whoiam

Vaya is cheap and cheerful.

We live in Sydney--OH is a GP. He has had no probs settling in and patients generally just see how good a doc you are and arent that bothered about skin colour. In general I will find it hard to say that Sydney is any more racist than many parts of the UK. There are just so many people from so many places--its truly a multicultural place.

Padstow is a nice enough place--so is Revesby--hard pressed to buy a decent home for less than 600K though. More in the 700's nowadays.

I have nothing much to add to what has already been said---can feel your pain. But take heart---things can only get better and may be validating your visa could be a good start point. Wishing you and family all the very best from the bottom of my heart.

There is racism--but I don't think there is enough to worry too much about--especially in the cities. then there are prejudices---like what some aussies have for poms--cant call it racism since both are the same race--but as always all these effect people. The easiest thing if you worry about your kids is to get them into a school where they wont stick out like a sore thumb--whatever the race is. For example even if a white kid goes to a heavily multi school there is the possibility of being bullied for being white or a pom. Im not saying only to stick with your own--just make it easier for your kid--if he/she is multi racial check them into a place that is not predominantly of one race type--thats all. At the end of the day we can only do so much--they've got to live in the real world around them and develop coping mechanisms.

Oh No! It has many more 'days' in front of it -- long may PIO live and prosper:laugh:. At the end of the day its a great forum because of the great people on here and I think the owners are blest to have such a dynamic group of PIO lovers out there in the nether world and we indeed are grateful to the owners for such a wonderful portal--for offering a 'jack of all needs' kinda place! All the very best for many many morrows.

Prices are exorbitant yes--but you are looking at one of the most popular cities in the Southern hemisphere! I think You can get nice new modern estates built entirely for the modern family --places like Stanhope Gardens etc there are communal halls for entertaining, swimming pools etc--each for a street or two. On the other hand there are plenty of older homes--some fibro--which you can buy and renovate if thats your cup of tea. Somewhere in between you can easily rent a duplex--3 or 4 bed home with all modern amenities and a yard or back garden depending on budget. From what Ive seen in my recent property search is that many of the older homes too are being renovated for the rental market with new kitchens and wooden flooring throughout---so again thats another choice if you like. But what you would be hard pressed to find is rows of 1930's and 40's homes brick built etc like you would in England. one has to understand that the weather in Sydney is different to England and that it is indeed an asian country by weather standards at least. Commuting is the norm here and there is a good enough system of rail so you will be surprised at where a one hour commute will get you. All in all -- the choice is there--one just needs to look. Sydney is more a collection of smaller cities mind you--then one comprehensive whole.

It is despair and lack of hope that leads to a real suicide--of course there are attention seekers who do enough to get to A&E several times and sometime down the line their calculations botch up and 'it' happens. But most of the suicides are an end act--an act of despair and seeing no way down the road---either due to illness like depression(which sucks love and hope out of you) or due to financial and family issues. We cannot and should not judge them -- for each persons story is different and we haven't even walked a few steps in their shoes. I guess this is where spiritual support is necessary. In olden times seeking spiritual support/help was more acceptable in society--but nowadays one has to seemingly battle it out alone.

As many have mentioned above, there is indeed after and before school care available and that too associated with the school. But availability is another issue. So when u do your research it will be worthwhile to make enquiries through the schools as to who provides the care and their contact details etc---just so that u are not in for ' oh we are very sorry, we have a waiting list a mile long;!

I sent a lot of mails through gumtree but got only few replies. So it is useful but not very. And as always pay cash only in person.

Though I'm not sure about the marxist tenements, as seen from the response generated there are a few points to explore. One is discrimination and one is whether something is right, wrong or unnatural. Discrimination, name calling, bullying, exclusion etc etc based on whatever (sexuality, gender, race, skin colour) is wrong as it kicks into play when people cant see others as human beings of the same standing. But we have to stop and think sometimes when the political climate and society starts being aggressive in certain respects. There was a time when Christians hated Jews(some still do). There was a time when white skinned people behaved differently to dark skinned people(some still do), there still is bullying on the playground and work place when anyone is perceived to be different. But we all accept to some extent that that is wrong. What about homosexuality. Until about half a century ago buggery was a crime, along with paedophila, necrophilia and bestiality --ok thats what we learned in forensic medicine. Now why were all these considered a crime. Is it because of the homosexual tendencies involved in buggery? No. But because it was an unnatural act. Paedophilia is still considered a crime because we as society in general hold that an older person having sex with a child (whatever the arbitrary age of that child be) is a crime. PB asked a valid question --isnt a 17 yo having sex with an underage the same as a 30 yo. In the eyes of the law it is the same but society in general dont feel as offended by the 'crime' if a younger person has sex with another younger person. As Digitalis says there may come a time when paedophilia is accepted by the society at large. I have no doubt about it. Because nowadays right and wrong is judged not on moral principles but on who can shout the loudest and who can garner the most public support. I have no problem with people who have homosexual tendencies--if its part of their innate being and part of their self. Not something that was inflicted upon them by circumstances, or one sought out as a lifestyle choice--believe me there are many esp women who go for a relationship with another woman simply because they feel women understand them better, or because they have been hurt and bruised by men. Now what is the problem with buggery--using a crude medically defined term --excuse me if someone finds it offensive--the only problem with it is that it is an unnatural act. That is what is wrong--we all know where the male organ should be going--the male and female body have been created with such precision and planning that each and everything has a function, and a role. Now should any person be discriminated because of what he or she does in the bedroom--I believe no--simply because in the first place I cannot see why what one does in the bedroom should be out in the world. What of the countless married couple's who have never had sex--are they shouting that out from the roof tops? Then why the need for people to reveal their sexual preferences in the first place? Why the need to make such a big issue out of it? And more importantly arent all men and women equal regardless of what happens in the bedroom? This is my take--everyone one should get a bit more tolerant--those who have historically persecuted gays must be ashamed of themselves--even today--you cant remove prejudice by legislation--it comes with understanding.All people need more understanding. Likewise gay rights campaigners also need to understand why some people consider certain aspects of their relationship to be wrong-. Any person has and should have the right to maintain their own moral code and ensure that their children are also brought up level headed. Together with that education is necessary to teach that people may be different to them but requires their love and respect--whatever the difference maybe. But that should not be at the expense of naturalising something that is not nature ordained.

Its a new moon today.

Can anyone put into industry funds? Or is it limited to employees or such?