Arrived in Cairns!

[asylon]

I can't believe we are actually here and everything has happened so quickly, but here we are in Cairns, been here just over a week and so far so good. That is apart from having a bag stollen either at the airport or by the Taxi driver. And it was THE bag, you know, the one with all the documents, birth certificates, bank stuff, health records and all the stuff we were keeping with us in case the ship sank with our container, photos, filofax, jewellery etc etc. Still, at least we are all well and most is replaceable. The police arn't interested. The annoying thing is we've been right round the world to some decidedly dodgy countries and then...welcome to Australia.
Apart from that it's great. My husband has a job he managed to land by phone interview from Africa a week before we even arrived, so that was brilliant luck. We have found a house to rent in Port Douglas, paying $400/week for 4 bed. That was the cheapest we could find, it's nice, no pool. We've bought a car and hired one for now untill the new one arrives. Activated our bank accounts, registered with medicare. It's realy hard work but we're getting there.
It's glorious here too, absolutely beautiful. Hot, but it's not a problem. The odd mozzy after it rained yesterday. No spiders, snakes or crocs yet. Not even had a chance to cuddle a koala. Loads to do and see. The supermarkets are great, I'm realy surprised, much better than my last visit. And the fresh produce at the market is just beautiful. Perfect, fresh, ripe fruit and veggies.
And we stopped in Perth on the way here too, in Fremantle, what a great place!!! I'd live there like a shot if we could afford it!
The odd pang of homesickness but it soon passes when I look at the mountains or the sea.
Anyone want any Cairns help just ask.
And I've met so many lovely friendly people here (mostly poms I must admit).
So feeling very positive. Hope it lasts!
Ax

[ItsJo]

Thats great news hun...its funny how we seem to wait forever for our visas and yet once here the time flies so quickly...I am so glad you are getting sorted with things but Geeez what a crap start having ur bag pinched!!! Like you say most is replaceable and at least you guys are ok...I have never been to Cairns but am assured that it is the most beautiful place with awesome scenery..
Welcome to Oz hunny...Its beaut isnt it xx

[wardy]

Hi Asylon

I cant believe you are there already so jealous.

Sorry about the start but sounds like things have improved and I have a list of 201 questions to ask shall I list them now or shall I wait a week. (no i'm not joking)

Wherabouts is your husband working he hasn't to drive to Cairns everyday has he

Seeing you have made it to the other side is getting me quite nervous about us arriving.

Hope to see you soon.

Kaye x

[ali]

Hi Guys - welcome to Australia (even though it was a bad start), Glad to hear you're settling in

Ali

[liddylou]

Hi Asylon
Glad to hear you have arrived in sunny Cairns/Port Douglas
We moved here just over 6 months ago so in return to you kind note of offering help, please feel free to ask if you need any....

We came over on a 136 and the other half is a floor layer.

Please don't be put off by the bag issue, as you settle you will realise that the people here are sooo friendly and can not do enough to help.

You are quite out in the sticks in Port, I assume that is where hubbies job was?

Please feel free to phone if you fancy a gossip. just pm me and i'll give you the number.

enjoy the cool weather it's hotting up apparently.

take care and look forward to hearing from you....Sarah

[asylon]

Thanks Guys, especialy Sarah, glad there is someone nearby!
Yes James is working at the Sheraton in Port Douglas, so thats what has brought us up here. I wasn't keen on the idea at first, there is just so much to do in Cairns, but now we are here I love it, it's beautiful and peaceful and we are starting with swimming lessons and playgroups for the kids. We swim on the beach around 7am most mornings and its just heaven. I still drive down to Cairns quite often, we went down today to see the croc show at the zoo and go to the shops in Smithfield. Shops for boreing things are pretty thin on the ground up here. You could shop for nic nacs and arty pretty things all day, but you can't buy a hoover! The couple of days when it was up in the 30s were pretty full on hot but mostly its fine, you are mostly in air con if you are out and about. We see much more of James than we ever did in London, chef's hours are hellish there, much more civilised here, and no commute, just a 10 min bike ride. He has to watch out for crocs and pythons on the road when he cycles home at night though, they lie on the warm tarmac.
But the best thing of all are the fat green tree frogs that climb up our windows every evening, they are awesome!
And we qualify for some sort of child benefit because I'm not working, about $400 a fortnight, which was a nice surprise.
We just got our stuff from the shippers on Tuesday, (after a week of sleeping on an air matress and plastic cutlery) all arrived intact, no problems, and we got the internet connected today so all systems go!
All is exceptionaly good! now please don't let there be a cyclone to spoil it!
A x

[KazzE]

you had such a horrible start, the only way is up as they say

X