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