u and PM u with an update, but you obviously didn't get them.
No worries, how is evrything with yourselves?
I did try and email u and PM u with an update, but you obviously didn't get them.
No worries, how is evrything with yourselves?
We did get your email & pm & i promise i will reply soon,had so much to do ourselfs the last couple of months,just been hectic!
Donna.
Oct 22nd 2005, 2:31 pm
#15
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 7,834
Re: Dicko's 6th Month update
Originally Posted by Dicko
Warning don't read on if you don't like long posts ! :scared:
Well everyone as I don't get on here that much anymore, thought I would post an update on the adventure that is Oz emigration.
We arrived on May 8th and the day we got here we went into Maccies it was Mothers day so all mums got given a bunch of flowers, which was a great start to our adventure. We got the kids settled into Helensvale Schools that week, daughter in high and eldest lad in the Primary, we even got the youngest a place in Pre school, beware though you don't just buy uniform here you hire the text books and everything.
Anyway we then found it is a nightmare getting a rental as you basically need a letter from God, But we finally settled on nice little 4 bed lowset, with a pool, in Pacific Pines.
I was lucky in the respect I had a job to come to but it was a bit of a pain as we still had loads to do but I was starting work the second week after arriving, we needed to get cars sorted and medicare driving licences etc, what you need to do though is prioritise things in order of importance.
Be careful on cars as we bought one which we now realise we paid over the odds for and would pass on the advice to take your time picking one.
As for work well I have been offered numerous jobs since I have been here and now start a new one closer to where I live in 2 weeks, so take no notice of doom mongers who say there is no work, there is loads in the manufacturing industry which is so strong over here.
Life in General? in one word Fan 'Bloody' Tastic!! we absolutely love it here, and the kids have settled unbelievably well, my daughter who is quite sporty and was in the UK joined a footy team as soon as we arrived, she is now having trials to represent the Gold Coast in a tournament next year. Thru' this and school, she has made numerous friends, in fact she had few staying last night on a sleepover. My eldest boy also has loads of friends, and the outdoor life really suits him, he is always out on his bike or in the pool, in school he even goes swimming once a week now and his stroke has improved brilliantly!
My youngest son who was quite shy, has come out of himself and is also really enjoying the outdoor lifestyle.
As for us, well we have made some really brilliant friends, I can honestly say they have become a lot better friends than ones we had in the UK, we have so much in common with them, they have 2 girls about the same age as our boys and they even get on, and there is no squabbling among them which usually happens with kids together.
We had some friends who we stayed with when we got here and we really only see them every so often now, honestly it is better to go out get your own friends as this gives you an independence. We see our really good mates at least once every weekend and it is great as you can just relax and have a beer and a chat.We are even spending Xmas with them, which we are so looking forward to.
We are out every weekend and it has got to the point where we feel guilty if we do nothing on a Saturday or Sunday, I personally look forward to my weekend so much more than I ever did in the UK. One word of warning though it is not the UK, and if you are used to a Sunday Dinner and all the other stuff that seemed to be the law of a weekend in the UK then this place is not for you.
We went to Indy last night which for $15 was money so well spent, we left the car at Parklands and got a free bus, wow what an atmosphere, the point is there is something happening most weekends. I know a lot of people don't like the GC as it is so busy but this is just the sort of thing we as a family, love.
Next week my brother is coming over for a holiday and I can't wait to show him all the stuff this place has to offer.
The bad things? well as has been said before the driving leaves a lot to be desired! also one thing which is really hard to get used to is the laid back she'll be right attitude, every shop, business, service etc has 2 speeds: slow and even slower but I think this comes from the British way of life where everything is so hurried and maybe when you step back and have a look it is not so bad to be relaxed and in no hurry to do anything.
We miss family and friends from the UK quite a lot, in fact we have had a few family issues relayed to us by telephone from UK lately and it does make you feel guilty that you are not there to help out, but if we were there we wouldn't be able to do much anyway. These are the things that you have to deal with but that comes with living thousands of miles away.
To summarise: we have absolutely no regrets at all, yes there are difficult times and yes I wont tell lies there are times when you question whether you have done the right thing? but all in all we have enjoyed the adventure so far and my advice is; it is not for everyone, it is completely different to living in the UK, but if you don't do it you will never know. will you?
Well everyone as I don't get on here that much anymore, thought I would post an update on the adventure that is Oz emigration.
We arrived on May 8th and the day we got here we went into Maccies it was Mothers day so all mums got given a bunch of flowers, which was a great start to our adventure. We got the kids settled into Helensvale Schools that week, daughter in high and eldest lad in the Primary, we even got the youngest a place in Pre school, beware though you don't just buy uniform here you hire the text books and everything.
Anyway we then found it is a nightmare getting a rental as you basically need a letter from God, But we finally settled on nice little 4 bed lowset, with a pool, in Pacific Pines.
I was lucky in the respect I had a job to come to but it was a bit of a pain as we still had loads to do but I was starting work the second week after arriving, we needed to get cars sorted and medicare driving licences etc, what you need to do though is prioritise things in order of importance.
Be careful on cars as we bought one which we now realise we paid over the odds for and would pass on the advice to take your time picking one.
As for work well I have been offered numerous jobs since I have been here and now start a new one closer to where I live in 2 weeks, so take no notice of doom mongers who say there is no work, there is loads in the manufacturing industry which is so strong over here.
Life in General? in one word Fan 'Bloody' Tastic!! we absolutely love it here, and the kids have settled unbelievably well, my daughter who is quite sporty and was in the UK joined a footy team as soon as we arrived, she is now having trials to represent the Gold Coast in a tournament next year. Thru' this and school, she has made numerous friends, in fact she had few staying last night on a sleepover. My eldest boy also has loads of friends, and the outdoor life really suits him, he is always out on his bike or in the pool, in school he even goes swimming once a week now and his stroke has improved brilliantly!
My youngest son who was quite shy, has come out of himself and is also really enjoying the outdoor lifestyle.
As for us, well we have made some really brilliant friends, I can honestly say they have become a lot better friends than ones we had in the UK, we have so much in common with them, they have 2 girls about the same age as our boys and they even get on, and there is no squabbling among them which usually happens with kids together.
We had some friends who we stayed with when we got here and we really only see them every so often now, honestly it is better to go out get your own friends as this gives you an independence. We see our really good mates at least once every weekend and it is great as you can just relax and have a beer and a chat.We are even spending Xmas with them, which we are so looking forward to.
We are out every weekend and it has got to the point where we feel guilty if we do nothing on a Saturday or Sunday, I personally look forward to my weekend so much more than I ever did in the UK. One word of warning though it is not the UK, and if you are used to a Sunday Dinner and all the other stuff that seemed to be the law of a weekend in the UK then this place is not for you.
We went to Indy last night which for $15 was money so well spent, we left the car at Parklands and got a free bus, wow what an atmosphere, the point is there is something happening most weekends. I know a lot of people don't like the GC as it is so busy but this is just the sort of thing we as a family, love.
Next week my brother is coming over for a holiday and I can't wait to show him all the stuff this place has to offer.
The bad things? well as has been said before the driving leaves a lot to be desired! also one thing which is really hard to get used to is the laid back she'll be right attitude, every shop, business, service etc has 2 speeds: slow and even slower
but I think this comes from the British way of life where everything is so hurried and maybe when you step back and have a look it is not so bad to be relaxed and in no hurry to do anything.We miss family and friends from the UK quite a lot, in fact we have had a few family issues relayed to us by telephone from UK lately and it does make you feel guilty that you are not there to help out, but if we were there we wouldn't be able to do much anyway. These are the things that you have to deal with but that comes with living thousands of miles away.
To summarise: we have absolutely no regrets at all, yes there are difficult times and yes I wont tell lies there are times when you question whether you have done the right thing? but all in all we have enjoyed the adventure so far and my advice is; it is not for everyone, it is completely different to living in the UK, but if you don't do it you will never know. will you?