carolinephillips

Time has really flown by since we arrived at 6am on August 18th 2008. My cheek muscles ached with all the smiling I had done. Outside the airport we were greeted by a huge sign for erection problems- you knew you were in a different country!
We had a week in the CBD sorting out all the paperwork, banks and schools etc, and doing touristy things, then 4 weeks in a holiday apartment in Manly. Although it was winter, we still sat on the bech in t-shirts: you could tell we were not local, as they were rugged up. DD had her fist surfing lesson and we bought her a wetsuit- she grew out of it very quickly, as a month after arriving she hit puberty, and grew a chest, which is still growing It was then I discovered how difficult it is to get decent underwear.
We found a rental in Killara, but couldn't believe how expensive it was. It was also grotty, unclean and right next to both a busy road and a railway line- $720 per week. It was described as freshly painted, but was mouldy in all the cupboards, and the paint was only thin so the walls were, on closer inspection, patchy, and no paint at all where they took the curtains off before we moved in. I spent a week cleaning it, as the landlord did not send a cleaner to rectify all the grease in the kitchen or the bathrooms. The roof also leaked and that took weeks before anyone was sent to fix it.
Worst of all, the French went on strike, so our furniture did not arrive for 7 weeks, so we camped on the floor. DD's school were able to lend us some things, and parents helped, but it was cold. Cockroaches that had been on steroids flew into my ear and mouth when I was trying to sleep. We had to move, and I didn't want to rent any more.

We found a house in St Ives- in need of renovation, but liveable, and with a pool. We lived through the amazing sandstorm that turned Sydney orange. I was finding dust for weeks. We havd to paint dd's bedroom before she would move in, as it was brown. She wanted a lavender colour, and it was then that we discovered how poor some of the paint is out here- took so many coats to cover up, and none of the gloss paint sticks to the skirting or doors- it peels off in great flakes if you touch it- and yes, we sanded and primed.

Now I have my orange and lemon trees, and despite cockatoos eating the windows and fruits, and the possums playing footie on the roof or poohing in the pool, I am more content with things, though I dearly wish I didn't have MS (diagnosed 6 months after arrival) and all the bills poor health brings. It means we are still living with a tiny blue bathroom and chewed windows, and our bedroom is still very tatty. This house is also mouldy, but it seems to be a perennial problem here- I've never seen it rain so much. At least we got the roof insulated last week, so it is not quite as cold. Can't afford double glazing- was quoted $68k to do the house!!!

Would I still move out here, knowing what I know now?

YES. For all its faults, my life here is better than it was. My husband is far happier, my daughter loves her school, lifestyle and friends, and I can at least in summer jump into my pool and look at the scenery, and don't feel like I have to "keep up with the Jonses" or be looked down on. I've even got a pair of flip-flops and a rashie!

irishbloo

Nice to hear that you are still happy despite your poor health and other problems.I hope things continue to go well for you.

LINZI

Congrats on the 3 years

Bix

Many congrats on the 3 years Caroline.

Sally Simpson

Great update Caroline.

Wilgar

Thats a lovely, accurate update Caroline.Like your style!!!!!!!!!!!

plantpot

Congrats! You came just before me!

carolinephillips

I know- I remember posting about some of the things I'd found and tried to help with advice.

paddyo

Nice one...enjoy the Upper North Shore!!

carolinephillips

Thanks- just got our first barbecue, so feeling more like we fit in here.

paddyo

Oh there is a list of Ozzy things you MUST do:

Play cricket on Xmas day,
Have Xmas dinner on/by the beach,
Sign kids up for nippers,
Use Fathers Day as an excuse to get completely and utterly smashed by 5pm in the afternoon!!

The list is endless but I've ticked those 4!!

chris and farideh

Congrats on the 3 years

scottishcelts

Congratulations


However, I demand to know where the 'huge erection signs' pics are?

carolinephillips

We were in a taxi, all jet lagged- no time to get the cameras out.

paddyo

Most have gone now, they were along the M4 and M5 but were classed as a distraction and removed. Plus the company has gone into receivership, due to a flaccid account system probably, doubt it will stand up in court though!!