Originally Posted by wmoore

I'm sure you'll get lots of use out of it

When we first came here I kept taking wrong turnings - not getting lost as such but I always seemed to be in the wrong bloody lane and missed my turning. Then I realised that at most major junctions in Brisbane, you could turn right or left from the middle lane so now I just hog that

But I lived a bit out in the sticks in the UK so moving to a city with it's traffic took a bit of getting used to. For the last 6 years, my worst traffic headache was to get stuck behind a tractor The traffic isn't so bad here on the whole but it is unpredictable. My jouney to work could take 25 minutes one day and 80 the next so I've taken to using the toll bridge. $2.40 to pretty much guarantee I get to work on time is well worth it.

Originally Posted by furkew

As you can see I live in Holland, and traffic here is as bad or maybe even worse because of the drivers themselves, but I go to work at about 04.30am so I don't have much trouble with traffic jams. When I go home it is busy, but at least I missed the worst in the mornings.

As you say to turn right you need to get in the left hand lane still freaks me out a bit, and the traffic lights take soooooooo long. I don't really mind, it just takes time to adjust.

Originally Posted by soapy

good idea mate
this is the same reason i post photos. i think it gives people a better idea of what u are doing rather than seeing the same old pics of Oz in mags

Originally Posted by wmoore

At least we don't have the hook turn up here :scared:

I understand Holland has 19 million people and 22 million bikes? And you drive to work?

Originally Posted by soapy

not enough posters show others there pots.

Originally Posted by furkew

19 million people

22 million bikes

35 million stolen every year

I used to cycle to work at one time, but that was about 12km every day, but I now work 30km away, which at 04.30am is a bloody long, cold, tiring and often wet ride.

Yes I definitely drive !!!!!!

Originally Posted by wmoore

Fair enough

Sounds like your trip has been well worthwhile anyway. I remember when we came for our first visit (after we had decided to move anyway). It backed up everything we had thought and in fact was even better. I know it's difficult not to find everything so damn good on a holiday but even now (7 months in) I'm still finding it the same.

Originally Posted by furkew

It's quite funny really, my boss thinks i'm here for a family wedding, and my friends think i'm here for a conference.

Originally Posted by wmoore

Great stuff. We'd told everybody what we were doing so there was no doubt. I'd also told my boss I would be not just on holiday but looking for work too! I had an interview lined up and got a call about another while I was here. When I got back, he pulled me in the office and said "so when are you leaving?". I did get down to the last 2 for this job but they needed somebody to start immediately and I couldnt'. My boss was fairly convinced I wouldn't be going back to work.

And the ironic thing is that just before I left, the last thing I did was recruited a South African to replace me. He had just arrived in England

Originally Posted by furkew

Ok. I've had a bite to eat, and the first cold brew has been opened.

Here's a few pictures for those interested.


These are views of the Yarra valley, and the Yarra Range.

Originally Posted by HiddenPaw

Hi Furkew, Mr HP here.
Beautiful pics - can you remember where you took the last one of the valley, with the lake from?

I used to do an awful lot of my cycle training up that way and I love it up there...(which is why Mrs HP has just shown me your pics). You've made me very nostalgic (we're currently in UK again)!! There were some beautiful views from along the roads up there - not surpised you are mesmerised by it all, it really is breathtaking.

I see you caught the bird of prey display too - that wedge tail eagle is something else, isn't it?

Good luck with the emigration
Mr Hp

Originally Posted by HiddenPaw

How about Healesville Sanctuary (60kms) - would be great if you want pics of Aussie animals to send the kids.

Or Kinglake NP, and Yarra Valley? Beautiful scenery at Kinglake, might spot the odd wombat or echidna. Vineyards at Yarra Valley will be lush and green - grape harvesting, etc (not to mention a spot of wine tasting )

Originally Posted by furkew

Hi Mr HP,

The picture of the lake is on the way to Elizabethville. I don't exactly know the name, but there was a special spot to photograph the views, with a cafe etc. I was told there was a dam down to the left behind the trees, but couldn't quite see it myself

The wedge tail was amazing, but I thought the owl was fanatastic, swooping over everybodies heads, the sanctuary is a definite " must see " for anybody if in the area.

Originally Posted by furkew

I took your advice today to travel to kinglake.

I typed in the oordinates into the navigation system, and set off.

turn right after 500m

turn left after 2.4km

bear right etc etc






then I get out of the city finally, and the navigation system cheerfully chirps, and now follow for 200km !!!!!


Sod that !!!!

I couldn't find the distance from Melbourne on the net, so I assumed it was about 60/80km. WRONG.

I did take some pictures of the area about 30km abouve Melbourne, and I travelled a short way on the "old Sydney road" an 885km gravel road.

Lovely surroundings.

Originally Posted by Pootle

If you put Kinglake in Here:
http://www2.visitmelbourne.com.au/di...047C/vvt.vhtml

It gives 55kms and 1 hour from Melbourne.... what did you put in?