Originally Posted by Wanderlust

Its looking like its going to be in May 2006. :) Location - tropical gardens.

W. :D

Originally Posted by Wanderlust

And what a year it was!!! Sept 10th 2004 I landed in this fair city on my own to start my new life.

Having left behind a divorce, 2 years of house sharing with a mate, great friends and good job in London, I started here with a bit of money in my hands and a brother who was willing to put me up till I found my feet.

In the last 12 months I have accomplished the following (in this order)...
Bought a car (Rav 4)
Got a job (earning just about the same as I was in the UK)
Started to train as a PADI divemaster
Made new friends
Met a man who was my ideal bloke
Took my Rav 4 4-wheel driving (yes it can do it!)
Bought a house of my own(semi-detached townhouse)
Visited the Whitsunday Islands
Learned to body board & took surfing lessons (badly!)
Bought a motorbike & joined a club
Had to go home to the UK for a funeral
Visited Sydney for a long weekend
Went skydiving out of a helicopter
Learned to rock climb
Took up the sport of adventure racing - Hells Bells - 24hrs, 100km
Had a long weekend in Melbourne
Got engaged to my ideal man!!!

And those are all the major events that I can think of. Dozens of smaller adventures in between have made these last 12 months truly a year to remember. And the best thing of all is it doesnt look like things are going to change.
My life here is honestly more interesting and full of adventure than I ever imagined it would be.
I honestly believe that moving to Australia was the best thing I could ever have done for myself, and it was truly worth the agonising wait to get my visa.

To all of you out there who are waiting to get over here - hang in there... its worth the wait!

Cheers!!

W. :D :D :D

Originally Posted by Wanderlust

Thanks to everyone for your kind words and good wishes. :) :) :)

I'd like to add that this website has been a good help too. On the days that I felt crap or homesick, or the days I just had something to share and nobody to tell - I'd log on here and get relief. Folks have always been very supportive and its always good to read that other people have gone through the same feelings and come out ok on the other side.

Here's to British Expats and all who log in here!! :beer: Long may it continue!

Cheers!!!

W. :D