One month in Melbourne
Sep 19th 2005, 12:25 pm
#1
MVFC
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2003
Location: Nunawading, Victoria
Posts: 140
One month in Melbourne
So, we arrived in Melbourne on 14th August and have been here for just over a month. To be honest we've never been in "holiday mode" as we have been busy getting things sorted, particularly as we were staying at my sister's house and had our little one to think about. By the end of the third week, we had bought a car, found a kindergarten for the little one and were set to move into our rented accommodation. Added to that, I had found a job and had to turn one down. If any sheet metal workers are reading this, you may be interested to know that at an interview I had with an agency, I was told that vacancies were not being filled due to a shortage of skilled sheeties.
So one month on and what has our experience been like? Generally we've settled pretty well. Our little one adapted amazingly well and seems to be loving it. The only thing he seems to miss are is toys currently on route from the UK. It's not all a bed of roses, I admit, but in my short time here, there seems to be a lot to like about living in Melbourne. I came here with an open mind having read all sorts written on this this message board and whereas some of the comments I can relate to, some of the comments by the doom and gloom merchants are complete b*llocks.
Anyway, for anyone interested, I'd like to share some good and bad points noticed in my brief stay here:
Good
Parks/playgrounds - wonderful facilities that you could only dream of seeing in the UK. There are lots of them too.
Locals - very friendly and helpful. Something you'd rarely find in Leeds.
Transport - very good train service. Our house is near one of the lines, so we're ok, especially as my wife doesn't drive. Not used the buses yet, but if one of you doesn't drive, you may be a bit cut-off.
Footy - the AFL variety. If you thought the Premiership got saturation coverage, you want to check the coverage and attendances the local football code gets. A great day out too.
Shopping - despite horror stories about supermarkets and clothes shopping on here, we've found that we're able to get everything we want. In Leeds we had an out-of-town shopping centre called the White Rose. Over here, every suburb seems to have one of a similar size.
Work - easy to get, especially in my trade. I was cacking my pants about starting my new job, especially as a foreigner starting at a new workplace having worked at my previous job for 19 years after leaving school. The welcome I got was really reassuring and have found it to be a more relaxed attitude and a sound bunch of work mates.
Bad
Driving - awful experience. No one seems to let you in when indicating and seems to be very dog-eat-dog. How I imagine driving in London to be like.
Graffitti - plagues every wall along the train line and buildings as you get near the centre. Ok, every city suffers, but it really does spoil Melbourne.
Dog mess - the locals don't seem to have grasped the concept of clearing away their pets' deposits. Having said that, I haven't seen any dog litter bins as seen in the UK.
TV - mindnumbingly awful. Sports coverage is good, but they seem to be fixated with crime programmes. Has anyone else had the "pleasure" of watching Inspector Rex?
Sorry for the long post. Just thought I'd share my experiences so far.
So one month on and what has our experience been like? Generally we've settled pretty well. Our little one adapted amazingly well and seems to be loving it. The only thing he seems to miss are is toys currently on route from the UK. It's not all a bed of roses, I admit, but in my short time here, there seems to be a lot to like about living in Melbourne. I came here with an open mind having read all sorts written on this this message board and whereas some of the comments I can relate to, some of the comments by the doom and gloom merchants are complete b*llocks.
Anyway, for anyone interested, I'd like to share some good and bad points noticed in my brief stay here:
Good
Parks/playgrounds - wonderful facilities that you could only dream of seeing in the UK. There are lots of them too.
Locals - very friendly and helpful. Something you'd rarely find in Leeds.
Transport - very good train service. Our house is near one of the lines, so we're ok, especially as my wife doesn't drive. Not used the buses yet, but if one of you doesn't drive, you may be a bit cut-off.
Footy - the AFL variety. If you thought the Premiership got saturation coverage, you want to check the coverage and attendances the local football code gets. A great day out too.
Shopping - despite horror stories about supermarkets and clothes shopping on here, we've found that we're able to get everything we want. In Leeds we had an out-of-town shopping centre called the White Rose. Over here, every suburb seems to have one of a similar size.
Work - easy to get, especially in my trade. I was cacking my pants about starting my new job, especially as a foreigner starting at a new workplace having worked at my previous job for 19 years after leaving school. The welcome I got was really reassuring and have found it to be a more relaxed attitude and a sound bunch of work mates.
Bad
Driving - awful experience. No one seems to let you in when indicating and seems to be very dog-eat-dog. How I imagine driving in London to be like.
Graffitti - plagues every wall along the train line and buildings as you get near the centre. Ok, every city suffers, but it really does spoil Melbourne.
Dog mess - the locals don't seem to have grasped the concept of clearing away their pets' deposits. Having said that, I haven't seen any dog litter bins as seen in the UK.
TV - mindnumbingly awful. Sports coverage is good, but they seem to be fixated with crime programmes. Has anyone else had the "pleasure" of watching Inspector Rex?
Sorry for the long post. Just thought I'd share my experiences so far.
Sep 19th 2005, 12:34 pm
#2
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 313
Re: One month in Melbourne
Originally Posted by Carl B
So, we arrived in Melbourne on 14th August and have been here for just over a month. To be honest we've never been in "holiday mode" as we have been busy getting things sorted, particularly as we were staying at my sister's house and had our little one to think about. By the end of the third week, we had bought a car, found a kindergarten for the little one and were set to move into our rented accommodation. Added to that, I had found a job and had to turn one down. If any sheet metal workers are reading this, you may be interested to know that at an interview I had with an agency, I was told that vacancies were not being filled due to a shortage of skilled sheeties.
So one month on and what has our experience been like? Generally we've settled pretty well. Our little one adapted amazingly well and seems to be loving it. The only thing he seems to miss are is toys currently on route from the UK. It's not all a bed of roses, I admit, but in my short time here, there seems to be a lot to like about living in Melbourne. I came here with an open mind having read all sorts written on this this message board and whereas some of the comments I can relate to, some of the comments by the doom and gloom merchants are complete b*llocks.
Anyway, for anyone interested, I'd like to share some good and bad points noticed in my brief stay here:
Good
Parks/playgrounds - wonderful facilities that you could only dream of seeing in the UK. There are lots of them too.
Locals - very friendly and helpful. Something you'd rarely find in Leeds.
Transport - very good train service. Our house is near one of the lines, so we're ok, especially as my wife doesn't drive. Not used the buses yet, but if one of you doesn't drive, you may be a bit cut-off.
Footy - the AFL variety. If you thought the Premiership got saturation coverage, you want to check the coverage and attendances the local football code gets. A great day out too.
Shopping - despite horror stories about supermarkets and clothes shopping on here, we've found that we're able to get everything we want. In Leeds we had an out-of-town shopping centre called the White Rose. Over here, every suburb seems to have one of a similar size.
Work - easy to get, especially in my trade. I was cacking my pants about starting my new job, especially as a foreigner starting at a new workplace having worked at my previous job for 19 years after leaving school. The welcome I got was really reassuring and have found it to be a more relaxed attitude and a sound bunch of work mates.
Bad
Driving - awful experience. No one seems to let you in when indicating and seems to be very dog-eat-dog. How I imagine driving in London to be like.
Graffitti - plagues every wall along the train line and buildings as you get near the centre. Ok, every city suffers, but it really does spoil Melbourne.
Dog mess - the locals don't seem to have grasped the concept of clearing away their pets' deposits. Having said that, I haven't seen any dog litter bins as seen in the UK.
TV - mindnumbingly awful. Sports coverage is good, but they seem to be fixated with crime programmes. Has anyone else had the "pleasure" of watching Inspector Rex?
Sorry for the long post. Just thought I'd share my experiences so far.
So one month on and what has our experience been like? Generally we've settled pretty well. Our little one adapted amazingly well and seems to be loving it. The only thing he seems to miss are is toys currently on route from the UK. It's not all a bed of roses, I admit, but in my short time here, there seems to be a lot to like about living in Melbourne. I came here with an open mind having read all sorts written on this this message board and whereas some of the comments I can relate to, some of the comments by the doom and gloom merchants are complete b*llocks.
Anyway, for anyone interested, I'd like to share some good and bad points noticed in my brief stay here:
Good
Parks/playgrounds - wonderful facilities that you could only dream of seeing in the UK. There are lots of them too.
Locals - very friendly and helpful. Something you'd rarely find in Leeds.
Transport - very good train service. Our house is near one of the lines, so we're ok, especially as my wife doesn't drive. Not used the buses yet, but if one of you doesn't drive, you may be a bit cut-off.
Footy - the AFL variety. If you thought the Premiership got saturation coverage, you want to check the coverage and attendances the local football code gets. A great day out too.
Shopping - despite horror stories about supermarkets and clothes shopping on here, we've found that we're able to get everything we want. In Leeds we had an out-of-town shopping centre called the White Rose. Over here, every suburb seems to have one of a similar size.
Work - easy to get, especially in my trade. I was cacking my pants about starting my new job, especially as a foreigner starting at a new workplace having worked at my previous job for 19 years after leaving school. The welcome I got was really reassuring and have found it to be a more relaxed attitude and a sound bunch of work mates.
Bad
Driving - awful experience. No one seems to let you in when indicating and seems to be very dog-eat-dog. How I imagine driving in London to be like.
Graffitti - plagues every wall along the train line and buildings as you get near the centre. Ok, every city suffers, but it really does spoil Melbourne.
Dog mess - the locals don't seem to have grasped the concept of clearing away their pets' deposits. Having said that, I haven't seen any dog litter bins as seen in the UK.
TV - mindnumbingly awful. Sports coverage is good, but they seem to be fixated with crime programmes. Has anyone else had the "pleasure" of watching Inspector Rex?
Sorry for the long post. Just thought I'd share my experiences so far.
Good post....nice to hear it like it is!!
BB
Sep 19th 2005, 12:37 pm
#3
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 567
Re: One month in Melbourne
Sounds like you're settling in nicely. It's great to read a well balanced thread. Please keep us all posted of your progress. May I also ask if your wife is learning to drive? My husband would not let me leave the UK until I had my licence because he told me I would be isolated. I learnt in London and it is hellish driving here. In fact my husband never used to like driving around Melbourne due to the 'busy' traffic. Since driving around London for several years he now finds Melbourne very easy 
. I hope I find it the same as I'm a very cautious female driver 
All the very best with your plans. kathy
. I hope I find it the same as I'm a very cautious female driver All the very best with your plans. kathy
Sep 19th 2005, 12:53 pm
#4
Sunny Sydney
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: Sydney
Posts: 6,241
Re: One month in Melbourne
You know, I was just about to put in a new thread asking for some honsest info from someone in Melbourne - you read my mind.
Thanks for such an interesting, objective read.
herrchook
Thanks for such an interesting, objective read.
herrchook
Sep 19th 2005, 4:00 pm
#5
Just Joined
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 24
Re: One month in Melbourne
Thanks Carl
Myself and my wife are visiting Melbourne in November and looking to move out next year and its great to hear an honest post!
Living in London I was worried the driving would be worse but driving in Melbourne a few years ago it 'seemed' to be better, although that impression was only based on a few weeks driving....
Myself and my wife are visiting Melbourne in November and looking to move out next year and its great to hear an honest post!
Living in London I was worried the driving would be worse but driving in Melbourne a few years ago it 'seemed' to be better, although that impression was only based on a few weeks driving....
Sep 19th 2005, 7:30 pm
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: One month in Melbourne
Carl
Thankyou for giving an honest view! We are hoping to head for Melbourne next year, so keep updating !
This made a huge difference to how I felt - last wekk I read a post by someone who really put the doom and gloom about.
Have you seen any schools or comments to make ? - your children are younger (?) because I am fretting about my 11 year old and want to make sure he settles and is happy.
Thankyou for giving an honest view! We are hoping to head for Melbourne next year, so keep updating !
This made a huge difference to how I felt - last wekk I read a post by someone who really put the doom and gloom about.
Have you seen any schools or comments to make ? - your children are younger (?) because I am fretting about my 11 year old and want to make sure he settles and is happy.
Sep 19th 2005, 9:13 pm
#7
58.38264% - Extreme Geek
Joined: Jan 2004
Location: The Place To Be
Posts: 2,270
Re: One month in Melbourne
Originally Posted by Carl B
...
TV - mindnumbingly awful. Sports coverage is good, but they seem to be fixated with crime programmes. Has anyone else had the "pleasure" of watching Inspector Rex?
Sorry for the long post. Just thought I'd share my experiences so far.
TV - mindnumbingly awful. Sports coverage is good, but they seem to be fixated with crime programmes. Has anyone else had the "pleasure" of watching Inspector Rex?
Sorry for the long post. Just thought I'd share my experiences so far.
(I have to say that I disagree with you about Inspector Rex, though!!)
Anya.
Sep 20th 2005, 10:03 am
#8
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: South Yorkshire
Posts: 190
Re: One month in Melbourne
Great post
We are still undecided as to where we would like to settle (If we are accepted of course). We loved Sydney but the more we read about Melbourne the more attractive it looks. It has potentially come down to those two although the other major cities have their appeal.
Regards
We are still undecided as to where we would like to settle (If we are accepted of course). We loved Sydney but the more we read about Melbourne the more attractive it looks. It has potentially come down to those two although the other major cities have their appeal.
Regards
Sep 20th 2005, 12:33 pm
#9
MVFC
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2003
Location: Nunawading, Victoria
Posts: 140
Re: One month in Melbourne
Originally Posted by Sarrob
Carl
Thankyou for giving an honest view! We are hoping to head for Melbourne next year, so keep updating !
This made a huge difference to how I felt - last wekk I read a post by someone who really put the doom and gloom about.
Have you seen any schools or comments to make ? - your children are younger (?) because I am fretting about my 11 year old and want to make sure he settles and is happy.
Thankyou for giving an honest view! We are hoping to head for Melbourne next year, so keep updating !
This made a huge difference to how I felt - last wekk I read a post by someone who really put the doom and gloom about.
Have you seen any schools or comments to make ? - your children are younger (?) because I am fretting about my 11 year old and want to make sure he settles and is happy.
Thanks for your positive comments. Will update in a month's time, probably.
