My opinion after a year down under...
Jan 21st 2009, 2:57 am
#1
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Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: From SE Wales to SE Queensland.
Posts: 1,478
My opinion after a year down under...
Well I never thought this would happen!!!
The first year has passed so fast its unbelievable!! I wont bore you with the history of me & mine getting here ( you can archive search it if you are THAT interested but I wouldnt reccomend it!!) I just thought I would give you a quick couple of points lowdown on my opinions, observations & views of my virgin year..
1. Its takes months to get real friends!! Go to expats meet ups, school coffee mornings and prostitute yourself out as much as you can stand cos you only get out what you put in!! I am not into that sort of thing normally, but it works.Dont feel flat if the school mums dont rush at you when you first arrive.. It takes a few weeks and then the kids will make friends and BANG!! youre in with the parents!! Also when you meet someone who seems to like you but you arent fussed on then dont feel guilty of moving on... Dont tolerate what you wouldnt in your previous life!! I did that initially with a few people I met in the early days and it was tiring and depressing!! Thank God they are now out of my life!! Remember you probably only had a couple of real pals in blighty so dont try too hard to get dozens here..
2. Go to farmers markets and wholesalers for meat & veg!! You will save a fortune!!
3. Learn to be much more chilled and less angry on the roads!! the Driving here is laughingly bad, but if you start honking your horn you will be doing it all day!! Just shake your head and sigh when they throw their vehicle in front of you and across the 3 other lanes to turn off without so much as an indicator in sight!! However they dont speed anywhere near as much as home and are MUCH stricter on speeding here so get used to lifting the pedal off the metal!!
4. Dont think you are a failure when you want to cry all day one day!! You will get off days and they sneak up on you anytime and anywhere so just go with it, have a little cry and let it go on its way!! You will smile the next day.. Honestly!!
5. Realise that even though this place is full of things that can kill you by just looking at you , actually you are more likely to survive here!! So chill out, relax and get on that surf board!! I havent even seen a snake or a redback yet let alone a shark!! However the OH has and wants me to let you know that taipans are VERY VERY fast!!
( He saw one up north though... not here!!)
In short... I have settled in Australia, I love it ( but its not paradise) my family have much more freedom and spend more time outdoors than they EVER did and see less crime, drugs, drunks & gangs etc here than in our sleepy valley town. It was a hard journey ( mentally & physically) but weve made it and are still here and I think the first 6 months are the hardest...
END OF!!!
The first year has passed so fast its unbelievable!! I wont bore you with the history of me & mine getting here ( you can archive search it if you are THAT interested but I wouldnt reccomend it!!) I just thought I would give you a quick couple of points lowdown on my opinions, observations & views of my virgin year..
1. Its takes months to get real friends!! Go to expats meet ups, school coffee mornings and prostitute yourself out as much as you can stand cos you only get out what you put in!! I am not into that sort of thing normally, but it works.Dont feel flat if the school mums dont rush at you when you first arrive.. It takes a few weeks and then the kids will make friends and BANG!! youre in with the parents!! Also when you meet someone who seems to like you but you arent fussed on then dont feel guilty of moving on... Dont tolerate what you wouldnt in your previous life!! I did that initially with a few people I met in the early days and it was tiring and depressing!! Thank God they are now out of my life!! Remember you probably only had a couple of real pals in blighty so dont try too hard to get dozens here..
2. Go to farmers markets and wholesalers for meat & veg!! You will save a fortune!!
3. Learn to be much more chilled and less angry on the roads!! the Driving here is laughingly bad, but if you start honking your horn you will be doing it all day!! Just shake your head and sigh when they throw their vehicle in front of you and across the 3 other lanes to turn off without so much as an indicator in sight!! However they dont speed anywhere near as much as home and are MUCH stricter on speeding here so get used to lifting the pedal off the metal!!
4. Dont think you are a failure when you want to cry all day one day!! You will get off days and they sneak up on you anytime and anywhere so just go with it, have a little cry and let it go on its way!! You will smile the next day.. Honestly!!
5. Realise that even though this place is full of things that can kill you by just looking at you , actually you are more likely to survive here!! So chill out, relax and get on that surf board!! I havent even seen a snake or a redback yet let alone a shark!! However the OH has and wants me to let you know that taipans are VERY VERY fast!!
( He saw one up north though... not here!!)In short... I have settled in Australia, I love it ( but its not paradise) my family have much more freedom and spend more time outdoors than they EVER did and see less crime, drugs, drunks & gangs etc here than in our sleepy valley town. It was a hard journey ( mentally & physically) but weve made it and are still here and I think the first 6 months are the hardest...
END OF!!!
Jan 21st 2009, 7:05 am
#2
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Monterey Keys, Queensland
Posts: 96
Re: My opinion after a year down under...
great post
Paula
Paula
Jan 21st 2009, 10:04 am
#3
Account Closed
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,693
Re: My opinion after a year down under...
[:[/QUOTE]
Accurate observations there..
Accurate observations there..
Jan 21st 2009, 10:59 am
#4
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 470
Re: My opinion after a year down under...
Fantastic advice,,esp the fri3ends bit! well done with making it work,
Bluekipper
Bluekipper
Jan 21st 2009, 11:20 am
#5
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2008
Location: Crawley. Uk
Posts: 30
Re: My opinion after a year down under...
Well I never thought this would happen!!!
The first year has passed so fast its unbelievable!! I wont bore you with the history of me & mine getting here ( you can archive search it if you are THAT interested but I wouldnt reccomend it!!) I just thought I would give you a quick couple of points lowdown on my opinions, observations & views of my virgin year..
1. Its takes months to get real friends!! Go to expats meet ups, school coffee mornings and prostitute yourself out as much as you can stand cos you only get out what you put in!! I am not into that sort of thing normally, but it works.Dont feel flat if the school mums dont rush at you when you first arrive.. It takes a few weeks and then the kids will make friends and BANG!! youre in with the parents!! Also when you meet someone who seems to like you but you arent fussed on then dont feel guilty of moving on... Dont tolerate what you wouldnt in your previous life!! I did that initially with a few people I met in the early days and it was tiring and depressing!! Thank God they are now out of my life!! Remember you probably only had a couple of real pals in blighty so dont try too hard to get dozens here..
2. Go to farmers markets and wholesalers for meat & veg!! You will save a fortune!!
3. Learn to be much more chilled and less angry on the roads!! the Driving here is laughingly bad, but if you start honking your horn you will be doing it all day!! Just shake your head and sigh when they throw their vehicle in front of you and across the 3 other lanes to turn off without so much as an indicator in sight!! However they dont speed anywhere near as much as home and are MUCH stricter on speeding here so get used to lifting the pedal off the metal!!
4. Dont think you are a failure when you want to cry all day one day!! You will get off days and they sneak up on you anytime and anywhere so just go with it, have a little cry and let it go on its way!! You will smile the next day.. Honestly!!
5. Realise that even though this place is full of things that can kill you by just looking at you , actually you are more likely to survive here!! So chill out, relax and get on that surf board!! I havent even seen a snake or a redback yet let alone a shark!! However the OH has and wants me to let you know that taipans are VERY VERY fast!!( He saw one up north though... not here!!)
In short... I have settled in Australia, I love it ( but its not paradise) my family have much more freedom and spend more time outdoors than they EVER did and see less crime, drugs, drunks & gangs etc here than in our sleepy valley town. It was a hard journey ( mentally & physically) but weve made it and are still here and I think the first 6 months are the hardest...
END OF!!!
The first year has passed so fast its unbelievable!! I wont bore you with the history of me & mine getting here ( you can archive search it if you are THAT interested but I wouldnt reccomend it!!) I just thought I would give you a quick couple of points lowdown on my opinions, observations & views of my virgin year..
1. Its takes months to get real friends!! Go to expats meet ups, school coffee mornings and prostitute yourself out as much as you can stand cos you only get out what you put in!! I am not into that sort of thing normally, but it works.Dont feel flat if the school mums dont rush at you when you first arrive.. It takes a few weeks and then the kids will make friends and BANG!! youre in with the parents!! Also when you meet someone who seems to like you but you arent fussed on then dont feel guilty of moving on... Dont tolerate what you wouldnt in your previous life!! I did that initially with a few people I met in the early days and it was tiring and depressing!! Thank God they are now out of my life!! Remember you probably only had a couple of real pals in blighty so dont try too hard to get dozens here..
2. Go to farmers markets and wholesalers for meat & veg!! You will save a fortune!!
3. Learn to be much more chilled and less angry on the roads!! the Driving here is laughingly bad, but if you start honking your horn you will be doing it all day!! Just shake your head and sigh when they throw their vehicle in front of you and across the 3 other lanes to turn off without so much as an indicator in sight!! However they dont speed anywhere near as much as home and are MUCH stricter on speeding here so get used to lifting the pedal off the metal!!
4. Dont think you are a failure when you want to cry all day one day!! You will get off days and they sneak up on you anytime and anywhere so just go with it, have a little cry and let it go on its way!! You will smile the next day.. Honestly!!
5. Realise that even though this place is full of things that can kill you by just looking at you , actually you are more likely to survive here!! So chill out, relax and get on that surf board!! I havent even seen a snake or a redback yet let alone a shark!! However the OH has and wants me to let you know that taipans are VERY VERY fast!!
( He saw one up north though... not here!!)In short... I have settled in Australia, I love it ( but its not paradise) my family have much more freedom and spend more time outdoors than they EVER did and see less crime, drugs, drunks & gangs etc here than in our sleepy valley town. It was a hard journey ( mentally & physically) but weve made it and are still here and I think the first 6 months are the hardest...
END OF!!!
Many thanx.
Jan 21st 2009, 11:37 am
#6
Crazy Cat Lady
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 65,493
Re: My opinion after a year down under...
Great post Sarah. Good on ya
Jan 21st 2009, 2:59 pm
#7
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2007
Location: Ormeau, Gold Coast, Qld
Posts: 368
Re: My opinion after a year down under...
A very true post especially about about the friends section,I couldn't of said it better myself!!!!!
Jan 21st 2009, 8:22 pm
#8
Outback Club Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Location: Wherever I lay my hat
Posts: 105
Re: My opinion after a year down under...
Lovely to read your thoughts. Well done on what you have achieved.
Jan 21st 2009, 8:31 pm
#9
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Mar 2008
Location: Sydney, NSW
Posts: 7,580
Re: My opinion after a year down under...
Been here 5 months now and agree with what you say- esp about driving. I would never have ventured to the airport in the UK, but made it yesterday, although a little stressed, and had to drive Aussie as far as lane changes were concerned. But it doesn't feel as lethal since you don't go above 50mph!
Have seen whitetails and huntsmen but nothing really lethal so far. Daughter is thriving and has made loads of friends- not so "cliquey" out here, and there is room for individuality as long as you are also a team player- she made the swim team so is fine in that respect. Grow my own veggies though the possums and fruit flies have eaten most of the tomatoes. Starting to find shorcuts to places and don't always need a map! Now got pr so am looking for a house to buy.....don't get me started on that
Anyway, I love being here though I recognise that it isn't perfect, but it is a better life for me and my family so far....
Have seen whitetails and huntsmen but nothing really lethal so far. Daughter is thriving and has made loads of friends- not so "cliquey" out here, and there is room for individuality as long as you are also a team player- she made the swim team so is fine in that respect. Grow my own veggies though the possums and fruit flies have eaten most of the tomatoes. Starting to find shorcuts to places and don't always need a map! Now got pr so am looking for a house to buy.....don't get me started on that
Anyway, I love being here though I recognise that it isn't perfect, but it is a better life for me and my family so far....
Jan 21st 2009, 8:52 pm
#10
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Joined: Feb 2006
Location: Chermside West, Brisbane
Posts: 584
Re: My opinion after a year down under...
Great thread! Best of luck to you
Jan 21st 2009, 8:56 pm
#11
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Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: From SE Wales to SE Queensland.
Posts: 1,478
Jan 21st 2009, 8:56 pm
#12
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 251
Re: My opinion after a year down under...
Well I never thought this would happen!!!
The first year has passed so fast its unbelievable!! I wont bore you with the history of me & mine getting here ( you can archive search it if you are THAT interested but I wouldnt reccomend it!!) I just thought I would give you a quick couple of points lowdown on my opinions, observations & views of my virgin year..
1. Its takes months to get real friends!! Go to expats meet ups, school coffee mornings and prostitute yourself out as much as you can stand cos you only get out what you put in!! I am not into that sort of thing normally, but it works.Dont feel flat if the school mums dont rush at you when you first arrive.. It takes a few weeks and then the kids will make friends and BANG!! youre in with the parents!! Also when you meet someone who seems to like you but you arent fussed on then dont feel guilty of moving on... Dont tolerate what you wouldnt in your previous life!! I did that initially with a few people I met in the early days and it was tiring and depressing!! Thank God they are now out of my life!! Remember you probably only had a couple of real pals in blighty so dont try too hard to get dozens here..
2. Go to farmers markets and wholesalers for meat & veg!! You will save a fortune!!
3. Learn to be much more chilled and less angry on the roads!! the Driving here is laughingly bad, but if you start honking your horn you will be doing it all day!! Just shake your head and sigh when they throw their vehicle in front of you and across the 3 other lanes to turn off without so much as an indicator in sight!! However they dont speed anywhere near as much as home and are MUCH stricter on speeding here so get used to lifting the pedal off the metal!!
4. Dont think you are a failure when you want to cry all day one day!! You will get off days and they sneak up on you anytime and anywhere so just go with it, have a little cry and let it go on its way!! You will smile the next day.. Honestly!!
5. Realise that even though this place is full of things that can kill you by just looking at you , actually you are more likely to survive here!! So chill out, relax and get on that surf board!! I havent even seen a snake or a redback yet let alone a shark!! However the OH has and wants me to let you know that taipans are VERY VERY fast!!( He saw one up north though... not here!!)
In short... I have settled in Australia, I love it ( but its not paradise) my family have much more freedom and spend more time outdoors than they EVER did and see less crime, drugs, drunks & gangs etc here than in our sleepy valley town. It was a hard journey ( mentally & physically) but weve made it and are still here and I think the first 6 months are the hardest...
END OF!!!
The first year has passed so fast its unbelievable!! I wont bore you with the history of me & mine getting here ( you can archive search it if you are THAT interested but I wouldnt reccomend it!!) I just thought I would give you a quick couple of points lowdown on my opinions, observations & views of my virgin year..
1. Its takes months to get real friends!! Go to expats meet ups, school coffee mornings and prostitute yourself out as much as you can stand cos you only get out what you put in!! I am not into that sort of thing normally, but it works.Dont feel flat if the school mums dont rush at you when you first arrive.. It takes a few weeks and then the kids will make friends and BANG!! youre in with the parents!! Also when you meet someone who seems to like you but you arent fussed on then dont feel guilty of moving on... Dont tolerate what you wouldnt in your previous life!! I did that initially with a few people I met in the early days and it was tiring and depressing!! Thank God they are now out of my life!! Remember you probably only had a couple of real pals in blighty so dont try too hard to get dozens here..
2. Go to farmers markets and wholesalers for meat & veg!! You will save a fortune!!
3. Learn to be much more chilled and less angry on the roads!! the Driving here is laughingly bad, but if you start honking your horn you will be doing it all day!! Just shake your head and sigh when they throw their vehicle in front of you and across the 3 other lanes to turn off without so much as an indicator in sight!! However they dont speed anywhere near as much as home and are MUCH stricter on speeding here so get used to lifting the pedal off the metal!!
4. Dont think you are a failure when you want to cry all day one day!! You will get off days and they sneak up on you anytime and anywhere so just go with it, have a little cry and let it go on its way!! You will smile the next day.. Honestly!!
5. Realise that even though this place is full of things that can kill you by just looking at you , actually you are more likely to survive here!! So chill out, relax and get on that surf board!! I havent even seen a snake or a redback yet let alone a shark!! However the OH has and wants me to let you know that taipans are VERY VERY fast!!
( He saw one up north though... not here!!)In short... I have settled in Australia, I love it ( but its not paradise) my family have much more freedom and spend more time outdoors than they EVER did and see less crime, drugs, drunks & gangs etc here than in our sleepy valley town. It was a hard journey ( mentally & physically) but weve made it and are still here and I think the first 6 months are the hardest...
END OF!!!
We arrive n th3 Gold Coast on 5th March - we will be staying in Tallai. Can't wait!!!
Jan 21st 2009, 10:22 pm
#13
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2008
Location: Suffolk. UK
Posts: 80
Re: My opinion after a year down under...
Thanks Sarah. Glad its going well for you. Still waiting patiently! NOT!
Jan 22nd 2009, 8:50 am
#14
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2004
Location: Western Suburbs, Brisbane
Posts: 87
Re: My opinion after a year down under...
Hey sarah
that was a fab post, will pm you
Nic
that was a fab post, will pm you
Nic
Jan 24th 2009, 2:13 am
#15
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2007
Location: SOUTH SIDE BRISBANE
Posts: 1,364
Re: My opinion after a year down under...
Well I never thought this would happen!!!
The first year has passed so fast its unbelievable!! I wont bore you with the history of me & mine getting here ( you can archive search it if you are THAT interested but I wouldnt reccomend it!!) I just thought I would give you a quick couple of points lowdown on my opinions, observations & views of my virgin year..
1. Its takes months to get real friends!! Go to expats meet ups, school coffee mornings and prostitute yourself out as much as you can stand cos you only get out what you put in!! I am not into that sort of thing normally, but it works.Dont feel flat if the school mums dont rush at you when you first arrive.. It takes a few weeks and then the kids will make friends and BANG!! youre in with the parents!! Also when you meet someone who seems to like you but you arent fussed on then dont feel guilty of moving on... Dont tolerate what you wouldnt in your previous life!! I did that initially with a few people I met in the early days and it was tiring and depressing!! Thank God they are now out of my life!! Remember you probably only had a couple of real pals in blighty so dont try too hard to get dozens here..
2. Go to farmers markets and wholesalers for meat & veg!! You will save a fortune!!
3. Learn to be much more chilled and less angry on the roads!! the Driving here is laughingly bad, but if you start honking your horn you will be doing it all day!! Just shake your head and sigh when they throw their vehicle in front of you and across the 3 other lanes to turn off without so much as an indicator in sight!! However they dont speed anywhere near as much as home and are MUCH stricter on speeding here so get used to lifting the pedal off the metal!!
4. Dont think you are a failure when you want to cry all day one day!! You will get off days and they sneak up on you anytime and anywhere so just go with it, have a little cry and let it go on its way!! You will smile the next day.. Honestly!!
5. Realise that even though this place is full of things that can kill you by just looking at you , actually you are more likely to survive here!! So chill out, relax and get on that surf board!! I havent even seen a snake or a redback yet let alone a shark!! However the OH has and wants me to let you know that taipans are VERY VERY fast!!( He saw one up north though... not here!!)
In short... I have settled in Australia, I love it ( but its not paradise) my family have much more freedom and spend more time outdoors than they EVER did and see less crime, drugs, drunks & gangs etc here than in our sleepy valley town. It was a hard journey ( mentally & physically) but weve made it and are still here and I think the first 6 months are the hardest...
END OF!!!
The first year has passed so fast its unbelievable!! I wont bore you with the history of me & mine getting here ( you can archive search it if you are THAT interested but I wouldnt reccomend it!!) I just thought I would give you a quick couple of points lowdown on my opinions, observations & views of my virgin year..
1. Its takes months to get real friends!! Go to expats meet ups, school coffee mornings and prostitute yourself out as much as you can stand cos you only get out what you put in!! I am not into that sort of thing normally, but it works.Dont feel flat if the school mums dont rush at you when you first arrive.. It takes a few weeks and then the kids will make friends and BANG!! youre in with the parents!! Also when you meet someone who seems to like you but you arent fussed on then dont feel guilty of moving on... Dont tolerate what you wouldnt in your previous life!! I did that initially with a few people I met in the early days and it was tiring and depressing!! Thank God they are now out of my life!! Remember you probably only had a couple of real pals in blighty so dont try too hard to get dozens here..
2. Go to farmers markets and wholesalers for meat & veg!! You will save a fortune!!
3. Learn to be much more chilled and less angry on the roads!! the Driving here is laughingly bad, but if you start honking your horn you will be doing it all day!! Just shake your head and sigh when they throw their vehicle in front of you and across the 3 other lanes to turn off without so much as an indicator in sight!! However they dont speed anywhere near as much as home and are MUCH stricter on speeding here so get used to lifting the pedal off the metal!!
4. Dont think you are a failure when you want to cry all day one day!! You will get off days and they sneak up on you anytime and anywhere so just go with it, have a little cry and let it go on its way!! You will smile the next day.. Honestly!!
5. Realise that even though this place is full of things that can kill you by just looking at you , actually you are more likely to survive here!! So chill out, relax and get on that surf board!! I havent even seen a snake or a redback yet let alone a shark!! However the OH has and wants me to let you know that taipans are VERY VERY fast!!
( He saw one up north though... not here!!)In short... I have settled in Australia, I love it ( but its not paradise) my family have much more freedom and spend more time outdoors than they EVER did and see less crime, drugs, drunks & gangs etc here than in our sleepy valley town. It was a hard journey ( mentally & physically) but weve made it and are still here and I think the first 6 months are the hardest...
END OF!!!