Originally Posted by OzWannabee

Hi Everyone

Just thought I'd check in and let you know that we've been here 2 weeks now and we're still loving it!

I think the only thing i would change is that we arrived in school holidays and I think that was a mistake. The kids are desperate to get to school to make friends and it's been a nightmare getting everything sorted and having to drag them round with us! We've had to split up most of the time, one of looking after the kids and one of us getting stuff done which has made it hard to make decisions - buying a car for example! It's probably been made worse because we've got 4 kids and they don't really get on! Even in the school holidays at home they always spent it with their mates not with each other. Just something to think about for anyone who is in the same situation! On the plus side they are absolutely desperate to get to school and i've never heard them say that before - they haven't even moaned about the school uniforms! We've had no trouble getting them into the schools we wanted.

I've yet to come across an unhelpful person, everyone is so kind, especially when you haven't a clue what your doing! Even in the Car Registration place when we didn't have enough types of ID the girl asked her manager who said it's hard enough for people coming over here as it is' - that would never have happened in the UK they would have just said 'computer says no!'

Another thing about banks, when we first arrived we went to open a bank account and they said if you open one in the first couple of weeks of being here they don't need as much ID - just your passport will do. If you leave it longer they need utility bills etc. that was in the Bank of Queensland.

We've also just found out that you need to have your Australian driving license before you can get full car insurance so that means i can't put of that test any longer!!!!

I apologise if any of this stuff has been posted before! What has definitely been posted before is what a wonderful place this is! I can't believe how lucky we are to get this chance to have this fantastic lifestyle. Hubby can't wipe the smile of his face! The only thing he needs is someone to got to the pub with then that's him sorted! My reservations are slowly melting in the sunshine but in the back of my mind I'm waiting for the home sickness to kick in! MSN helps loads! We brought a laptop with us so we could get connected straight away and it's been a life saver! And for the teenager who can chat with her mates! I think that's why i haven't felt it yet but I'm sure it will come!!

Hope I haven't bored you! For those of you still waiting for your visa and house sales - hang on in there it's worth the wait!!!!

Jo

Originally Posted by robos

hi jo

really pleased your enjoying it

really good post

keep us updated please

some interesting tips there

thanks

enjoy yourselves

jan xx

Originally Posted by OzWannabee

Hi Everyone

Just thought I'd check in and let you know that we've been here 2 weeks now and we're still loving it!

I think the only thing i would change is that we arrived in school holidays and I think that was a mistake. The kids are desperate to get to school to make friends and it's been a nightmare getting everything sorted and having to drag them round with us! We've had to split up most of the time, one of looking after the kids and one of us getting stuff done which has made it hard to make decisions - buying a car for example! It's probably been made worse because we've got 4 kids and they don't really get on! Even in the school holidays at home they always spent it with their mates not with each other. Just something to think about for anyone who is in the same situation! On the plus side they are absolutely desperate to get to school and i've never heard them say that before - they haven't even moaned about the school uniforms! We've had no trouble getting them into the schools we wanted.

I've yet to come across an unhelpful person, everyone is so kind, especially when you haven't a clue what your doing! Even in the Car Registration place when we didn't have enough types of ID the girl asked her manager who said it's hard enough for people coming over here as it is' - that would never have happened in the UK they would have just said 'computer says no!'

Another thing about banks, when we first arrived we went to open a bank account and they said if you open one in the first couple of weeks of being here they don't need as much ID - just your passport will do. If you leave it longer they need utility bills etc. that was in the Bank of Queensland.

We've also just found out that you need to have your Australian driving license before you can get full car insurance so that means i can't put of that test any longer!!!!

I apologise if any of this stuff has been posted before! What has definitely been posted before is what a wonderful place this is! I can't believe how lucky we are to get this chance to have this fantastic lifestyle. Hubby can't wipe the smile of his face! The only thing he needs is someone to got to the pub with then that's him sorted! My reservations are slowly melting in the sunshine but in the back of my mind I'm waiting for the home sickness to kick in! MSN helps loads! We brought a laptop with us so we could get connected straight away and it's been a life saver! And for the teenager who can chat with her mates! I think that's why i haven't felt it yet but I'm sure it will come!!

Hope I haven't bored you! For those of you still waiting for your visa and house sales - hang on in there it's worth the wait!!!!

Jo

Originally Posted by OzWannabee

Thanks again for all your best wishes, I will keep you posted and if anyone who is moving to the area can take hubby to the pub it would be really appreciated as he's driving me up the wall! - Funny that he never wanted me to go with him and his mates in the UK!!!!!

Jo

Originally Posted by Fireman Al

Jo,
what are the drinking hole's like there ?...are they any good ?.....
Has he thought any more about applying for the fire service yet ?

Ali

Originally Posted by OzWannabee

Hi Ali

The one just down the road is great, just like a local and we can catch the train into the centre of Brisbane which is really lively - best of both worlds! He's gonna have to be a Billy no mates sat on his tod for a while! You know what you lot are like only used to being in a big gang! He's still thinking about joining up again, he might have to if he wants to find some drinking buddy's!!!

Better get yourself out here! LOL

Jo

Originally Posted by Sun n Surf

Hi Jan, I just wondered what skilled visa you are going under as I noticed that your trades assessment only took 10 days (my hubby is a Carpenter and ours took 7 days) but apart from that, it seems that we are very close together with visa applications.

Cheers

Sun

Originally Posted by robos

hi sun

applying as a hairdresser

have you had your meds done yet?

good luck with your application

jan xx

Originally Posted by OzWannabee

Hiya

I'm so pleased we picked Manly, its a lovely place and really handy for everything. Everyone we meet is always saying what a nice area it is! If you need any help when your coming over just let me know. Good luck with the house sale!

Jo