Kerry

Good to hear from you, you sound settled already!
Did you have fun on your way to Oz?
Where did you stay initially and did you have probs sorting out a rental?
Sorry for all the questions, eager to know all about it!

Sam

We flew United Airlines to LA then onto Melbourne. They were totally crap!! It should be called Ultimate arsewipes if you ask me. The staff were rude and abrupt, missing out passengers when serving meals. Then realising and not having enough meals for everyone, the lady infront told me she ordered a veggie meal when she booked her flight, but they didn't have one for her. The plane was some cheap thing with no tv's in front seat or games consol. The TV was a screen at the front of the plane which was impossible to watch as the stewerdess's kept getting in the way. The headsets didn't work. There were no kiddy packs to keep kids happy. We had one meal on the flight from UK to LA, we were all starving! And there wasn't a kiddy meal for Alex even though he had a kid ticket. Was told had to order it when checking in. When I tried to order it on the flight to Melbourne was then told I had to give 48 hours notice!!! What a bunch of Arsewipes!!! AVOID THIS AIRLINE at all costs!!!!

Apart from that all has been pretty good. We had a great time in LA doing the Disney thing and doing some serious shopping.

We had a lovely time in Melbourne, it really is a lovely place. We bought a Mitsubushi Pajero (Shogun) in Mel (it was one of the few vehicles that could take our 6 cases!), Duncan brought it over on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, and me and alex flew the next day to meet him at Devonport. We then drove down to Hobart taking the long way round (apparently). We were booked into Graham Court apartments. But they could only fit us in for 5 days so I had to find another holiday place to stay in for a week whilst we look for a rental. Got booked into Elwick cabins on Goodwood. Boy was I glad to get out of there, they are really tiny and the kitchens are very small too, and it was freezing!
Duncan started work the day after we arrived at Dynamic Welding, he stayed there for 2 weeks and decided it wasn't for him. So he took a job working in the forest fixing the machinery they use to harvest the logs. He loves it as the forest is his workshop, what more could he want? Well I'll tell you he wants at least 5 acres of land to build a house to our own speck, with some sheep and chooks! Personally I'd be happy with less acreage, we've been practicing our country accents by chanting "Gerroff muy Land!!" Been spending our weekends looking at land for sale and houses etc and checking out different area's.

In order to find a decent rental here you have to get on the internet. The estate agents don't help you at all if you're wanting to rent, they are only interested if you're buying or selling. I was given a list of rentals that they had on their front desk and basically expected to dissapear, I thought that perhaps it was just me, but this happened at every estate agent. The lists that they have in the shop are horrible ones that no one wants basically. If you want a decent one you have to pop into an internet cafe and do your research. I was lucky enough to find this house which was a new instruction, we were the first to view it, and it had just been newly decorated. I snapped it up immediately! You must have references to rent a house. The settling in officer at the Tassi Gov kindly provided me with a reference and Duncan's work references were enough. They also wanted a credit reference, I just showed her our bank balance from the sale of our house and that was enough for her.

I've met most of my immediate neighbours they are a friendly bunch and I've met most of Duncan's work mates and boss. I've met up with Teabag, who drinks coffee by the way!

All is good with the world at the moment apart from missing f and f. Only missing cheese and onion walkers crisps and marmite so far.

Hurry up and get out here you lot, it's lovely!!

Kerry

PM sent

I drove a Pajero a couple of weeks ago on the beach and a little go off roading. Very nice vehicle and it drove like i had had it for ages. Might get one if our house sells.

I love it I've been driving it around like lady muck!!! Duncan has his own ute that his boss gave him to use.

You lucky people you. I don't yet have a car. I walk most places except where work mates take me out and get me drunk etc. Can't complain though as i get plenty of exercise. Had a good ride out on Sunday on a Harley trike and got pulled over for speeding. Not me by the way i was just the passenger. Just added to the fun really. He he he he.

I had noticed there are loads of Harleys here! Where are you working Lenmil?

I work in Burnie. It's a nice friendly town. People have been great towards me and have made me feel very welcome. Been 6 weeks now and has flown so fast.

ah yes thats right, you're Aurifex off tassi forums aren't you? Bet you are looking forward to the family coming out soon.

And yes time has flown fast. I can't beleive we've been here a month already!

Here are some helpful links if your in Tassie.

http://www.salamanca.com.au/index.html

http://bushwalk-tasmania.com/forum/

Thanks for all the info, Kerry.
Sounds like you are doing well but I bet its not all been plain sailing.
We are still waiting, visa app 13/10/07, problem with meds as X Ray showed OH had enlarged heart, he had further tests yesterday, if all OK, will send meds off asap, if not good news - well, we're deal with that if we need to.
In the meantime spend ours looking at property on real estate.com and then looking at the poor exchange rate Might have improved by the time we get there!

Take care, keep in touch

Sam

Oh dear sorry to hear about that I do hope things turn out ok for you and your Hubby.
I know what you mean about the exchange rate though, we exchanged just enough to buy a car and get us by to buy furniture and stuff. The rest is sitting in our B account in the UK waiting for the rate to get better, I reckon things will look up in the new year. Here's hoping anyway!!

I've got my fingers and toe's crossed for your hubby.

Laters
Kerry

Sure hubby will be OK, spends enough time on his bike, should be fit and healthy!
I think we will do the same as you, exchange enough money to set uu up, buy car etc and then leave the rest in the UK, unitl exchange rate improves or we need it to buy house.
Thanks for the good luck.
What's the weather like?

Sam

Today was really hot I reckon at least 28-30 C

Ooh, that sounds very nice.
Not that we are having a bad Autumn here, its been really lovely but so want to get out there
How is old is your little one, I forgot. Have you looked at schools yet or is he too young still?

Sam