Six Month Update
Apr 27th 2005, 11:58 am
#1
Down Under and Lovin It
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2004
Location: Ellenbrook, Perth, WA
Posts: 692
Six Month Update
Well here goes, we can't believe that we have been here 6 months already, as they say time does fly when you are having fun, we were just saying that it is about a year ago that we applied for our visa's and next thing we knew here we were (after much excitement, stress, anxiety, high & low's of course).
We have settled into Ellenbrook (northern suburb) really well, eldest loves school, youngest enjoying playgroup, loads of community stuff going on all the time and we are such a short distance from everything we want to do, see and need (beach, bush, national parks, city, shops etc . . ).
The work situation has had its moments, there is plenty of it and loads of opportunities, however, long hours low pay etc are very much the norm. The first job only lasted five weeks, but that was mainly down to long hours and (in our opinion) unreasonable expectations. Jobs are easy to get here, you just have to try and choose the right one, finally found the job that suits, fairly local, reasonable hours, interesting, some travel but overall very good.
Still find some things strange here like chatty shop assistants, where everyone disappears to at dusk (it is so quite round here at night), how most Aussies ever past their driving test, but overall finding Aussie culture and lifestyle most enjoyable.
The great outdoors is certainly GREAT have visited quite a few National Parks etc, the scenery awesome, the facilities fantastic (bbq, picnic tables, clean toilets with soft loo roll!!) and of course the reliable weather enabling us to plan ahead. We can truly say that we have never been disappointed with anywhere that we have visited to date, whether that be a beach, a park, a tourist drive, a market, the hills, the bush - it has always far exceeded our expectations.
We are starting camping soon, as it seems the most logical and enjoyable way to spend quality time with the kids, whilst getting to see magical places, and of course enjoy the odd bottle or two of wine under the stars and we have a 4WD so will have access to places off the beaten track. We are busy planning a trip to Esperance later this year which we hear from friends is the BEST!
As we now head into winter we can honestly say that we have acclimatised to the weather, as it feels so cold especially morning and night, and yet when we check the temperature it is no cooler than an english summers day!
Homesickness has been a huge issue and some days are still harder than others, it's not England that we miss, (as has been said on here many times before) it's friends, family, support network, familarity of place. We hope in time this will become less of an issue as we continue to build our new life here in Australia, with new friends and a new support network to enjoy it all with.
So to end, we are happy to be here, it certainly is a life changing experience that works for some and not for others. We wish all of you here and wanting to be here good luck for the future.
Paul, Helen, Kieran & Connor
We have settled into Ellenbrook (northern suburb) really well, eldest loves school, youngest enjoying playgroup, loads of community stuff going on all the time and we are such a short distance from everything we want to do, see and need (beach, bush, national parks, city, shops etc . . ).
The work situation has had its moments, there is plenty of it and loads of opportunities, however, long hours low pay etc are very much the norm. The first job only lasted five weeks, but that was mainly down to long hours and (in our opinion) unreasonable expectations. Jobs are easy to get here, you just have to try and choose the right one, finally found the job that suits, fairly local, reasonable hours, interesting, some travel but overall very good.
Still find some things strange here like chatty shop assistants, where everyone disappears to at dusk (it is so quite round here at night), how most Aussies ever past their driving test, but overall finding Aussie culture and lifestyle most enjoyable.
The great outdoors is certainly GREAT have visited quite a few National Parks etc, the scenery awesome, the facilities fantastic (bbq, picnic tables, clean toilets with soft loo roll!!) and of course the reliable weather enabling us to plan ahead. We can truly say that we have never been disappointed with anywhere that we have visited to date, whether that be a beach, a park, a tourist drive, a market, the hills, the bush - it has always far exceeded our expectations.
We are starting camping soon, as it seems the most logical and enjoyable way to spend quality time with the kids, whilst getting to see magical places, and of course enjoy the odd bottle or two of wine under the stars and we have a 4WD so will have access to places off the beaten track. We are busy planning a trip to Esperance later this year which we hear from friends is the BEST!
As we now head into winter we can honestly say that we have acclimatised to the weather, as it feels so cold especially morning and night, and yet when we check the temperature it is no cooler than an english summers day!
Homesickness has been a huge issue and some days are still harder than others, it's not England that we miss, (as has been said on here many times before) it's friends, family, support network, familarity of place. We hope in time this will become less of an issue as we continue to build our new life here in Australia, with new friends and a new support network to enjoy it all with.
So to end, we are happy to be here, it certainly is a life changing experience that works for some and not for others. We wish all of you here and wanting to be here good luck for the future.
Paul, Helen, Kieran & Connor
Apr 27th 2005, 12:06 pm
#2
Crazy Cat Lady
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 65,493
Re: Six Month Update
Really pleased you have settled in. Thanks for the post.
Apr 27th 2005, 12:06 pm
#3
Superfreak!!
Joined: Jan 2004
Location: Thornlie, Perth, W.A.
Posts: 1,177
Re: Six Month Update
Originally Posted by Jacko1
the facilities fantastic (bbq, picnic tables, clean toilets with soft loo roll!!)
Go inside the Loo though and what is there? A ceramic bog? NO!!!! A bloody ceramic hole in the floor.... like a shower but only bigger for your POO!!! And to get to the point... no bog roll either.
Made the baby cry by pinching some wet-wipes off her and buggered off to the disabled loo instead, which at least had a seat (if no bog-roll).
C`est La Vie
Apr 27th 2005, 12:07 pm
#4
Born to be wild....
Joined: Mar 2005
Location: Northants to Brisbane.
Posts: 5,450
Re: Six Month Update
Originally Posted by Jacko1
Well here goes, we can't believe that we have been here 6 months already, as they say time does fly when you are having fun, we were just saying that it is about a year ago that we applied for our visa's and next thing we knew here we were (after much excitement, stress, anxiety, high & low's of course).
We have settled into Ellenbrook (northern suburb) really well, eldest loves school, youngest enjoying playgroup, loads of community stuff going on all the time and we are such a short distance from everything we want to do, see and need (beach, bush, national parks, city, shops etc . . ).
The work situation has had its moments, there is plenty of it and loads of opportunities, however, long hours low pay etc are very much the norm. The first job only lasted five weeks, but that was mainly down to long hours and (in our opinion) unreasonable expectations. Jobs are easy to get here, you just have to try and choose the right one, finally found the job that suits, fairly local, reasonable hours, interesting, some travel but overall very good.
Still find some things strange here like chatty shop assistants, where everyone disappears to at dusk (it is so quite round here at night), how most Aussies ever past their driving test, but overall finding Aussie culture and lifestyle most enjoyable.
The great outdoors is certainly GREAT have visited quite a few National Parks etc, the scenery awesome, the facilities fantastic (bbq, picnic tables, clean toilets with soft loo roll!!) and of course the reliable weather enabling us to plan ahead. We can truly say that we have never been disappointed with anywhere that we have visited to date, whether that be a beach, a park, a tourist drive, a market, the hills, the bush - it has always far exceeded our expectations.
We are starting camping soon, as it seems the most logical and enjoyable way to spend quality time with the kids, whilst getting to see magical places, and of course enjoy the odd bottle or two of wine under the stars and we have a 4WD so will have access to places off the beaten track. We are busy planning a trip to Esperance later this year which we hear from friends is the BEST!
As we now head into winter we can honestly say that we have acclimatised to the weather, as it feels so cold especially morning and night, and yet when we check the temperature it is no cooler than an english summers day!
Homesickness has been a huge issue and some days are still harder than others, it's not England that we miss, (as has been said on here many times before) it's friends, family, support network, familarity of place. We hope in time this will become less of an issue as we continue to build our new life here in Australia, with new friends and a new support network to enjoy it all with.
So to end, we are happy to be here, it certainly is a life changing experience that works for some and not for others. We wish all of you here and wanting to be here good luck for the future.
Paul, Helen, Kieran & Connor
We have settled into Ellenbrook (northern suburb) really well, eldest loves school, youngest enjoying playgroup, loads of community stuff going on all the time and we are such a short distance from everything we want to do, see and need (beach, bush, national parks, city, shops etc . . ).
The work situation has had its moments, there is plenty of it and loads of opportunities, however, long hours low pay etc are very much the norm. The first job only lasted five weeks, but that was mainly down to long hours and (in our opinion) unreasonable expectations. Jobs are easy to get here, you just have to try and choose the right one, finally found the job that suits, fairly local, reasonable hours, interesting, some travel but overall very good.
Still find some things strange here like chatty shop assistants, where everyone disappears to at dusk (it is so quite round here at night), how most Aussies ever past their driving test, but overall finding Aussie culture and lifestyle most enjoyable.
The great outdoors is certainly GREAT have visited quite a few National Parks etc, the scenery awesome, the facilities fantastic (bbq, picnic tables, clean toilets with soft loo roll!!) and of course the reliable weather enabling us to plan ahead. We can truly say that we have never been disappointed with anywhere that we have visited to date, whether that be a beach, a park, a tourist drive, a market, the hills, the bush - it has always far exceeded our expectations.
We are starting camping soon, as it seems the most logical and enjoyable way to spend quality time with the kids, whilst getting to see magical places, and of course enjoy the odd bottle or two of wine under the stars and we have a 4WD so will have access to places off the beaten track. We are busy planning a trip to Esperance later this year which we hear from friends is the BEST!
As we now head into winter we can honestly say that we have acclimatised to the weather, as it feels so cold especially morning and night, and yet when we check the temperature it is no cooler than an english summers day!
Homesickness has been a huge issue and some days are still harder than others, it's not England that we miss, (as has been said on here many times before) it's friends, family, support network, familarity of place. We hope in time this will become less of an issue as we continue to build our new life here in Australia, with new friends and a new support network to enjoy it all with.
So to end, we are happy to be here, it certainly is a life changing experience that works for some and not for others. We wish all of you here and wanting to be here good luck for the future.
Paul, Helen, Kieran & Connor
Apr 27th 2005, 12:15 pm
#5
Joined: Mar 2004
Location: pacific pines
Posts: 4,418
Re: Six Month Update
6 mths already,time really does fly by! what a lovely post & good to hear your all doing so well 
Donna.
Donna.
Apr 27th 2005, 12:16 pm
#6
Account Closed
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,375
Re: Six Month Update
This is quite a serious question and one directed not only at you, but others who have made the move:
You've been there six months now...have you built up any circle of friends or is it still just a case of "Hi" across the street ?
Have you been out and mixed with the locals and got chatting then thought we must do this again ? Exchanged numbers, Emails ?
Don't want to single your circumstances out in particular but am interested in the whole friendship building scenario in general...
Any clubs joined, kids clubs etc etc ???
Cheers
Three Legs
You've been there six months now...have you built up any circle of friends or is it still just a case of "Hi" across the street ?
Have you been out and mixed with the locals and got chatting then thought we must do this again ? Exchanged numbers, Emails ?
Don't want to single your circumstances out in particular but am interested in the whole friendship building scenario in general...
Any clubs joined, kids clubs etc etc ???
Cheers
Three Legs
Originally Posted by Jacko1
Well here goes, we can't believe that we have been here 6 months already, as they say time does fly when you are having fun, we were just saying that it is about a year ago that we applied for our visa's and next thing we knew here we were (after much excitement, stress, anxiety, high & low's of course).
We have settled into Ellenbrook (northern suburb) really well, eldest loves school, youngest enjoying playgroup, loads of community stuff going on all the time and we are such a short distance from everything we want to do, see and need (beach, bush, national parks, city, shops etc . . ).
The work situation has had its moments, there is plenty of it and loads of opportunities, however, long hours low pay etc are very much the norm. The first job only lasted five weeks, but that was mainly down to long hours and (in our opinion) unreasonable expectations. Jobs are easy to get here, you just have to try and choose the right one, finally found the job that suits, fairly local, reasonable hours, interesting, some travel but overall very good.
Still find some things strange here like chatty shop assistants, where everyone disappears to at dusk (it is so quite round here at night), how most Aussies ever past their driving test, but overall finding Aussie culture and lifestyle most enjoyable.
The great outdoors is certainly GREAT have visited quite a few National Parks etc, the scenery awesome, the facilities fantastic (bbq, picnic tables, clean toilets with soft loo roll!!) and of course the reliable weather enabling us to plan ahead. We can truly say that we have never been disappointed with anywhere that we have visited to date, whether that be a beach, a park, a tourist drive, a market, the hills, the bush - it has always far exceeded our expectations.
We are starting camping soon, as it seems the most logical and enjoyable way to spend quality time with the kids, whilst getting to see magical places, and of course enjoy the odd bottle or two of wine under the stars and we have a 4WD so will have access to places off the beaten track. We are busy planning a trip to Esperance later this year which we hear from friends is the BEST!
As we now head into winter we can honestly say that we have acclimatised to the weather, as it feels so cold especially morning and night, and yet when we check the temperature it is no cooler than an english summers day!
Homesickness has been a huge issue and some days are still harder than others, it's not England that we miss, (as has been said on here many times before) it's friends, family, support network, familarity of place. We hope in time this will become less of an issue as we continue to build our new life here in Australia, with new friends and a new support network to enjoy it all with.
So to end, we are happy to be here, it certainly is a life changing experience that works for some and not for others. We wish all of you here and wanting to be here good luck for the future.
Paul, Helen, Kieran & Connor
We have settled into Ellenbrook (northern suburb) really well, eldest loves school, youngest enjoying playgroup, loads of community stuff going on all the time and we are such a short distance from everything we want to do, see and need (beach, bush, national parks, city, shops etc . . ).
The work situation has had its moments, there is plenty of it and loads of opportunities, however, long hours low pay etc are very much the norm. The first job only lasted five weeks, but that was mainly down to long hours and (in our opinion) unreasonable expectations. Jobs are easy to get here, you just have to try and choose the right one, finally found the job that suits, fairly local, reasonable hours, interesting, some travel but overall very good.
Still find some things strange here like chatty shop assistants, where everyone disappears to at dusk (it is so quite round here at night), how most Aussies ever past their driving test, but overall finding Aussie culture and lifestyle most enjoyable.
The great outdoors is certainly GREAT have visited quite a few National Parks etc, the scenery awesome, the facilities fantastic (bbq, picnic tables, clean toilets with soft loo roll!!) and of course the reliable weather enabling us to plan ahead. We can truly say that we have never been disappointed with anywhere that we have visited to date, whether that be a beach, a park, a tourist drive, a market, the hills, the bush - it has always far exceeded our expectations.
We are starting camping soon, as it seems the most logical and enjoyable way to spend quality time with the kids, whilst getting to see magical places, and of course enjoy the odd bottle or two of wine under the stars and we have a 4WD so will have access to places off the beaten track. We are busy planning a trip to Esperance later this year which we hear from friends is the BEST!
As we now head into winter we can honestly say that we have acclimatised to the weather, as it feels so cold especially morning and night, and yet when we check the temperature it is no cooler than an english summers day!
Homesickness has been a huge issue and some days are still harder than others, it's not England that we miss, (as has been said on here many times before) it's friends, family, support network, familarity of place. We hope in time this will become less of an issue as we continue to build our new life here in Australia, with new friends and a new support network to enjoy it all with.
So to end, we are happy to be here, it certainly is a life changing experience that works for some and not for others. We wish all of you here and wanting to be here good luck for the future.
Paul, Helen, Kieran & Connor
Apr 27th 2005, 3:03 pm
#7
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,337
Re: Six Month Update
Thanks for the update 
We fancy the same area that or up on the north shore.
Do the local schools have a website as we would like to find out more for our 5yr old.
Cheers perthforme
We fancy the same area that or up on the north shore.
Do the local schools have a website as we would like to find out more for our 5yr old.
Cheers perthforme
Apr 27th 2005, 3:14 pm
#8
Dutch expat/Aus citizen
Joined: Apr 2003
Location: South East, Perth (was Holland)
Posts: 5,789
Re: Six Month Update
Great post, congratulations!! 
Yes, I would say camping is the way to go. you will never run out of places to go, and it is the cheapest way. And I think great to spend good quality family time(not that I have kids, but I was one not so long ago)
Have only been to Esperence when I was 5, but judging by the photo's, yes, it's nice.
When we lived in Bridgetown we often went to Walpole, Albany etc.
You can also go to the Stirling Ranges, oh, there's so much stuff.
The national parks often have bush campings, like Ferhook falls(not sure what NP that is, but it's near Walpole, or Shannon National Park. Stirling ranges too.
Check out this website for national parks etc, if you hadn't found it yet:
http://www.calm.wa.gov.au/
ps. did you get a annual national parks pass. Ours was $52 I think, and considering quite a few of the parks around Perth are already $9, you soon got it 'back'.
Yes, I would say camping is the way to go. you will never run out of places to go, and it is the cheapest way. And I think great to spend good quality family time(not that I have kids, but I was one not so long ago)
Have only been to Esperence when I was 5, but judging by the photo's, yes, it's nice.
When we lived in Bridgetown we often went to Walpole, Albany etc.
You can also go to the Stirling Ranges, oh, there's so much stuff.
The national parks often have bush campings, like Ferhook falls(not sure what NP that is, but it's near Walpole, or Shannon National Park. Stirling ranges too.
Check out this website for national parks etc, if you hadn't found it yet:
http://www.calm.wa.gov.au/
ps. did you get a annual national parks pass. Ours was $52 I think, and considering quite a few of the parks around Perth are already $9, you soon got it 'back'.
Apr 28th 2005, 5:38 am
#9
Down Under and Lovin It
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2004
Location: Ellenbrook, Perth, WA
Posts: 692
Re: Six Month Update
Thanks for info Simone and yes we just did our annual pass at the weekend - well worth it in our opinion!
Originally Posted by Simone
Great post, congratulations!!
Yes, I would say camping is the way to go. you will never run out of places to go, and it is the cheapest way. And I think great to spend good quality family time(not that I have kids, but I was one not so long ago)
Have only been to Esperence when I was 5, but judging by the photo's, yes, it's nice.
When we lived in Bridgetown we often went to Walpole, Albany etc.
You can also go to the Stirling Ranges, oh, there's so much stuff.
The national parks often have bush campings, like Ferhook falls(not sure what NP that is, but it's near Walpole, or Shannon National Park. Stirling ranges too.
Check out this website for national parks etc, if you hadn't found it yet:
http://www.calm.wa.gov.au/
ps. did you get a annual national parks pass. Ours was $52 I think, and considering quite a few of the parks around Perth are already $9, you soon got it 'back'.
Yes, I would say camping is the way to go. you will never run out of places to go, and it is the cheapest way. And I think great to spend good quality family time(not that I have kids, but I was one not so long ago)
Have only been to Esperence when I was 5, but judging by the photo's, yes, it's nice.
When we lived in Bridgetown we often went to Walpole, Albany etc.
You can also go to the Stirling Ranges, oh, there's so much stuff.
The national parks often have bush campings, like Ferhook falls(not sure what NP that is, but it's near Walpole, or Shannon National Park. Stirling ranges too.
Check out this website for national parks etc, if you hadn't found it yet:
http://www.calm.wa.gov.au/
ps. did you get a annual national parks pass. Ours was $52 I think, and considering quite a few of the parks around Perth are already $9, you soon got it 'back'.
Apr 28th 2005, 5:52 am
#10
Down Under and Lovin It
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2004
Location: Ellenbrook, Perth, WA
Posts: 692
Re: Six Month Update
Hi Three Legs
Huge question but will try and answer, yes we have made a good circle of friends a mixture of expats and aussie's from various places, school, playgroup, work, neighbours, friends of friends, aerobics class, clubs etc...
Has been hard going though especially (IMO) with the aussie's, don't get me wrong all very friendly but in a more casual way - difficult to put into words without sounding rude but SOME aussie's appear shallow and only want to connect on a superficial level.
It will obviously take time to re-build strong lasting friendships though, like the ones we have left in England, and believe you me they are the ones you miss!
Huge question but will try and answer, yes we have made a good circle of friends a mixture of expats and aussie's from various places, school, playgroup, work, neighbours, friends of friends, aerobics class, clubs etc...
Has been hard going though especially (IMO) with the aussie's, don't get me wrong all very friendly but in a more casual way - difficult to put into words without sounding rude but SOME aussie's appear shallow and only want to connect on a superficial level.
It will obviously take time to re-build strong lasting friendships though, like the ones we have left in England, and believe you me they are the ones you miss!
Originally Posted by Three Legs
This is quite a serious question and one directed not only at you, but others who have made the move:
You've been there six months now...have you built up any circle of friends or is it still just a case of "Hi" across the street ?
Have you been out and mixed with the locals and got chatting then thought we must do this again ? Exchanged numbers, Emails ?
Don't want to single your circumstances out in particular but am interested in the whole friendship building scenario in general...
Any clubs joined, kids clubs etc etc ???
Cheers
Three Legs
You've been there six months now...have you built up any circle of friends or is it still just a case of "Hi" across the street ?
Have you been out and mixed with the locals and got chatting then thought we must do this again ? Exchanged numbers, Emails ?
Don't want to single your circumstances out in particular but am interested in the whole friendship building scenario in general...
Any clubs joined, kids clubs etc etc ???
Cheers
Three Legs
