HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE. Not sure how many of you will remember me as it feels like forever since I've been able to log on to this site. Have had problems with logging on since arriving in Oz. I've been able to browse but not add any messages. At last it's all sorted and I thought I'd start the new year with a new thread.

We arrived in Melbourne on the 4th Nov. Flew with Singapore Airlines and they were brilliant. Stayed for two nights in Singapore and it really helped with the journey (and a two year old little boy!!).

Not sure whether it was the long journey, but my first impression of Oz wasn't how I expected it. Mind you - the Nepean Highway certainly isn't the most scenic of routes to drive!!

We stayed in an apartment on the beach in Carrum cause I stupidly thought we'd need to be by the sea to relax and recover from the journey. Oh how foolish was I!!!! We didn't seem to have a moment to relax so sitting on the beach wasn't really an option.

We blitzed everything, looked for a car to buy, registered for TFN, medicare, sorted out our bank accounts then viewed rental properties to find somewhere to live. Having never been to Oz we spent quite a bit of time driving around areas trying to decide where to live.

We put in an application for a place near to the city but the owners wanted us to sign up for 12 months. Then we drove over to a place called Mornington and fell in love with it. So we are now renting a place literally 8 mins walk from a gorgeous beach and harbour and 5 mins walk from shops, cafes, restaurants. After our first two hectic weeks we then spent another week furnishing the house. This should have been fun, but dragging a bored, frustrated 2 year old round the shops was no easy ride and it therefore made it a little tough going at times.

Now .....2 months on and we've settled in well. We've met up with Andy & Kath from this site who live a stones throw away from us and they've been an absolute godsend (hi to them both if they are reading this). They arrived a few months before us so were really helpful with advice and lending us bits and pieces.

Mornington is wonderful and I think what has really helped us settle in is the friendliness of literally everyone we meet. Perhaps it's the lovely weather but everyone is happy and seem to want to talk to you.

My life has changed more than Paul's. He is a carpenter and has got more work than he can cope with. I've given up my career to move out here and spend time being a full time Mum. Thats been a massive change for me and at times I wonder whether it is something I will enjoy long term. Don't get me wrong, I love being with my son everyday and walking our dog to the beach - but it's so different from what I'm used to and I do miss the day to day contact with clients and colleagues from work. Whilst the sun continues to shine I'm sure I'll be happy - winter weather might bring a different story!!

We are very lucky in that we have made some friends already - thats vitally important for us to help us settle, as we had very close friends and family back home. We had a party last night to celebrate New Year and everyone made a real effort which was great. However I still woke up this morning and shed a tear or two for my nearest and dearest back home. What makes it harder is that we've had some bad news from friends back home and it makes you feel helpless that you can't do anything to help from such a distance.

Are we happy - Yes. Quality of life is radically different here and it is all that we hoped for for our son. He has adjusted well and loves the outdoor life the weather provides him. My husband loves it here and says he never wants to leave. Some might say he's in the honeymoon period, but who cares - it's great to see him happy. I'm happy as well. There are moments when I feel totally contented and almost euphoric. But there are also moments when I yearn for those that I have left behind. I expected this so am taking each day as it comes (something that I never did in the UK).

We didn't run away from the UK for any negative reasons - we had a good life there but we love an adventure and wanted to try something new. This is an adventure and we take the rough with the smooth.

It's now 2005, new year, new challenges etc etc. We feel very priveleged to be able to do this. Getting the visa, selling the house was tough - but it was worth it. Even if we only stay for a couple of years at least we've done it and given it a go. The world is a big place and we might decide to live and experience another country and culture. Who knows. Life is for living and thats what we are doing - hopefully giving our child the best childhood we can.

This site helped me along the rollercoaster ride whilst waiting for our visa. If I can help anyone else out there then let me know- would love to return the favour.

In the meantime - be happy, hang on in there and all the best for a happy and healthy 2005 xxx

Glad to hear you are settling in. Karma coming your way, it should give you your first blue box

Glad too hear you are doing well,hope to follow suit but in Brissy.

Karma & best wishes-lifes what you make it.Goodluck & keep it going!!

Donna x

Good stuff!!!

I'm gonna be negative for the first time ever....you mentioned what winter might bring..

it gets cold in winter....if you suffer, start planning how, now, to warm your house ..(!) outside is not so bad.

All the best

Badge

It's even the same up here in QLD. I often have to pop outside to warm up during the winter days. (it does sound weird, doesn't it)

Yes - people back home can't believe we don't have any form of heating!

Troood - great post, glad to hear you've settled in so well. A very postive and realistic post... keep us updated

Glad to hear you are doing well. We arrived on 3 Nov having spent 3 nights in Singapore. We are living in Mentone and loving it (well apart from 13 year old son). Husband back in London until Feb, so I feel our new life will really start when he returns.

Good luck for 2005.

Thanks for all the nice replies - how did I manage without access to this site for soooo long!!!

Re; heating the house. Brrrrrr......I'm trying not to think about it, but we've already borrowed some oil heated radiators and will purchase more if necessary. Plus our goods arrived from the UK a week or so ago - full of winter woollies. Perhaps a holiday to a warmer state will help take the chill of things (as and when it happens).

Now.....sod the resolution....where is that bottle of wine

Troood,

Welcome to our neck of the woods. Just get yourself a nice electic blanky and she'll be right, mate

What a great post! you have a positive attitude,, and don't worry about feeling guilty about not wanting to be a full time mum, you are it's just not everybody can be with their rugrats full time, doesn't stop you being good!
Happy New Year to you!

Great post Trood. Good luck with the homesickness and enjoy life

Great post I couldn't be any more stressed than I am at the moment.Sounds like the life we want . We're also considering mornington.

Trood,
I was out to Oz last winter and Brisbane was nice and not too hot, went to Sydney & it was getting a bit colder ,I was going to drive to further south but the cold put me off

I think that central heating should beon the cards if you keep feeling cold when you have a place of your own!

Bye & keep warm
Mark

I enjoyed reading your post, good to see you getting on and making it work, I like the take each day as it comes, good advice and I should do the same!

What a great post.Really nice to hear that you have settled and are happy especially for the life style you have chosen for your two year old.WE too ahev a two year old and know that it won't be easy when having to do all important stuff like Medicare etc renting .Good to hear your flight was good with Singapore we are hoping to fly with them ourselves in a few months.
Hope it all continues to be great enjoy life
Cheers Dreamaway