A year later in Melbourne
Mar 9th 2007, 7:27 pm
#16
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2005
Location: Somers;Mornington Peninsula
Posts: 241
Mar 9th 2007, 7:36 pm
#17
Forum Regular
Joined: Dec 2005
Location: Sunshine Coast
Posts: 252
Re: A year later in Melbourne
Really good post Izzie,
Always good to hear how people manage and are getting on, All the Best Jackie
Always good to hear how people manage and are getting on, All the Best Jackie
Apr 23rd 2007, 6:23 pm
#18
Just Joined
Joined: Apr 2007
Location: Jarrow, Newcastle upon tyne, UK
Posts: 10
Re: A year later in Melbourne
Well almost...... our anniversary is on 30th November really, but haven't posted for a while, so thought I would put fingers on keys. Switch off now if you get bored by long posts !
Accommodation
We spent our first two weeks in a serviced apartment in Patterson Lakes overlooking the marina. We arrived just as summer began and so had 4 months of fabulous weather. We found a rental in Sandhurst that was brand new and signed up for 12 months. In hindsight, we panicked a little what with Christmas being around the corner etc. the house is gorgeous but just too far away from our chosen school etc, so I spend a lot of time driving. We put a deposit on a block of land in July and hope to get the title deeds by the end of the year so we can start building in January
Jobs
Hubby is a bricklayer and didn't look for work until after New Year. The construction industry seems to shut down until about the 3rd week in january, so there was not much about but he managed to get a job. He is now working for himself as a subcontractor for one of the main housebuilders. As the commonwealth games were held here this year, the school terms were all affected, so I didn't start looking for work until around April time. Managed to get a position within a week of looking so that was good.
Friends
Made some lovely friends, mainly through the school. In fact when we arrived, the school was just about to break up, but we asked if our daughter could go for the last 2 days of term, and in that time, we made friends who we then met up with during the summer holiday over Xmas. We actually socialise a lot more over here than we did in UK. Still you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you meet your prince and it is the same with friends. I accepted every invitation put my way whether I wanted to or not to begin with. You soon find the people who you gravitate back to. I have aussie, kiwi, south african, canadian and British friends, but have to admit, you do have this affinity with other Brits to a certain degree. Same childhood music, that sort of thing. Also, you all know what each other has been through regarding the move etc.
My hubby never wants to go back to the UK and my daughter (although she took some time to settle) loves it here now.
HOMESICKNESS !!!!!!!!!
Well apart from my post entitled "What do you do when you can't stop crying", it has been a doddle !!! No seriously, it can be very hard. Mine kicked in when I realised that hubby had a new job, daughter was fine at school, but what did I have ? I had a great term time job in UK and had a great social network linked in to it and all of a sudden I was just on my own. I felt really guilty about not working, but on the other hand I wanted to be around for holidays etc for my daughter to make sure she settled in, and only wanted to work part time. Felt guilty about going to lunch etc when hubby was working but soon realised that here, socialising with your girlfriends tends to be a daytime affair.
Well, I started off doing voluntary work at Riding for the Disabled and then got us a puppy. He has been fantastic for all of us and he got us out and about meeting people. Then I got my job. This was enough to make me feel as if I was contributing and that I had a purpose in our lives. Also, you gradually become more familiar with things which makes life easier.
We have already returned to the UK for a visit as we came on a return ticket. My nan was ill and it seemed a waste not to use it. I was really worried about going back as I was scared I wouldn't want to come back to Oz. I needn't have worried. UK is lovely, but this is the next chapter in our life and I am enjoying the journey and all the new experiences that come with it.
Summary
Australia isn't better than UK, but it is different and they say a change is as good as a rest. We feel completely energised here and look forward to every weekend. The weather here makes a big difference. Although Victoria is not seen as a hot
state, it suits us. Lowest daytime temp this winter was around 12 degrees, but the winds can be freezing. Spring has been lovely - like a UK summer and summer is great if a little too hot perhaps, because you get down on the beach and make the most of it. My daughter has a horse out here and it is perfect weather for that and also cycling. And even when it is cold, the sun shines and you feel good. And if you can arrange to drive down Beach Road each day as I do, then you will feel fantastic !
I am very glad we had the courage to make this move. For those of you about to come out - it is very very difficult, but stick with it and the rewards are great xx
Just a couple of photos as a taster - sights from our school run and riding Australian style at Pony Club
Accommodation
We spent our first two weeks in a serviced apartment in Patterson Lakes overlooking the marina. We arrived just as summer began and so had 4 months of fabulous weather. We found a rental in Sandhurst that was brand new and signed up for 12 months. In hindsight, we panicked a little what with Christmas being around the corner etc. the house is gorgeous but just too far away from our chosen school etc, so I spend a lot of time driving. We put a deposit on a block of land in July and hope to get the title deeds by the end of the year so we can start building in January
Jobs
Hubby is a bricklayer and didn't look for work until after New Year. The construction industry seems to shut down until about the 3rd week in january, so there was not much about but he managed to get a job. He is now working for himself as a subcontractor for one of the main housebuilders. As the commonwealth games were held here this year, the school terms were all affected, so I didn't start looking for work until around April time. Managed to get a position within a week of looking so that was good.
Friends
Made some lovely friends, mainly through the school. In fact when we arrived, the school was just about to break up, but we asked if our daughter could go for the last 2 days of term, and in that time, we made friends who we then met up with during the summer holiday over Xmas. We actually socialise a lot more over here than we did in UK. Still you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you meet your prince and it is the same with friends. I accepted every invitation put my way whether I wanted to or not to begin with. You soon find the people who you gravitate back to. I have aussie, kiwi, south african, canadian and British friends, but have to admit, you do have this affinity with other Brits to a certain degree. Same childhood music, that sort of thing. Also, you all know what each other has been through regarding the move etc.
My hubby never wants to go back to the UK and my daughter (although she took some time to settle) loves it here now.
HOMESICKNESS !!!!!!!!!
Well apart from my post entitled "What do you do when you can't stop crying", it has been a doddle !!! No seriously, it can be very hard. Mine kicked in when I realised that hubby had a new job, daughter was fine at school, but what did I have ? I had a great term time job in UK and had a great social network linked in to it and all of a sudden I was just on my own. I felt really guilty about not working, but on the other hand I wanted to be around for holidays etc for my daughter to make sure she settled in, and only wanted to work part time. Felt guilty about going to lunch etc when hubby was working but soon realised that here, socialising with your girlfriends tends to be a daytime affair.
Well, I started off doing voluntary work at Riding for the Disabled and then got us a puppy. He has been fantastic for all of us and he got us out and about meeting people. Then I got my job. This was enough to make me feel as if I was contributing and that I had a purpose in our lives. Also, you gradually become more familiar with things which makes life easier.
We have already returned to the UK for a visit as we came on a return ticket. My nan was ill and it seemed a waste not to use it. I was really worried about going back as I was scared I wouldn't want to come back to Oz. I needn't have worried. UK is lovely, but this is the next chapter in our life and I am enjoying the journey and all the new experiences that come with it.
Summary
Australia isn't better than UK, but it is different and they say a change is as good as a rest. We feel completely energised here and look forward to every weekend. The weather here makes a big difference. Although Victoria is not seen as a hot
state, it suits us. Lowest daytime temp this winter was around 12 degrees, but the winds can be freezing. Spring has been lovely - like a UK summer and summer is great if a little too hot perhaps, because you get down on the beach and make the most of it. My daughter has a horse out here and it is perfect weather for that and also cycling. And even when it is cold, the sun shines and you feel good. And if you can arrange to drive down Beach Road each day as I do, then you will feel fantastic !
I am very glad we had the courage to make this move. For those of you about to come out - it is very very difficult, but stick with it and the rewards are great xx
Just a couple of photos as a taster - sights from our school run and riding Australian style at Pony Club
Hi
we are new on the forum and were touched by your post. It's fantastic to see you have made it through the tough times and looking forward.
Where abouts are you in Melbourne, Just we are struggling with accommodation for our 4week stay. We would prefer a house as the hotels will end up being expensive for the 4 week when there is 4 of us.
A great read.
Thanx kerri
Apr 23rd 2007, 7:59 pm
#19
Account Closed
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,693
Re: A year later in Melbourne
[QUOTE=adam1098;4686103]Hi
Good to hear a success story.
Good to hear a success story.
Apr 23rd 2007, 9:07 pm
#20
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2005
Location: Waterways, Victoria
Posts: 192
Re: A year later in Melbourne
Hi
we are new on the forum and were touched by your post. It's fantastic to see you have made it through the tough times and looking forward.
Where abouts are you in Melbourne, Just we are struggling with accommodation for our 4week stay. We would prefer a house as the hotels will end up being expensive for the 4 week when there is 4 of us.
A great read.
Thanx kerri
we are new on the forum and were touched by your post. It's fantastic to see you have made it through the tough times and looking forward.
Where abouts are you in Melbourne, Just we are struggling with accommodation for our 4week stay. We would prefer a house as the hotels will end up being expensive for the 4 week when there is 4 of us.
A great read.
Thanx kerri
Apr 24th 2007, 11:40 am
#21
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2006
Location: OZ - UK - its hard being a ping pong!
Posts: 312
Re: A year later in Melbourne
Well almost...... our anniversary is on 30th November really, but haven't posted for a while, so thought I would put fingers on keys. Switch off now if you get bored by long posts !
Accommodation
We spent our first two weeks in a serviced apartment in Patterson Lakes overlooking the marina. We arrived just as summer began and so had 4 months of fabulous weather. We found a rental in Sandhurst that was brand new and signed up for 12 months. In hindsight, we panicked a little what with Christmas being around the corner etc. the house is gorgeous but just too far away from our chosen school etc, so I spend a lot of time driving. We put a deposit on a block of land in July and hope to get the title deeds by the end of the year so we can start building in January
Jobs
Hubby is a bricklayer and didn't look for work until after New Year. The construction industry seems to shut down until about the 3rd week in january, so there was not much about but he managed to get a job. He is now working for himself as a subcontractor for one of the main housebuilders. As the commonwealth games were held here this year, the school terms were all affected, so I didn't start looking for work until around April time. Managed to get a position within a week of looking so that was good.
Friends
Made some lovely friends, mainly through the school. In fact when we arrived, the school was just about to break up, but we asked if our daughter could go for the last 2 days of term, and in that time, we made friends who we then met up with during the summer holiday over Xmas. We actually socialise a lot more over here than we did in UK. Still you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you meet your prince and it is the same with friends. I accepted every invitation put my way whether I wanted to or not to begin with. You soon find the people who you gravitate back to. I have aussie, kiwi, south african, canadian and British friends, but have to admit, you do have this affinity with other Brits to a certain degree. Same childhood music, that sort of thing. Also, you all know what each other has been through regarding the move etc.
My hubby never wants to go back to the UK and my daughter (although she took some time to settle) loves it here now.
HOMESICKNESS !!!!!!!!!
Well apart from my post entitled "What do you do when you can't stop crying", it has been a doddle !!! No seriously, it can be very hard. Mine kicked in when I realised that hubby had a new job, daughter was fine at school, but what did I have ? I had a great term time job in UK and had a great social network linked in to it and all of a sudden I was just on my own. I felt really guilty about not working, but on the other hand I wanted to be around for holidays etc for my daughter to make sure she settled in, and only wanted to work part time. Felt guilty about going to lunch etc when hubby was working but soon realised that here, socialising with your girlfriends tends to be a daytime affair.
Well, I started off doing voluntary work at Riding for the Disabled and then got us a puppy. He has been fantastic for all of us and he got us out and about meeting people. Then I got my job. This was enough to make me feel as if I was contributing and that I had a purpose in our lives. Also, you gradually become more familiar with things which makes life easier.
We have already returned to the UK for a visit as we came on a return ticket. My nan was ill and it seemed a waste not to use it. I was really worried about going back as I was scared I wouldn't want to come back to Oz. I needn't have worried. UK is lovely, but this is the next chapter in our life and I am enjoying the journey and all the new experiences that come with it.
Summary
Australia isn't better than UK, but it is different and they say a change is as good as a rest. We feel completely energised here and look forward to every weekend. The weather here makes a big difference. Although Victoria is not seen as a hot
state, it suits us. Lowest daytime temp this winter was around 12 degrees, but the winds can be freezing. Spring has been lovely - like a UK summer and summer is great if a little too hot perhaps, because you get down on the beach and make the most of it. My daughter has a horse out here and it is perfect weather for that and also cycling. And even when it is cold, the sun shines and you feel good. And if you can arrange to drive down Beach Road each day as I do, then you will feel fantastic !
I am very glad we had the courage to make this move. For those of you about to come out - it is very very difficult, but stick with it and the rewards are great xx
Just a couple of photos as a taster - sights from our school run and riding Australian style at Pony Club
Accommodation
We spent our first two weeks in a serviced apartment in Patterson Lakes overlooking the marina. We arrived just as summer began and so had 4 months of fabulous weather. We found a rental in Sandhurst that was brand new and signed up for 12 months. In hindsight, we panicked a little what with Christmas being around the corner etc. the house is gorgeous but just too far away from our chosen school etc, so I spend a lot of time driving. We put a deposit on a block of land in July and hope to get the title deeds by the end of the year so we can start building in January
Jobs
Hubby is a bricklayer and didn't look for work until after New Year. The construction industry seems to shut down until about the 3rd week in january, so there was not much about but he managed to get a job. He is now working for himself as a subcontractor for one of the main housebuilders. As the commonwealth games were held here this year, the school terms were all affected, so I didn't start looking for work until around April time. Managed to get a position within a week of looking so that was good.
Friends
Made some lovely friends, mainly through the school. In fact when we arrived, the school was just about to break up, but we asked if our daughter could go for the last 2 days of term, and in that time, we made friends who we then met up with during the summer holiday over Xmas. We actually socialise a lot more over here than we did in UK. Still you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you meet your prince and it is the same with friends. I accepted every invitation put my way whether I wanted to or not to begin with. You soon find the people who you gravitate back to. I have aussie, kiwi, south african, canadian and British friends, but have to admit, you do have this affinity with other Brits to a certain degree. Same childhood music, that sort of thing. Also, you all know what each other has been through regarding the move etc.
My hubby never wants to go back to the UK and my daughter (although she took some time to settle) loves it here now.
HOMESICKNESS !!!!!!!!!
Well apart from my post entitled "What do you do when you can't stop crying", it has been a doddle !!! No seriously, it can be very hard. Mine kicked in when I realised that hubby had a new job, daughter was fine at school, but what did I have ? I had a great term time job in UK and had a great social network linked in to it and all of a sudden I was just on my own. I felt really guilty about not working, but on the other hand I wanted to be around for holidays etc for my daughter to make sure she settled in, and only wanted to work part time. Felt guilty about going to lunch etc when hubby was working but soon realised that here, socialising with your girlfriends tends to be a daytime affair.
Well, I started off doing voluntary work at Riding for the Disabled and then got us a puppy. He has been fantastic for all of us and he got us out and about meeting people. Then I got my job. This was enough to make me feel as if I was contributing and that I had a purpose in our lives. Also, you gradually become more familiar with things which makes life easier.
We have already returned to the UK for a visit as we came on a return ticket. My nan was ill and it seemed a waste not to use it. I was really worried about going back as I was scared I wouldn't want to come back to Oz. I needn't have worried. UK is lovely, but this is the next chapter in our life and I am enjoying the journey and all the new experiences that come with it.
Summary
Australia isn't better than UK, but it is different and they say a change is as good as a rest. We feel completely energised here and look forward to every weekend. The weather here makes a big difference. Although Victoria is not seen as a hot
state, it suits us. Lowest daytime temp this winter was around 12 degrees, but the winds can be freezing. Spring has been lovely - like a UK summer and summer is great if a little too hot perhaps, because you get down on the beach and make the most of it. My daughter has a horse out here and it is perfect weather for that and also cycling. And even when it is cold, the sun shines and you feel good. And if you can arrange to drive down Beach Road each day as I do, then you will feel fantastic !
I am very glad we had the courage to make this move. For those of you about to come out - it is very very difficult, but stick with it and the rewards are great xx
Just a couple of photos as a taster - sights from our school run and riding Australian style at Pony Club
