Well,on this cold and blustery day we are celebrating the 7th anniversary since we arrived in Adelaide biggrin.gif
It seems a lifetime and we have done so much.
We came on a permanent residency business visa, very unsure as to what we were really going to do for a living -BUT very prepared to give it a go!
All we asked for was an opportunity to earn a living and to live safely.
We came with open minds and a sense of humor.
Those attributes are still with us.
We are now involved in 3 businesses we never dream t we would be in.We were given the opportunity, took the risks and it paid off.
Perhaps our circumstances were a little different to some coming over now.Funny how the harder we worked the "luckier" we became.One of my motto's is "Luck is when the paths of opportunity and preparation cross"We have had the chance to not only have an adventure but also to change our lives and learn new skills and have new experiences.
The "Tall poppy" attitude is here in Oz as well but not as bad any any means,we suffered from it in the UK.The worst offenders are Poms I'm afraid,please leave some of those attitudes as you pass through customs!
I love the relaxed atmosphere here, I've always been accepted here for who I am - no matter how scruff I'm dressed.
One classic example is that we have an olive grove,I've had to learn from scratch how to run it, my only other previous experience with olives was on top of pizzas!!
We now ( I humbly say) produce some of South Australia's finest extra virgin olive oil and sell every drop we produce.We'll never get rich from it but the sense of achievement leaves me feeling like I'm a millionaire!
Australia is our HOME now, I actually disown the UK now.Not much there for all of our family after several trips back to see the changes. If ever we do become disenchanted with Adelaide there are plenty of areas in Australia to live, or even other countries if they would have us.
We became Citizens a few years ago.one of the proudest moments in our lives.We regarded it as an opportunity to put the final stamp on our journey here but also to say to Australia that we want to be part of things here.
Funnily enough the first few years were fairly easy for us,in later years we've had some tough and emotional times.Last year both Mrs Tyke's and my Mum passed away after long illness.Mrs Tyke and I spent long periods separated as we visited the UK to see them and eventually see them off.
Never in our darkest hours have we ever fully wanted to move back to the UK!
The life here is very different to the one we led in the UK.I guess that Australia has changed us a little but we still retain our character and work ethics.Two attributes that have gotten us through.We see life as a challenge, and opportunity to have new experiences and sometimes as a business opportunity.
Little Tyke has done well and is a full blown Aussie now,her accent can be quite hard to understand!She calls Australia home too,especially after a visit back to the UK.
Over the time we have made many,many friends.They are VERY important, especially as we have no family here. Some have fallen by the wayside ,gone and done their own thing or their lives have changed.I wish em' all well.
Some friends we have made though we have instantly clicked with and I'm sure will be with us for life. We value friendship enormously, especially those who take us for what we are,not what we can do for them or what we have (you know who you are)
Dislikes:
ANTS!!!! Bloody things are a nuisance!!. Very persistent and caused me to learn how to use a vacuum!
This is coming from someone who lives on 2.5 acres that gets all the bitey / poisonous beasties in the world here - we regularly see snakes in summer here.
THE SLOOOOOOWWWW WAY!!!!
Yup ,things can take their own sweet time here,sometimes I am running to a different clock to the rest of Australia.You just have to get stuck in and make things happen w- don't give up the work ethics you have brought with you.
Likes: Just about everything to be honest.
Mainly the chance to be allowed to settle here and make our way in life.We are adaptable and try and take things in our stride.
Well I've rambled long enough.
I might have written the odd thing that winds someone up in this forum - but go and talk to someone who cares.As is often mentioned, the truth should be told.Yup - we've done OK in life but worked our socks off at all sorts of weird times and taken hoooooge risks.
Last but not least - a hoooge big slobbery kiss to Mrs Tyke.You don't half put up with a lot from me :-)
I sincerely hope to all that they can enjoy the happiness we have enjoyed.Hopefully to continue!!!!!!!!!
Posted in quite a few of the forums I "haunt"
Congrats to Tykes More SA INFO Pleaseeee
