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First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
Well, we got here! eventually!
The first observation is that someone needs to find a way of getting here that doesn't involve 20 hours in the air! but hey ho:D. In fact I was a little worried about the flight, as niether of our kids had flown before, and if one or the other (or god forbid both!) had been frightened I'm not sure how I could have dealt with it!....but as we took of from Heathrow and I looked over at them bouncing up & down in the seats....shouting Weeeee! and making airoplane noises I calmed down a bit!:D (I dont suppose the other passengers did but still!) 6 hours at Hong Kong airport was a bit of a drag but we managed to get a shower, and the noodle shop was good! To anybody going that way, and certainly if you are going to be there for any longer than we were, I would look at booking into one of the "lounges" but they weren't cheap! We finally arrived at Cairns at 09:00 (a good time really) and to brilliant sunshine!, and things started to get better! I discovered I hadn't quite forgotten what my wife looked like:D and the reunion was complete! A point of logistics here for anybody elses consideration, K had to get a friend to come with her in another car to pick us up....3 of us and our luggage wouldnt fit in a normal car! ( I had to hire an estate the other side to get us round the "rellies" and to HLR....well I asked for an estate....I got a Nissan Pathfinder.....I've seen smaller front line battle tanks! but it did the job!) After the trials & tribulations of "losing" our rental just before we flew, the place K got for us....via someone elses blind date!....is about perfect. It doesn't have a pool, but that was easily made up for on the first morning watching the wallabies "breakfast" in the back garden! And as for the pool thing..."The Lagoon" in Cairns is fantastic....and free! The kids have hardly been out of it!. Now we finally have them started at school (more of that later) we often stop for an hour on the way back from picking them up for them to have a swim. Well I have to go & pick K up from work...and this post is getting quite long so.. TO BE CONTINUED!:D |
Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
Okay.
I'm ready now. Got me popcorn :thumbup: |
Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
You must be back by now. Get on with it. Pass the popcorn Bix:thumbsup:
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Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
Great first instalment but want more please!:thumbsup:
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Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
Yes Please - we are now ready for some more
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Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
Windog previously advised of his early adaption to the laidback FNQ way of life.
So the next installment will come sooooon.....ish after all the important things are done, like a swim, :beer:, swim, :beer:, beach walk :beer: Personally, I'd leave it at that to keep them guessing:rofl: WW |
Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
WW, you are correct about my "FNQ" sleep habits but you also have to add to that I live in a house with 3 females....and only one computer! (thank god we now have 2 bathrooms!:rofl:) so my "access" tends to be limited!
Anyway...where was I... I think the rental may have spoiled us for when finally we can buy...sat on the veranda with a gentle cooling breeze( I have noticed, cyclones aside, it can get quite windy in Cairns!...when you buy a hat you have to make sure it fits snug!) looking at our wonderful sea views> Of course when we buy it'll probably be a rundown house sqeezed in to a small plot, miles inland and no wind! but I can dream!. I am quite amazed at just how much "residential" building is going on in Cairns, and while some of it is quite nice, a lot of it seems to be...how to get the largest house on the smallest block! (note to self...I have to remember to call it a "block"...it seems a "plot" here is somewhere you get burried, and no-one can understand why I need one 1000M2 !:D) In our travels so far arround Cairns I think our first guess that the "Northern suburbs" were the favourite has turned out to be correct, but they do seem to be in the main "established" with less building going on and so what is available is getting more expensive. (From a commuting note, for those that may be interested, from our rental in Trinity Beach, which is nearly at the beach & so as far from the main road as you can get, it takes K not much more than 15-20 mins into the hospital, and that is even true first thing in the morning) Redlynch ( Hi! Mr & Mrs Bix:thumbsup:) is a bit like the curates egg, good in parts...there is quite a lot of building going on there, and some of it is very nice, but some of it does look "crammed in" with no space at all! (No Bix, your house was nice! but some of the others seemed to be trying to fit the same on in half the block!) but, it is also quite a good area for a bit of breeze, less danger of flooding, and close to what seems a good school. Flooding does seem to be a consideration when looking for property arround Cairns, some of what has been released for building is ex cane fields, and a lot of it seems to be likely in the flood plain of the Baron river, and we have seen in the uk what can result from these sort of developments (and yes it does rain in Cairns...we've got water!:p:D) Still, house searching will be an ongoing saga, particularly untill the sale of our UK home has finalised, so I will tell you more of that anon And so on to the highlight of our arrival in Cairns....We have finally met the Bix's! (I am sure Cairns council ought to pay them just for living there!) And thank you both for your hospitality as well as all your help & support:thumbsup: Well this post does seem to be wandering a bit....probably a lack of beer! I will have to go & rectify that, and do some of my chores, and if I can Wrestle ownership of the laptop:D, I will continue later |
Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
:thumbsup:Looking forward to next instalment!
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Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
best of 2 falls, 2 submissions or a knockout....and I've got the laptop back!
The first week here K had off work so we "played tourist"! Well the truth is for us "latecomers" it still felt like a holiday, the permanency of the move hadn't really sunk in! We went to the beach ......all of about 500 yards (sorry,,,meters....must get used to that as well!). Its stinger season so you have to swim inside the nets, but thats no hardship....as long as they're there, since then they've been taken up, untill the risk of "cyclone Guba" has subsided, but I digress...I looked at the info board at the beach and it gave the temperature as 28 degrees....no not the air temp...the water temp! now I dont know if that was accurate, but it did feel bloody warm! lets be honest..I'm a woos, even in the south of France I think the sea is cold, but I walked straight in ....without even that "sharp intake of breath" as the water covers your.....er.....swimmers! Fortunately, being a "slaphead" (and since being here I've made it worse...I've shaved the bloody lot off!) I was already well aware of the need for suncream (It became obvious in the South of France one year when I managed to get sunburn on the top of my ears!), but even so, the heat of the sun helps to remind you it is something to be constantly aware of, especially with the kids, who lets be honest, wouldn't think of it themselves untill they'd been hospitalised at least twice! We drove up to Port Douglass, stopping at various "lookouts" to admire the views ,much to the annoyance of the kids...to them once youve seen one view you've seen em all! Except for one stop when a pod of about 5 dolphins had come close enough inshore to "put on a show" leaping & tumbling for us! Port Douglass itself was very pretty...very "touristy" but then thats exactly why its there. It probably would be a nice place to live, but just too far out....and I bought myself a "kangaroo skin" Aussie style hat....I wanted the one with crocs teeth on the band but I think my family wouldn't have stopped laughing all the way home!:D One thing I have been pleased about is how easy it has been to "acclimatise" to the heat, I have to admit I was worried about it, but it really hasn't been an issue ( whilst I realise I havent actually had to "work"in it yet!) The house has aircon, but in 2 weeks we've only had it on for about an hour, and really that was more to try it out! I would have to point out to those saying to bring loads of bedding because its expensive.....occasionally it has got so cold here, I have actually had to sleep under the sheet instead of on top of it! (not a pretty sight, but comfortable!) But it does show that one important factor when looking for a house here in FNQ is "does it get the breeze" and is the house designed and aligned to make use of it anyway, have to break off & feed the "hordes"....more ramblings later! |
Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
Oooh I love a good update. Do I need to bring the bedding then windog?Ive had another panic as I havent found us a home yet I know its early but these things come over you, its sophies birthday the family have been round for a tea party. Its homely and I need to know Ill have that in cairns. A home i mean!
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Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
Hi not sure if im even on the right site. I was wanting to talk and get advice from people who have moved to oz.Am i on the right track:(
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Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
Hi K W, welcome to the site.
This Australia\Update area is for people to give big rambling stories ( like this one ) of how their emigration has gone so far. The Australia\Immigration site is for Visa advice, and the main Australia forum is for general chat and advice about australia. Hope that helps, and your not too lost. Have fun. |
Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
Lucky people...I've only time for a short addition at the mo...been a bit busy!
One thing I would have to warn you of is the "red tape" It is probably worse than in the UK! Not that its a problem if you are prepared for it but it took quite a bit of "running about" to become a "proper person"! Once you get your first bit of Aussie identification it gets easier, but it seems quite a job to get the first bit! Ours I accept was more complicated because, with our rental problems, it was quite difficult to give a permanent Aussie adress and they like to see something with your adress on before you can get the next bit of identification. A rental contract in the first place would be very useful! but as ours was an informal arrangement we didnt have this! K had to sign a stat dec that I lived somewhere so I could get my driving license! but after that it got easier. The other piece of advice is to get a bank account sorted within 6 weeks...in this time your passport is sufficient identification on its own, but after that they want lots more! (I was thinking of having my inside leg measurement notarised just in case!). Also this means the bank will start sending you letters, so you have something with your adress onit then, and that starts to make the whole process easier. anyway, off to pick up K and have a barbie & a swim at the lagoon more later |
Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
Originally Posted by windog
(Post 5590601)
Lucky people...I've only time for a short addition at the mo...been a bit busy!
One thing I would have to warn you of is the "red tape" It is probably worse than in the UK! Not that its a problem if you are prepared for it but it took quite a bit of "running about" to become a "proper person"! Once you get your first bit of Aussie identification it gets easier, but it seems quite a job to get the first bit! Ours I accept was more complicated because, with our rental problems, it was quite difficult to give a permanent Aussie adress and they like to see something with your adress on before you can get the next bit of identification. A rental contract in the first place would be very useful! but as ours was an informal arrangement we didnt have this! K had to sign a stat dec that I lived somewhere so I could get my driving license! but after that it got easier. The other piece of advice is to get a bank account sorted within 6 weeks...in this time your passport is sufficient identification on its own, but after that they want lots more! (I was thinking of having my inside leg measurement notarised just in case!). Also this means the bank will start sending you letters, so you have something with your adress onit then, and that starts to make the whole process easier. anyway, off to pick up K and have a barbie & a swim at the lagoon more later |
Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
What an intersting thread... I like it, I will be in your shoes in March/April time
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Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
WINDOG
Love your posts..keep us updated, especially with tips where to find rentals in Northern Beaches area..with a large dog! Glad you are enjoying it. Can't wait to get out there..seems to be a lot of us around March/April time going out... Liz |
Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
Originally Posted by Bix
(Post 5578024)
Okay.
I'm ready now. Got me popcorn :thumbup: |
Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
Just found this post, keep on coming
with those great posts! And Bix...any popcorn left :), pass me some too :thumbsup: Oh well, only a bit of waiting to do until our house (will it ever) is sold and then we're on our way. We also really like the Redlynch area and the Redlynch SS seems to be a good school as does St. Andrews across the road. How old are your kids? Our son Joe is 6. Miranda :) |
Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
Just wanted to pop in and say hi hope you had a great first xmas in cairns not long now and we will be on our way stress city in durham at the moment packing and sorting we arrive on the 10th january xx Trudi
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Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
Originally Posted by sophjam
(Post 5713434)
Just wanted to pop in and say hi hope you had a great first xmas in cairns not long now and we will be on our way stress city in durham at the moment packing and sorting we arrive on the 10th january xx Trudi
Don't forget to send me all your news when you get there and keep in touch. Bet you are excited, good luck with it all. I have my skills assessments all approved now so no exams to do in Oz before starting work. Only the medicals to do now. Boss wants me there now, I wish. Would be there like a shot if could go. Still not sold the house. Had 3 positive viewings and all said would buy if kitchen was bigger! Looks like we may be renting! Wanted Down Under features Cairns in a few weeks so will be watching that dreaming of being there! Love Lizx |
Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
Originally Posted by sophjam
(Post 5713434)
Just wanted to pop in and say hi hope you had a great first xmas in cairns not long now and we will be on our way stress city in durham at the moment packing and sorting we arrive on the 10th january xx Trudi
Notice you are doing your own packing, who are you moving with and how much is it costing, does it include all prices from Brisbane to Cairns too and are you taking furniture? e have had some stupid quotes such as £4-5,500 all in for a 3 bed semi...but only taking living room and one bedroom stuff!! Liz |
Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
Hi Liz we are not packing ourselves just sorting and packing stuff to be stored here. We are using white and co at knaresborough they reduced their quote by a few hundred pounds and we were offered a 10% discount aswell we are using a full 20ft container £3.500 plus £150 insurance from letton percival Ive done it cheaply and crossing my fingers nothing happens on the way that is up to cairns. 3 bed bungalow. hope this helps Liz
Originally Posted by tripawaymars
(Post 5715439)
Trudi,
Notice you are doing your own packing, who are you moving with and how much is it costing, does it include all prices from Brisbane to Cairns too and are you taking furniture? e have had some stupid quotes such as £4-5,500 all in for a 3 bed semi...but only taking living room and one bedroom stuff!! Liz |
Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
Originally Posted by tripawaymars
(Post 5680569)
WINDOG
Glad you are enjoying it. Can't wait to get out there..seems to be a lot of us around March/April time going out... Liz |
Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
Hi Liz,
Noticed you said Cairns is on 'Wanted down Under', do you know when it starts i hadn't realised there is a new series out. We hope to move to Cairns in April, can't wait. Deb :thumbsup: |
Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
I think wanted downunder starts o the 2d jan at 9.15 am on bbc1 the couple moving to cairns are on the 10th jan I think they said.
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Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
Just wanted to pop in and say GREAT POSTS and Keep them coming. I am so jealouse of all of you who are already in Cairns or are going soon. We have our first meeting with an agent in a week or so to begin the process but we're already decided on Cairns after staying there for 3 months on a Working Holiday Visa (Travelled most of the coutry and loved Cairns!). I wish I could fast forward the next year as now I have made my mind up to go I just want to pack my bags and get on the plane!
x |
Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
Originally Posted by natalieml
(Post 5716668)
Just wanted to pop in and say GREAT POSTS and Keep them coming. I am so jealouse of all of you who are already in Cairns or are going soon. We have our first meeting with an agent in a week or so to begin the process but we're already decided on Cairns after staying there for 3 months on a Working Holiday Visa (Travelled most of the coutry and loved Cairns!). I wish I could fast forward the next year as now I have made my mind up to go I just want to pack my bags and get on the plane!
x |
Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
I think it would probably be best for us as my partner will be applying for the visa based on him being a chef so will need to get all his skills assessed etc and then we'll need to add me to that visa as his De Facto partner so will need to proove we've been together. Plus we want to get out there as soon as we possibly can so to make things smoother we were recommended by an unbiased family member who is going through the process at the mo to get one. Any advice welcome though!
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Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
Originally Posted by natalieml
(Post 5716711)
I think it would probably be best for us as my partner will be applying for the visa based on him being a chef so will need to get all his skills assessed etc and then we'll need to add me to that visa as his De Facto partner so will need to proove we've been together. Plus we want to get out there as soon as we possibly can so to make things smoother we were recommended by an unbiased family member who is going through the process at the mo to get one. Any advice welcome though!
whereas a friend of mine paid for the agent and it came back twice with inconsistencies in the dates, because the agent buggered it up... you will stilll have to provide all the info, and that's the nightmare diggin it all up not filling it in....ok maybe I wouldn't have said that at the beginning of the year when I was pulling my hair out!! lol |
Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
Originally Posted by natalieml
(Post 5716711)
I think it would probably be best for us as my partner will be applying for the visa based on him being a chef so will need to get all his skills assessed etc
WW |
Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
Enjoyed the post even though im heading to Bundaberg on the 8th.:thumbsup:
Id like to visit cairns sometime i liked the look of it when i watch a programme about UK nurses going there. :thumbup:ive since spoke to a young doctor who spent some time there who told me how lovely it was. Teryna |
Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
Originally Posted by bundybell
(Post 5716834)
Enjoyed the post even though im heading to Bundaberg on the 8th.:thumbsup:
Id like to visit cairns sometime i liked the look of it when i watch a programme about UK nurses going there. :thumbup:ive since spoke to a young doctor who spent some time there who told me how lovely it was. Teryna |
Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
Originally Posted by welshviking
(Post 5716860)
well like I said if we manage to buy the holiday park I expect to see you all up there at some point
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Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
Originally Posted by natalieml
(Post 5716711)
I think it would probably be best for us as my partner will be applying for the visa based on him being a chef so will need to get all his skills assessed etc and then we'll need to add me to that visa as his De Facto partner so will need to proove we've been together. Plus we want to get out there as soon as we possibly can so to make things smoother we were recommended by an unbiased family member who is going through the process at the mo to get one. Any advice welcome though!
My visa application is pretty complicated but after receiving a few pieces of incorrect advice from agents I have decided to do it all myself. The visa applications very clearly state exactly what paperwork is required, I e mailed the assessing boards personally to find out exactly what they needed and D.I.M.C are very helpful if you e mail them. Also there are a few good agents on this site who log on and give free advice. Our application is complicated as my partner is same sex so I have to apply for an interdependency visa (seperate from ine when I get my visa). I have to gather the same info for that as a de-facto relationship...letters from relatives, freinds etc to state how long been together etc etc, old rent/mortgage statements, letters, cards, joint bank account statements, photos. it really isn't all that complicated and rushing the application could lead to you leaving something out rather than taking the time to get everything together. I have got everything I need for the visa, everything, and sent it all off together..rather than in dribs and drabs. If your OH finds someone to sponsor him their part of the application is usually pretty quick..especially is it is classed as regional like cairns is. my employers part of visa application only took 7 weeks and mine should be only a few months more. Yours will be quicker as your OH will be able to go on your visa (assuming you are in a heterosexual relationship) so get everything together now. it does take a while to get letters from people as you have to keep nagging them but you should be fine. It costs a lot to emigrate, if you are on a budget I would recommend doing it yourself. The visa forms are really quite self explanatory and it is easier than you think it will be...all down to organisation and lots of time posting questions on ex pats site and through the department immi and citizenship! the Cairns post the other week said that they are desperate for chefs and a few businesses are considering closing as they are that desperate. Tell OH to get in there quick!! Good luck, we hope to be in Cairns in march 08 and can't wait. we love the place too. Liz Anything else please PM me or post reply on thread. |
Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
Originally Posted by welshviking
(Post 5716860)
well like I said if we manage to buy the holiday park I expect to see you all up there at some point
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Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
Originally Posted by sophjam
(Post 5715692)
Hi Liz we are not packing ourselves just sorting and packing stuff to be stored here. We are using white and co at knaresborough they reduced their quote by a few hundred pounds and we were offered a 10% discount aswell we are using a full 20ft container £3.500 plus £150 insurance from letton percival Ive done it cheaply and crossing my fingers nothing happens on the way that is up to cairns. 3 bed bungalow. hope this helps Liz
Thanks for the info, will have to get a quote from white and co, havn't tried them yet. have 5 quotes so far and we want to get it down to below £3500 all in if poss as on a tight budget....think I will be getting around on a push bike at this rate when we get there..at least in March it will be getting drier there!!! My feet are so itchy, I want to be there now...it drives you mad. Where you thinking of living. i think we are going to rent somewhere in Forest Gardens and then look to buy 6 months later. it's near work..5 minute bike ride and also main bus route into CBD etc and good for dog walking. A lot cheaper than Trinity Beach to rent too. We like to go out so needs to be cheap for taxis home on the weekend too! Had a good walk around Forest Gardens when we were there and really felt nice, and it was quiet. Liz |
Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
Originally Posted by welshviking
(Post 5715844)
we are too:thumbsup:
If you buy the caravan site can we stay for a month when we first get there?!!! Will we get expat discount...good luck with it all. |
Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
Originally Posted by tripawaymars
(Post 5717135)
Hi
If you buy the caravan site can we stay for a month when we first get there?!!! Will we get expat discount...good luck with it all. |
Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
Originally Posted by sallyclaire
(Post 5717147)
:lol:Like your way of thinking!:thumbup:
How do you get the smaller text under your posts saying dates you applied etc etc..visa stuff. i can't suss out how to do it! Liz |
Re: First weeks in Cairns...The OH version!
Originally Posted by tripawaymars
(Post 5717190)
Cheeky way of thinking! Usually works though.
How do you get the smaller text under your posts saying dates you applied etc etc..visa stuff. i can't suss out how to do it! Liz go to My Profile, then under Options go to Edit Signature! Well, think that is right but have had few glasses of alcoholic beverage so good luck!;):thumbup: |
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