It has come to my attention that I need to be more positive. Generally speaking, I don't consider myself to be too negative (of course I love the odd moan like the next English person), just the last 3 weeks have been quite up and down.
Having said this, we just heard back from a failed application for a flat we really wanted. Dave was pretty devastated. Annoyingly, theres nothing more we can do, as we put in our application just like everyone else and made it to the final two. And lost. Its annoying. We just want to move to Brisbane and have our own space!
Cest la vie. The search continues. Guess this week might not be as lucky as we hoped.
But I do have my fingers crossed for a job interview I went for last week...
Other than this, the big news in Australia at the moment is....POLITICS.
I'm not a huge fan of politics, especially when I know very little about it over here. I'm sure it hasn't been huge news elsewhere, but here, it took over the weekend for the polls on monday morning.
The Gill vs K-Rudd. A story of backstabbing and betrayal within one party, supposed to be sorted out by the poll this morning. Any change? Probably not. The Gill won, to the publics dismay and the politicians jobs are safe once more. Hurrah! All of this whilst cutting in and out of The Oscars red carpet moments.
Finally, an Oscars show I can watch without falling asleep at stupid'o'clock, as the coverage starts in the day and finishes mid afternoon. Great for the unemployed!
And, to keep you up to date on the current personalised number plate affair, check these out:
DAS HOT
DUMI 3
GLASGO
BAD A55
CUT 17
TRU 2 ME
5EVIL
5ARAH
MEL 99
S7OLEN
BUBLES
JST 4 US
RAW
BEKS
I O U
GT 4 ME
MAD OOX
FRUIT
And this is just in the last week, commuting to and from Brisbane with Dave! Nutters..
More news updates:
It has been raining quite a lot the last few days, so much so I thought the pool would overflow and it is now full of twigs.
We went to Toris 30th bday pool party last weekend (in the said rain), of which Eloise and Brants amazing, huge, chocolate and cherry penis cake went down a storm! As did the Brazilian BBQ, which really was just a big coal BBQ cooked by a Brazilian guy (which was amazing). The coals was a major talking point for the Aussies, as they all use gas BBQs and they couldn't believe how good it was. Well duh!
I have now become the house-person in the relationship, whilst I'm unemployed. After Daves hard work for 6 months, the tables have now turned! At least I can do the housework in a bikini, inbetween sunbathing and dips in the pool. However, at least he never had to iron the business shirts...pain in the bum.
And thats that really for now.
Still flat hunting, fingers crossed on the job, still trying to tan and reading copious amounts of
Marina Lewycka - she wrote "A Short History of Tractors in Ukranian", "Two Caravans" and "We are all Made of Glue" - my current read. She's brilliant.
Hope alls well at home, enjoy the sunshine!
Much love xxx
Sunday 26 February 2012
Sunday 19 February 2012
The day I met Batman, and jumping spiders.
Dear Readers, This is the day I met Batman. And Dave did too.
This day, was Movie World Day! The Gold Coast has a host of theme parks and Dave treated us to the Super Saver Passes! This means we get unlimited entry until the end of Oz financial year in June, Woop Woop! This means Movie World (where they actually film things like Scooby Doo!), Wet'n'Wild (they have film screenings outside in the pool!) and Sea World (More later...)
It was quite typical, that despite almost non stop sunshine and heat since our arrival, that it would chuck it down with rain the one day we try to have a day out! It was a treat for all our flat hunting an job hunting efforts - as it truely is an effort over here.
Despite the rain, it was good fun, and I am safe in the knowledge that I can return at anytime! Especially for those frozen bananas covered in chocolate - sounds weird, but really is amazing!
In other news, I have been reunited with my iMac, which is awesome. However the lack of decent internet is quite insulting to the Mac as it cannot be used in its fullest glory. I really dont know how anyone gets things done in this country - it was hard to send a 15mb PDF document earlier via email. Gee Wiz!! Oh and if anyone fore future shipping wants a recomendation: www.cargoforce.com were really good, cheaper than everyone and did door-to-door (Kent - QLD) in less than a week.
Also, Australian drivers are actual nutters (of course Dave isn't though-I'm beginning to believe that he's actually not that Australian anymore!). They all have a death wish and are crazy dangerous. Everyone seems to have an arrogant air about them. Must be all the money they are all rolling in.
And the spot-the -tragic-tatoo count is at an all time high! I must start trying to document these, its so lame, its kinda amazing-which leads me to my next segment...
...Personalised number plates. Of course, they exist in the UK, but not to the extent of here. They a few hundred dollars to have one, and they are the most ridiculous thing on most of the cars. My current faves have been:
Mr Ice (Truely, deeply, wanky)
Closer (err...no thanks)
I shall keep a tally of all the 'good' ones I see..maybe for some inspiration, haha!
Last night we went to Tropfest - the worlds largest short film festival - which was really cool. We saw it at Surfers Paradise, right on the beach, with some quaint, gross and interesting films! They show it all live in areas across Australia, with Sydney being the main one, with all the celebs, but it was chucking it down with rain so haha! Such a great idea though, loving the outdoor cinema culture here.
Our second installment for theme park fun was Sea World!! This is more of a family orientated day out, with lots of sea creatures to look at, shows and some rides..but I absolutely loved it! My favourites were:
The Sea Lion fish detectives show, the jet ski rollar coaster, the dolphin show and seeing baby penguins. As well as stroking big old Rays and the underground aqaurium:
Oh, and just in case you were wondering...spiders in Australia can jump. I witnessed one jump onto Daves back whilst in the pool, and then later coming out to taunt me whilst I was reading. They are only little ones, but yes, they take a leap when threatened. Insane. Why would anyone create spiders that can fly and jump?!? Should cross reference this one also.
And a big Happy Birthday to Elliott, who is on a much smaller rock than I, but with much faster internet ;)
And mine and Daves thoughts go out to Sarah and James McBurney after their sad loss <3
For the time being, I am just applying for jobs, reading copius amounts in an attempt to get into Holiday Mode, before the world of work arrives in the future. This includes updating my steadily growing tan. A work in progress.
So anyways, Im going to hop to the sun and get my bake on!
Much love to all xxx
Sunday 12 February 2012
One week later...
So now I have been in Oz for 1 week. And what a hectic and weird week it has been.
For a start, the jet lag and temperature difference (along with the extremely loud birds) mean that I wake up at 5am, everyday. In London, this time would be deadly, but here, it's a way of life. The earlier you get up, the more stuff you can get down before it hits 30 degrees. and everyone is active on the Gold Coast, with people walking, running and cycling before work along the beach. Its a beautiful time of day.
Secondly, the Gold Coast is a rather uneventful place. The beaches are beautiful and the people have a reputation for being trashy. This is amplified by the fact that virtually everyone, young and old, has terrible, terrible tattoos on display. Really tacky, badly done, for all to see. Im in awe of it all. And apart from these beaches, there really is not anything to do. Luckily, Daves parents have a nice pool and view.
This is why we are looking for places in Brisbane. The renters market out here isn't brilliant. Its more expensive than London, and further out from the CBD. It's all about buying. If only. Fingers crossed, I'll go crazy on the GC otherwise.
We had our 1st anniversary this week, which we had a nice and very windy picnic by Tullabudgerra Creek. This was followed by an awkward event at home, which made me realise just how archaic some Australian views are. Especially with the older generation and their views on a woman's place within the home. Glad the modern woman doesn't have to conform to this way of life.
I have also been educated on the ins and outs of certain people, if you get my drift. It appears that there is also a lot of sexual promiscuity, as a way of normal life, with boob jobs, fake tans and high expectations be oming commonplace. A completely different world to what I'm used to. A world where it is all about boys, numbers, careers, what you drive and what you earn.
I'm also getting to grips with the fact that 1 banana is 2 dollars, around £1.20ish and that if you work for a mining company, people my age can earn 200,000 dollars a year. And they waste it. They don't appreciate what they earn and how ridiculous wages can be here.
As George Clooney states in The Descendants, "just because we live in paradise, doesn't mean we don't go through the same s*it". Or something to that effect. Its truly a different world out here, not just England in the sun. Everything is so strange. But I guess I need a bit more than a week to get used to it!
So, for the time being, we're still flat hunting, job hunting etc. At least the suns still shining on my ever so pale skin!
Much love to all, and many thanks for the snow messages and pics!
Our pics to follow...enjoy. Xx
For a start, the jet lag and temperature difference (along with the extremely loud birds) mean that I wake up at 5am, everyday. In London, this time would be deadly, but here, it's a way of life. The earlier you get up, the more stuff you can get down before it hits 30 degrees. and everyone is active on the Gold Coast, with people walking, running and cycling before work along the beach. Its a beautiful time of day.
Secondly, the Gold Coast is a rather uneventful place. The beaches are beautiful and the people have a reputation for being trashy. This is amplified by the fact that virtually everyone, young and old, has terrible, terrible tattoos on display. Really tacky, badly done, for all to see. Im in awe of it all. And apart from these beaches, there really is not anything to do. Luckily, Daves parents have a nice pool and view.
This is why we are looking for places in Brisbane. The renters market out here isn't brilliant. Its more expensive than London, and further out from the CBD. It's all about buying. If only. Fingers crossed, I'll go crazy on the GC otherwise.
We had our 1st anniversary this week, which we had a nice and very windy picnic by Tullabudgerra Creek. This was followed by an awkward event at home, which made me realise just how archaic some Australian views are. Especially with the older generation and their views on a woman's place within the home. Glad the modern woman doesn't have to conform to this way of life.
I have also been educated on the ins and outs of certain people, if you get my drift. It appears that there is also a lot of sexual promiscuity, as a way of normal life, with boob jobs, fake tans and high expectations be oming commonplace. A completely different world to what I'm used to. A world where it is all about boys, numbers, careers, what you drive and what you earn.
I'm also getting to grips with the fact that 1 banana is 2 dollars, around £1.20ish and that if you work for a mining company, people my age can earn 200,000 dollars a year. And they waste it. They don't appreciate what they earn and how ridiculous wages can be here.
As George Clooney states in The Descendants, "just because we live in paradise, doesn't mean we don't go through the same s*it". Or something to that effect. Its truly a different world out here, not just England in the sun. Everything is so strange. But I guess I need a bit more than a week to get used to it!
So, for the time being, we're still flat hunting, job hunting etc. At least the suns still shining on my ever so pale skin!
Much love to all, and many thanks for the snow messages and pics!
Our pics to follow...enjoy. Xx
Tuesday 7 February 2012
From one extreme to the other..
So, I feel like I have started my Australian education into this way of life.
We walked off the plane into 25 degrees, at night, from -4 at Heathrow the previous day. We have also learnt that we missed the snow by 1 day. I think this is a great thing as all flights were grounded, however, as many of you know - Dave was devastated. But we really appreciated all your messages and pictures for us!
Anyways. The first proper day in Australia, began with a big old family 'barbie', (BBQ), which was delicious, and a great chance to meet all of Daves family. Ranging from ages 3-90. Amazing. We then jumped in the pool to play with Daves nephews Ryan and Matty-who can run circles around you and ask you questions at the same time! But they're very sweet kids.
I also saw my first Australian spider, protecting Grahams (Daves Dad) veggie patch from the flies. And he is pretty big, but he has stayed in the same spot for 3 days so I'm not too worried. I shall also cross reference this spider to see if he's dangerous in my Guide To Australian Spiders - my Christmas presant from my brother Adam. I'll have to get back to you on that one.
And I'm nearly all sorted out in my paperwork-got Australian bank accounts, Medicare (like the NHS that you pay for as you use it, not out of your salary) and my Tax File Number (National Insurance). So getting a job should be that tiny bit easier! Fingers crossed.
But it's a beatiful place we're staying at, with a pool in the garden, which leads down to the river where you can fish, catch crabs and see the local black swans and baby ducks swimming by. Its a truely beautiful view. I am under the impression that a lot of people here take their lifestyle and good fortune for granted. Its amazing and everyones so blase about it. Its totally normal for them, and yet I walk around with my mouth wide open, looking up at the sky, unable to believe its another beautiful, sunny day, with no clouds, and being told that it will actually last. Virtually unheard of in the UK.
However, I have found a few annoyances in Australia already. Mainly trying to purchase the internet. It really is behind the times in comparison to home.
1-It's super expensive. You can still pruchase internet based on your useage in KB. Again, unheard of.
2-This is how all internet is sold, not on speed, but on the amount of data you use per month.
3-Home wireless internet isn't that common, that cheap, or that fast. Fast internet here is considered 8mb download. I laughed at this.
4-Purchasing a decent microsim for the iPad 2 has proved quite tricky. The advertise it, but no one stocks it. Silly.
Anyways, these are indeed trivial things, but this blog is about education as well as experience. I wanted to show everyone the realities of living over here in comparison to the UK.
One thing I was really pleased to find was that you can acutally purchase cheap shoes and clothes here! This was a genuine concern and I am happy that not everything is crazy expensive!
So whilst sorting things out, we are just lying by the pool, splashing around, Dave dreaming of snow!
Anyways, this is my first, slightly jetlagged post.
The adventure continues tomorrow with mine and Daves 1 year anniversary.
The best year of my life :)
Muchos love xxx
We walked off the plane into 25 degrees, at night, from -4 at Heathrow the previous day. We have also learnt that we missed the snow by 1 day. I think this is a great thing as all flights were grounded, however, as many of you know - Dave was devastated. But we really appreciated all your messages and pictures for us!
Anyways. The first proper day in Australia, began with a big old family 'barbie', (BBQ), which was delicious, and a great chance to meet all of Daves family. Ranging from ages 3-90. Amazing. We then jumped in the pool to play with Daves nephews Ryan and Matty-who can run circles around you and ask you questions at the same time! But they're very sweet kids.
I also saw my first Australian spider, protecting Grahams (Daves Dad) veggie patch from the flies. And he is pretty big, but he has stayed in the same spot for 3 days so I'm not too worried. I shall also cross reference this spider to see if he's dangerous in my Guide To Australian Spiders - my Christmas presant from my brother Adam. I'll have to get back to you on that one.
And I'm nearly all sorted out in my paperwork-got Australian bank accounts, Medicare (like the NHS that you pay for as you use it, not out of your salary) and my Tax File Number (National Insurance). So getting a job should be that tiny bit easier! Fingers crossed.
But it's a beatiful place we're staying at, with a pool in the garden, which leads down to the river where you can fish, catch crabs and see the local black swans and baby ducks swimming by. Its a truely beautiful view. I am under the impression that a lot of people here take their lifestyle and good fortune for granted. Its amazing and everyones so blase about it. Its totally normal for them, and yet I walk around with my mouth wide open, looking up at the sky, unable to believe its another beautiful, sunny day, with no clouds, and being told that it will actually last. Virtually unheard of in the UK.
However, I have found a few annoyances in Australia already. Mainly trying to purchase the internet. It really is behind the times in comparison to home.
1-It's super expensive. You can still pruchase internet based on your useage in KB. Again, unheard of.
2-This is how all internet is sold, not on speed, but on the amount of data you use per month.
3-Home wireless internet isn't that common, that cheap, or that fast. Fast internet here is considered 8mb download. I laughed at this.
4-Purchasing a decent microsim for the iPad 2 has proved quite tricky. The advertise it, but no one stocks it. Silly.
Anyways, these are indeed trivial things, but this blog is about education as well as experience. I wanted to show everyone the realities of living over here in comparison to the UK.
One thing I was really pleased to find was that you can acutally purchase cheap shoes and clothes here! This was a genuine concern and I am happy that not everything is crazy expensive!
So whilst sorting things out, we are just lying by the pool, splashing around, Dave dreaming of snow!
Anyways, this is my first, slightly jetlagged post.
The adventure continues tomorrow with mine and Daves 1 year anniversary.
The best year of my life :)
Muchos love xxx
Thursday 2 February 2012
The English Rose is Australia Bound.
So...the bags are packed (to bursting point), most of the goodbyes have been made and the alarm is set. As is our supply of wintercoats, scarves, flip flops and sun cream. From one extreme to the other.
It's a weird feeling, knowing that less than 12 hours, we'll be at the airport, having said our final goodbyes...not knowing when you're going to see these same faces again.
This past week has been a roller-coaster, sorting everything out, socialising, being visited and doing all the visiting. But its an exciting prospect, knowing that in a couple of days, I'll be on hot Australian soil, getting used to the heat, the accent and Vegemite (NEVER!!!!).
But I have always been surrounded by amazing people - and everyone has been so supportive, with kind words, handmade cards and gifts, visits from foreign lands, going out with a bang in London etc. It's been pretty hectic and I have definitely have my anxious moments, but I know its the right thing for us.. and of course, Australia makes a great holiday destination - so save those precious English pennies!!
So we fly at 10.55am from Heathrow tomorrow morning, and arrive 7.30pm Saturday, Australia time. It's 'How, for now', but we'll see you on Skype (this is heather murphy) and keep an eye out for my 'living in Australia' updates and tips!
Much love and thank you to all my closest family and friends, I shall miss you all!!!! xxx
It's a weird feeling, knowing that less than 12 hours, we'll be at the airport, having said our final goodbyes...not knowing when you're going to see these same faces again.
This past week has been a roller-coaster, sorting everything out, socialising, being visited and doing all the visiting. But its an exciting prospect, knowing that in a couple of days, I'll be on hot Australian soil, getting used to the heat, the accent and Vegemite (NEVER!!!!).
But I have always been surrounded by amazing people - and everyone has been so supportive, with kind words, handmade cards and gifts, visits from foreign lands, going out with a bang in London etc. It's been pretty hectic and I have definitely have my anxious moments, but I know its the right thing for us.. and of course, Australia makes a great holiday destination - so save those precious English pennies!!
So we fly at 10.55am from Heathrow tomorrow morning, and arrive 7.30pm Saturday, Australia time. It's 'How, for now', but we'll see you on Skype (this is heather murphy) and keep an eye out for my 'living in Australia' updates and tips!
Much love and thank you to all my closest family and friends, I shall miss you all!!!! xxx
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