Just wanted to say hello - I've only just found this website (so much for my extensive pre-emigration research then! ) and thought I'd just jump straight in and get involved.

I'm due to move over on the 28th hopefully in time to see the NYE lights on the Harbour Bridge (can I see them from Manly?) and am up to my eyes at the moment with stress, panic, worry and wondering why I ever agreed to leave everything here and join you all "over there".

Looking forward to getting to know you!

We arrived on the 31st of Dec 2007, if you can see the fireworks it's quite an emotional welcome to the country. Good on ya, was it a 'it's so close to Christmas it'd be a shame not to have one last one in the UK' thing? It was with us

Take it easy and have a safe trip

Steve

OMG, can't imagine coming over so close to Xmas. I think I'd have wept through my Christmas dinner! I remember the last weeks in the UK being super stressful but it all faded away into excitement once we got to London en route (I did cry most of the way from Edinburgh to London though lol).

Hope you have a good flight and make it in time to see the fireworks, that's certainly a welcome to Australia to remember

Greetings Drama Queen.

Here's a handy map of where to stand to see fireworks. Get there early, bring a picnic/wine and avoid the pissed English people singing Beatles medlies.

http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/n...s/default.aspx



Enjoy and don't panic. What will be will be. The universe gives you nothing you can't cope with.

Good luck with your bright new future!

Hey thanks for the welcoming replies guys - I really appreciate that. And for the map Tiddly Pom (great username!) - we'll use that for definite. The fireworks always looks so amazing on the TV so I'm hoping it'll be a fabulous night. Are people generally really friendly down at the Harbour that night?

We were advised by the real estate agents around the Northern Beaches to not bother coming out in mid-December because of the lack of available rental properties and that early January would be a better time. So we figured why not start our new life with a New Year celebration. Although you're right herrchook, it'll be a miracle if I make it through my Christmas dinner without soaking it in tears!

Am an emotional wreck already. I only have to hear the opening few bars of Coronation Street and I think "what am I doing?!"

Its all very normal to feel stressed,and doubtful.Don't worry I'm sure all will be fine,new year......new beginnings,good luck and I hope it all works out for you!

Everyone's really friendly (in my experience) most of the time here! I did the fireworks with the kids a few years back from the Blue Mountains... It was a big trip but great fun. Would do it again.

There is a lack of rental properties full stop at the moment, so come when you're ready and start looking.
Have you got kids?
And you'll be fine, I'm sure. It may not feel the same as what you're used to, but it doesn't mean that you won't have a great time! You have to make new traditions of your own... let go of what you know, of your past...

Coronation St is on over here, about 18 months behind. You'll probably find you'll be having too much fun to depress yourself with it anyway.
Good luck DQ. It's all in the attitude.