Eight Months On
Aug 26th 2003, 6:57 am
#1
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Joined: Feb 2003
Location: Brisvegas
Posts: 3,506
Eight Months On
Well, after eight months what's it like? First six weeks or so were the 'honeymoon' period staying in holiday accommodation in the height of summer - though also the time to get bank/rental/car stuff sorted. Very strange times as seems like a holiday in a foreign country then starts to change into a "why doesn't this work like/look like/cost the same as the UK?".
This can be a long lasting and frustrating period as its a bit like being a child again - you don't know how to get on a bus (what do I ask for, are there zones, can I get a travelcard and is it weekly or ten trip - where do I buy it, do I get off at the front or the back of the bus, should I say thank you to the driver like others do?) It is applying these sort of questions to absolutely everything you do that can be hard work - it's like everything is familiar but different (What is a Fly Buys Card - should I have one - do I want one - whats it for - where can I use it etc.). This stage whilst combined with working out what to eat, what to watch on TV, where to go etc. etc. lasts a good few months and some will find it hard going.
Pass this phase and you begin to settle a bit, get used to work, get used to the normal everyday stuff and stop feeling you live in a foreign country. This is time for reflection and observation. I think there's nothing more interesting than an outsiders view on a country and it is valid to form your own opinions and not just assume you can't pass comment on the country you have chosen to live in - you have chosen to live there after all.
Next phase, well just starting now so not sure what it is yet. No real homesickness yet but vague plans to visit Uk in about a year, looking forward to visitors here to show off our new home and expect that first trip to UK will confirm we are doing the right thing by being here. Anyway, who knows - I'm never one to look more than say two years ahead - might be here - might not.
This can be a long lasting and frustrating period as its a bit like being a child again - you don't know how to get on a bus (what do I ask for, are there zones, can I get a travelcard and is it weekly or ten trip - where do I buy it, do I get off at the front or the back of the bus, should I say thank you to the driver like others do?) It is applying these sort of questions to absolutely everything you do that can be hard work - it's like everything is familiar but different (What is a Fly Buys Card - should I have one - do I want one - whats it for - where can I use it etc.). This stage whilst combined with working out what to eat, what to watch on TV, where to go etc. etc. lasts a good few months and some will find it hard going.
Pass this phase and you begin to settle a bit, get used to work, get used to the normal everyday stuff and stop feeling you live in a foreign country. This is time for reflection and observation. I think there's nothing more interesting than an outsiders view on a country and it is valid to form your own opinions and not just assume you can't pass comment on the country you have chosen to live in - you have chosen to live there after all.
Next phase, well just starting now so not sure what it is yet. No real homesickness yet but vague plans to visit Uk in about a year, looking forward to visitors here to show off our new home and expect that first trip to UK will confirm we are doing the right thing by being here. Anyway, who knows - I'm never one to look more than say two years ahead - might be here - might not.
Aug 26th 2003, 7:10 am
#2
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Joined: Jan 2003
Location: Perth, Jnr is back!
Posts: 1,286
Re: Eight Months On
This can be a long lasting and frustrating period as its a bit like being a child again - you don't know how to get on a bus (what do I ask for, are there zones, can I get a travelcard and is it weekly or ten trip - where do I buy it, do I get off at the front or the back of the bus, should I say thank you to the driver like others do?) It is applying these sort of questions to absolutely everything you do that can be hard work - it's like everything is familiar but different (What is a Fly Buys Card - should I have one - do I want one - whats it for - where can I use it etc.). This stage whilst combined with working out what to eat, what to watch on TV, where to go etc. etc. lasts a good few months and some will find it hard going.
========================================
Agree with you SO MUCH on this bit Jayr - just come out of it myself - what a relief. Once a bit of familiarity creeps in - you know you're getting there.
Lovely post
Diane
========================================
Agree with you SO MUCH on this bit Jayr - just come out of it myself - what a relief. Once a bit of familiarity creeps in - you know you're getting there.
Lovely post
Diane
Aug 26th 2003, 8:41 am
#3
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2003
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 92
Hi Jayr
Thanks for posting, its really great to hear from someone who is starting to settle. We arrive in Brisbane in just over 4 weeks and I feel quite wobbly just thinking about it. I know we are doing the right thing but feel a bit apprehensive about all those new things and coming to terms with being so far from "home" (which I guess it will remain until we settle in properly).
Many people on the forum are just so excited to be going and can't wait and my other half feels exactly like that but I am starting to get a bit emotional and worried. You and Diane make it sound like that period of nerves is normal and that although it continues after arrival, you can settle down and stop living like you're "in a foreign country".
Thank you both, I needed to hear that.
Rachel
Thanks for posting, its really great to hear from someone who is starting to settle. We arrive in Brisbane in just over 4 weeks and I feel quite wobbly just thinking about it. I know we are doing the right thing but feel a bit apprehensive about all those new things and coming to terms with being so far from "home" (which I guess it will remain until we settle in properly).
Many people on the forum are just so excited to be going and can't wait and my other half feels exactly like that but I am starting to get a bit emotional and worried. You and Diane make it sound like that period of nerves is normal and that although it continues after arrival, you can settle down and stop living like you're "in a foreign country".
Thank you both, I needed to hear that.
Rachel
Aug 26th 2003, 8:50 am
#4
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Joined: Jun 2003
Location: Mandurah WA
Posts: 1,395
Its nice to know that people do settle down in Oz, although they have to overcome the differences.
Thanks to Diane and Jayr for their balanced and informative posts this morning.
I woke up feeling doubtful, but reading their posts has made me realise that Oz is what I want, and the sooner the better.
Keep them coming.
Whisky
Thanks to Diane and Jayr for their balanced and informative posts this morning.
I woke up feeling doubtful, but reading their posts has made me realise that Oz is what I want, and the sooner the better.
Keep them coming.
Whisky
Aug 26th 2003, 9:12 am
#5
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Joined: Jul 2003
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 92
Are you nervous too Whisky?
Aug 26th 2003, 9:20 am
#6
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,149
The first few months settling, finding work, accomodation are stressful. I started sleep walking again. We arrived in May so when the worst of it was over summer was starting.
I learnt to surf and have enjoyed most of my time here. The local sense of humor can grate at times (never show the signs of weaknes though) but England winning at the rugby shut the worst of them up.
Even the premiership is on every monday.
Moving house on its own is supposed to be stressful. Changing jobs and country as well makes the experience very stressfull.
When the dust settles it feels right you won't look back.
I learnt to surf and have enjoyed most of my time here. The local sense of humor can grate at times (never show the signs of weaknes though) but England winning at the rugby shut the worst of them up.
Even the premiership is on every monday.
Moving house on its own is supposed to be stressful. Changing jobs and country as well makes the experience very stressfull.
When the dust settles it feels right you won't look back.
Aug 26th 2003, 9:30 am
#7
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2002
Location: England
Posts: 279
Re: Eight Months On
Originally posted by jayr
Well, after eight months what's it like? First six weeks or so were the 'honeymoon' period staying in holiday accommodation in the height of summer - though also the time to get bank/rental/car stuff sorted. Very strange times as seems like a holiday in a foreign country then starts to change into a "why doesn't this work like/look like/cost the same as the UK?".
This can be a long lasting and frustrating period as its a bit like being a child again - you don't know how to get on a bus (what do I ask for, are there zones, can I get a travelcard and is it weekly or ten trip - where do I buy it, do I get off at the front or the back of the bus, should I say thank you to the driver like others do?) It is applying these sort of questions to absolutely everything you do that can be hard work - it's like everything is familiar but different (What is a Fly Buys Card - should I have one - do I want one - whats it for - where can I use it etc.). This stage whilst combined with working out what to eat, what to watch on TV, where to go etc. etc. lasts a good few months and some will find it hard going.
Pass this phase and you begin to settle a bit, get used to work, get used to the normal everyday stuff and stop feeling you live in a foreign country. This is time for reflection and observation. I think there's nothing more interesting than an outsiders view on a country and it is valid to form your own opinions and not just assume you can't pass comment on the country you have chosen to live in - you have chosen to live there after all.
Next phase, well just starting now so not sure what it is yet. No real homesickness yet but vague plans to visit Uk in about a year, looking forward to visitors here to show off our new home and expect that first trip to UK will confirm we are doing the right thing by being here. Anyway, who knows - I'm never one to look more than say two years ahead - might be here - might not.
Well, after eight months what's it like? First six weeks or so were the 'honeymoon' period staying in holiday accommodation in the height of summer - though also the time to get bank/rental/car stuff sorted. Very strange times as seems like a holiday in a foreign country then starts to change into a "why doesn't this work like/look like/cost the same as the UK?".
This can be a long lasting and frustrating period as its a bit like being a child again - you don't know how to get on a bus (what do I ask for, are there zones, can I get a travelcard and is it weekly or ten trip - where do I buy it, do I get off at the front or the back of the bus, should I say thank you to the driver like others do?) It is applying these sort of questions to absolutely everything you do that can be hard work - it's like everything is familiar but different (What is a Fly Buys Card - should I have one - do I want one - whats it for - where can I use it etc.). This stage whilst combined with working out what to eat, what to watch on TV, where to go etc. etc. lasts a good few months and some will find it hard going.
Pass this phase and you begin to settle a bit, get used to work, get used to the normal everyday stuff and stop feeling you live in a foreign country. This is time for reflection and observation. I think there's nothing more interesting than an outsiders view on a country and it is valid to form your own opinions and not just assume you can't pass comment on the country you have chosen to live in - you have chosen to live there after all.
Next phase, well just starting now so not sure what it is yet. No real homesickness yet but vague plans to visit Uk in about a year, looking forward to visitors here to show off our new home and expect that first trip to UK will confirm we are doing the right thing by being here. Anyway, who knows - I'm never one to look more than say two years ahead - might be here - might not.
I agree with looking 2 years ahead only, anything can happen, keep all options open!
By the way I've been using my Fly Buys card since arriving, I might have enough for a cinema ticket in 10 years !
Aug 26th 2003, 9:30 am
#8
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Joined: Jul 2003
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 92
Great to hear that.
I don't know whats wrong with me, I've wanted this for ages and have scrimped and saved and given up lots to achieve it but now its nearly here I'm scared!
Really relieved to hear we can still get the footy, I need to follow the Toon's rollercoaster and other half needs to see if Man City can retain their place as the league leaders...lol!
How long have you been in Oz bondipom?
I don't know whats wrong with me, I've wanted this for ages and have scrimped and saved and given up lots to achieve it but now its nearly here I'm scared!
Really relieved to hear we can still get the footy, I need to follow the Toon's rollercoaster and other half needs to see if Man City can retain their place as the league leaders...lol!
How long have you been in Oz bondipom?
Aug 26th 2003, 9:38 am
#9
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,149
I did a year and a day working holiday (they didn't hold the one day overstay against me) in 97-98. I met my wife then and brought her back to Britain. In 2001 we applied for a de facto visa.
I got here 5 May last year.
The footie coverage is OK but the local commentators are very average. If you want live action you can watch a game at midnight on saturdays. Foxtel also show live games but I don't know about Optus.
Have you spent much time here?
I got here 5 May last year.
The footie coverage is OK but the local commentators are very average. If you want live action you can watch a game at midnight on saturdays. Foxtel also show live games but I don't know about Optus.
Have you spent much time here?
Aug 26th 2003, 9:57 am
#10
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Joined: Jul 2003
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 92
I am almost afraid to write this as I'm sure there will be comments but I've never been to Australia. I have travelled a great deal (so I'm not totally naive of other countries and cultures) but never actually made it to Australia.
I am coming initially on a long stay temporary student visa ( they have given me four years as I will be studying for a PhD) and if we are happy and can see a future for us we will apply for permanent residency. My partner is coming on my visa as my defacto spouse.
I studied postcolonial literature for my Masters degree, specialising in Australian literature so it makes sense for me to pursue further study and a career in lecturing in Australia. The University of Queensland have also offered me some lecturing work so it seemed like too good an opportunity to miss. My partner needs to find a job of course so that is still a big question mark.
I am looking forward to it but the finances are a big worry to me and I'm feeling a bit overawed by the whole thing at the moment, a feeling I'm sure will pass in time. It sounds like you are really happy and haven't looked back. Did you have doubts before arriving or did you always just "know"?
I am coming initially on a long stay temporary student visa ( they have given me four years as I will be studying for a PhD) and if we are happy and can see a future for us we will apply for permanent residency. My partner is coming on my visa as my defacto spouse.
I studied postcolonial literature for my Masters degree, specialising in Australian literature so it makes sense for me to pursue further study and a career in lecturing in Australia. The University of Queensland have also offered me some lecturing work so it seemed like too good an opportunity to miss. My partner needs to find a job of course so that is still a big question mark.
I am looking forward to it but the finances are a big worry to me and I'm feeling a bit overawed by the whole thing at the moment, a feeling I'm sure will pass in time. It sounds like you are really happy and haven't looked back. Did you have doubts before arriving or did you always just "know"?
Aug 26th 2003, 10:17 am
#11
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,149
I enjoyed the working holiday a lot and liked the working environment. It was always a matter of when rather than if we would return to Oz. The company I was working for was going to be closed by the head office and my partner's (now my wife) job was going nowhere.
We couldn't afford to buy a house in Surrey or London so Di decided to sponsor me. We are now saving a deposit for our own bit of Sydney.
We were nervous at the start but there wasn't very much for us to lose.
We couldn't afford to buy a house in Surrey or London so Di decided to sponsor me. We are now saving a deposit for our own bit of Sydney.
We were nervous at the start but there wasn't very much for us to lose.
Aug 26th 2003, 10:27 am
#12
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2003
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 92
I suppose we are in the same boat to some extent re having nothing to lose. No kids, just us and if we don't like it we can come home with not too much lost except a bit of money (not the most important thing in life). I am predicting we won't want to come home though!
What the hell, its a wonderful experience, I can't wait to see the wide open spaces, wildlife and general happy-go-lucky attitude to life. I will take it all as I find it and give it my best shot.
No more wimpyness (sp?) for me!
What the hell, its a wonderful experience, I can't wait to see the wide open spaces, wildlife and general happy-go-lucky attitude to life. I will take it all as I find it and give it my best shot.
No more wimpyness (sp?) for me!
Aug 26th 2003, 11:20 am
#13
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Joined: Apr 2002
Location: Sydney
Posts: 336
Re: Eight Months On
Hi, We've been here for 18 months now and can say you hit the nail on the head, although the time span of each phase can be different for everyone. Our 'honeymoon' lasted about 2 weeks as we got a car, rental property and the kids into school that quickly so taking them to and from school and being in our 'home' kind of got us back into the old routines. I can't say how long it took to get familiar with everything but I can say we are still discovering new things and there are heaps of places we haven't even been to yet. The best thing we did was buy a UBD street map and just went out driving around to get our head around the layout of the areas etc. Also get into the habit of asking complete strangers about stuff, I have always found them helpful.
There are many things we still have got to get the hang of. The tax return is one thing, we've got to find a good accountant, but who do we trust? We've finally got our heads around the health insurance thing and have taken out a policy. We've got to sort out a will, morbid I know, but aparantly the government takes everything you own if you don't have a will. Then there is life insurance, but which company can we trust?. I can tell you one thing though, after you have got familiar with everything the time really flys by, so make the most of it or it'll flash by in a second. Another thing I find is that the weekends really feel like a short holiday as we are always out somewhere discovering new places!
all the best
Mandy
There are many things we still have got to get the hang of. The tax return is one thing, we've got to find a good accountant, but who do we trust? We've finally got our heads around the health insurance thing and have taken out a policy. We've got to sort out a will, morbid I know, but aparantly the government takes everything you own if you don't have a will. Then there is life insurance, but which company can we trust?. I can tell you one thing though, after you have got familiar with everything the time really flys by, so make the most of it or it'll flash by in a second. Another thing I find is that the weekends really feel like a short holiday as we are always out somewhere discovering new places!
all the best
Mandy
Originally posted by jayr
Well, after eight months what's it like? First six weeks or so were the 'honeymoon' period staying in holiday accommodation in the height of summer - though also the time to get bank/rental/car stuff sorted. Very strange times as seems like a holiday in a foreign country then starts to change into a "why doesn't this work like/look like/cost the same as the UK?".
This can be a long lasting and frustrating period as its a bit like being a child again - you don't know how to get on a bus (what do I ask for, are there zones, can I get a travelcard and is it weekly or ten trip - where do I buy it, do I get off at the front or the back of the bus, should I say thank you to the driver like others do?) It is applying these sort of questions to absolutely everything you do that can be hard work - it's like everything is familiar but different (What is a Fly Buys Card - should I have one - do I want one - whats it for - where can I use it etc.). This stage whilst combined with working out what to eat, what to watch on TV, where to go etc. etc. lasts a good few months and some will find it hard going.
Pass this phase and you begin to settle a bit, get used to work, get used to the normal everyday stuff and stop feeling you live in a foreign country. This is time for reflection and observation. I think there's nothing more interesting than an outsiders view on a country and it is valid to form your own opinions and not just assume you can't pass comment on the country you have chosen to live in - you have chosen to live there after all.
Next phase, well just starting now so not sure what it is yet. No real homesickness yet but vague plans to visit Uk in about a year, looking forward to visitors here to show off our new home and expect that first trip to UK will confirm we are doing the right thing by being here. Anyway, who knows - I'm never one to look more than say two years ahead - might be here - might not.
Well, after eight months what's it like? First six weeks or so were the 'honeymoon' period staying in holiday accommodation in the height of summer - though also the time to get bank/rental/car stuff sorted. Very strange times as seems like a holiday in a foreign country then starts to change into a "why doesn't this work like/look like/cost the same as the UK?".
This can be a long lasting and frustrating period as its a bit like being a child again - you don't know how to get on a bus (what do I ask for, are there zones, can I get a travelcard and is it weekly or ten trip - where do I buy it, do I get off at the front or the back of the bus, should I say thank you to the driver like others do?) It is applying these sort of questions to absolutely everything you do that can be hard work - it's like everything is familiar but different (What is a Fly Buys Card - should I have one - do I want one - whats it for - where can I use it etc.). This stage whilst combined with working out what to eat, what to watch on TV, where to go etc. etc. lasts a good few months and some will find it hard going.
Pass this phase and you begin to settle a bit, get used to work, get used to the normal everyday stuff and stop feeling you live in a foreign country. This is time for reflection and observation. I think there's nothing more interesting than an outsiders view on a country and it is valid to form your own opinions and not just assume you can't pass comment on the country you have chosen to live in - you have chosen to live there after all.
Next phase, well just starting now so not sure what it is yet. No real homesickness yet but vague plans to visit Uk in about a year, looking forward to visitors here to show off our new home and expect that first trip to UK will confirm we are doing the right thing by being here. Anyway, who knows - I'm never one to look more than say two years ahead - might be here - might not.
Aug 26th 2003, 1:47 pm
#14
home again, home again
Joined: Apr 2003
Location: Notts to Perth, Perth to Notts
Posts: 1,748
Re: Eight Months On
Originally posted by jayr
you don't know how to get on a bus (what do I ask for, are there zones, can I get a travelcard and is it weekly or ten trip - where do I buy it, do I get off at the front or the back of the bus, should I say thank you to the driver like others do?) .
you don't know how to get on a bus (what do I ask for, are there zones, can I get a travelcard and is it weekly or ten trip - where do I buy it, do I get off at the front or the back of the bus, should I say thank you to the driver like others do?) .
Oh god, I remember walking up and down the road in 40c wondering where the bus stop was!!! I could only see the bus shelter on the opposite side of the road! I stopped a bus and asked him where I caught the bus to go in the opposite direction!!! He looked at me oddly and replied "over there by the bus stop" and drove away!!! I wandered over the other side of the road and spotted a pole about 3ft high saying 'Hale Bus', this was the bus stop. How stupid of me not to have seen it before!!!!!!!!???????
Aug 26th 2003, 2:06 pm
#15
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2003
Location: Lindfield W.Sussex
Posts: 183
Re: Eight Months On
Originally posted by Kath
It's such a relief now after 14 months in Perth that I can go food shopping and know where everything is and know what my children like / dislike. My children are fussy eaters and everything seem to taste different to them - very frustrating!
I agree with looking 2 years ahead only, anything can happen, keep all options open!
By the way I've been using my Fly Buys card since arriving, I might have enough for a cinema ticket in 10 years !
It's such a relief now after 14 months in Perth that I can go food shopping and know where everything is and know what my children like / dislike. My children are fussy eaters and everything seem to taste different to them - very frustrating!
I agree with looking 2 years ahead only, anything can happen, keep all options open!
By the way I've been using my Fly Buys card since arriving, I might have enough for a cinema ticket in 10 years !
Noticed you are living in the hills, we are arriving in Perth 10th Nov, and after looking into all the various suburbs questions decided that Kalamunda etc looked good. Would really appreciate your views on the area, plus it would be nice to kinda know someone in the area, our two youngest are really excited, but the eldest 15, is really low, cant seem to talk about Oz without her bursting into tears!!! anyway, great to hear that you seem to be getting into the swing of it all.
Suz