lynn2009

Great post cannot wait to read more.
Lynn

Zenshin

When I have travelled to Oz with my little one I have bought a special little tub (think from Baby's R Us or something) that can store measured amounts of formula. You can then just ask the staff to fill the bottle with some boiled water (allow to cool to the acceptable temp). The tub has a twist lid so that you can just dispense the measured formula into the bottle and add the water. I found this the easiest method and then at least it is freshly made. How old is your little one? On a trip when our one was 2 we decided to buy some cheap little books/toys etc and then wrap them up in wrapping paper so that she had something to look forward to for good behaviour every couple of hours. Between that, a sleep, the food and the in seat entertainment she was very good so much so that we had people commenting on how brilliant she was (they were the ones that looked at us with worry when they found out they would be sitting near a 2 year old!)

BTW Vash, love the report on your move. We will be doing the same soon (also Aussie citizens). Not sure how long you lived in the UK (you weren't far from us) but would be interesting to see how you find the adjustment of settling back into the Aussie way of life. We are worried we have become too used to the UK that we may find it almost as difficult as the Brits making the move over.

Vash the Stampede

Thanks guys.

I should add a few points about our local medical centre. It is open from 07:00-22:00 7 days a week (including public holidays) and is staffed by 16 doctors. It incorporates a dentistry and is equipped with radiology, x-ray and pathology units.

All of the doctors bulk bill, and no appointments are necessary; you just turn up and wait to be served. If you don't want the next doctor available, you can choose to have a different one. This is a huge step up from the little NHS medical centre that we had in Rushall.

Received a phone call from Bell Total Logistics yesterday, informing us that our air freight has arrived and should be released by Friday. Can't wait for that!

Vash the Stampede

I was in the UK for just under 6 years (5 years, 9 months). We visited Australia for 3 weeks in 2006 (see my holiday thread here). I wondered if I might find it difficult to adjust, but it hasn't been any trouble at all.

Everything just feels so right and natural. It is such a relief to be back amongst the lovely big houses, tree-lined avenues, modern buildings, incredibly clean streets, zesty eucalypts and wide, straight, open roads with their sensible "grid" layout. We don't live in an expensive suburb, but it feels like one after our time in Rushall!

I never had a problem with Britain's wet weather and overcast days, but I have noticed that we both find it easier to feel optimistic over here. Perhaps it's the sunshine and fresh air.

carolinephillips

Great update -welcome (back) to the land down under!

Zenshin

Thanks for that Vash. By the time we leave we will have been here 12 years! We have been back about 6 times though with one of them a 3 month stint to have our daughter so that we could be amongst family. We have found that Oz has changed dramatically in that time and looking at it from our perspective not all the changes have been for the better. It has made us appreciate that there are good things in the Uk that we will miss. I know what you mean about the sunshine and fresh air making you more optimistic though. Gosh I can't wait for that feeling again. Must be good knowing you will be there for a nice hot Christmas!

RenShen

I really enjoyed this update, you write very well. Keep it coming

Vash the Stampede

Thanks RenShen. My mother is an author, and I like to think that I've learned a thing or two from her.

sunbather

Great thread. I love the house, real character

Wendy66

Great update, enjoyed reading it very much - hope you post more

juliemtaylor

really enjoyed your update posts.

Good Luck

Julie x

BadgeIsBack

Some newer Australian blocks are not much bigger than that Vash!

Nice house mate - I'd be happy with that. Sensibly small mortgage too. That will help make your life in Australia a lot easier too.

Vash the Stampede

Very true! I've been aghast at the sizes of blocks in the new estates. One of my friends told me that theirs is only 300sqm! (Though of course their house will be quite large; probably 200sqm).

I guess that's what you get for insisting on certain suburbs, but it doesn't have to be that way. We're still a comfortable distance to the CBD, and only 5 minutes away from open farmland (Black Top Road leads us directly into the hills). I can't see the point of paying premium prices for the dubious "luxury" of a new build 10 minutes closer to Adelaide.

Well, we are not rich people so it had to be a cheap place that we could renovate to suit ourselves. But it's not a "bargain basement" dump either, so I reckon we got a pretty good deal.

coolerkingcooler

Great read Vash, glad you all had a good journey.

We arrived in Adelaide on the 8th October and are glad to see the sun and blue skies.


Cooler

BadgeIsBack

It's got a lot of character. The street reminds me of an established avenue from the UK.

Keep us posted!