ramot

Amazing rainbow today

I’ll add in dreadful reality participants who are considered ‘stars’ with little or no talent.

Not looking for problems, just pointing out some of the realities, as possibly one of the very few posters who has actually experienced living between 2 countries for over 30 years, Makes sense to me, to listen, and then weigh up the advice that has been given to help you in your decision.

That is the only reason we have gone back almost every year, for the past 21 years, because we have a son and grandsons there. We wouldn’t bother otherwise, too busy enjoying retirement here. We tried playing at a couple of bridge clubs when there, as visitors are very welcome here. weren’t made to feel welcome, no one spoke to us, no welcome mention before play, even told on one occasion that our bidding, Standard American, wasn’t compatible with their play. We didn’t go back, to either. just seemed a different attitude to ‘outsiders’. Sorry seem to failed to attach to Marisa’s post

Originally we had seriously considered living 6 months in each country when my husband retired, 21 years ago, but as some posters know, I had spent 10 years living partially in Brunei with husband due to his job, and in UK supporting our 3 children aged 13-21 who stayed there for their education. When the time came to retire I realised I needed to call somewhere ‘Home’, I had spent 10 years constantly readjusting to life in each place as I travelled between the 2 places fairly frequently. We also analysed the reality of the cost involved in having a place in each country, this wasn’t a problem when working as expatriates we had accommodation provided, and kept a UK home to go back to. We certainly didn’t want the cost and insurance problems of keeping a house empty for 6 months in 2 different countries, furnishing 2 properties, or the hassle of renting out for only 6 months at a time, constantly giving notice and re renting. We kept a property in London that is permanently rented out, we were only on a long term temporary visa here then, and bought a house that we love here, and until COVID went to UK for just under 3 months a year, as we have a son and grandsons there. It’s not a cheap option, if you include either buying 2 properties, or renting somewhere to live, renting a car?, air fares, possible trips to the continent? We made the right decision for us, we went back for only 6 weeks last visit, and I don’t think we want to make the journey back again unless there is a very pressing reason, as Australia is home, and now at our age, really don’t enjoy the journey.

My comments are based on our 2 weeks holiday in the south west region which we thoroughly enjoyed and I stress not in any way a real example of living there, only observations. I wasn’t used to such different temperatures almost it felt day to day, 42’ one day, very very hot and dry, still 38’ at 5pm, the next day 22’ at 5pm. Most days anything from 22’-28’?, found the evenings chilly, but I come from QLD! My overall impression was how empty it felt, at times we it seemed we had hardly passed a car on the road, driving around, even though plenty of tourists visiting from lots of different countries.. Again very different to the Sunshine Coast also a tourist destination. More foreign workers in hospitality than here. Everyone we came across was very friendly, plenty of ‘older generation volunteers’ at tourist attractions. Lots of March flies and very irritating small flies around. I through my own fault, had a health panic, phoned Margaret River Hospital at 3am and had good advice from a nurse, but didn’t speak to a Dr, was connected to the excellent statewide poisons hot line. Since coming home, even though my husband and I think we are fairly healthy for our age? We both have health specialists appointments this week, so access to medical facilities is an important consideration when retiring. Our friends of a similar age live in Mandurah and love it, and as suggested above, spend a few days further south occasionally, but have also gone to the Cairns area for several months in winter, for years. We took a big chance when we retired and moved to Australia, and have never regretted it, but had visited Brisbane and area many times, so had a fairly good idea of climate etc.

Thank you all for your recommendations, we thoroughly enjoyed the trip, with possibly not quite so much, the day the temperature hit 42’! We went to most of the suggested places, The Elephant Beach cafe, Anzac Centre, Busselton Jetty, the Chocolate Factory, Fasse Felix winery, The Voyager, but really liked the Windows Winery, the only winery my husband bought any wine from. Jewel Cave, fabulous inside, the stunning Tree top Walk, and an Eco Boat trip. Vasse Virgin beautiful olive oil skin care. I’ve tried unsuccessfully to upload some photos, not sure why it isn’t working .

Stayed in Riverglen Chalets, now in Bunker Bay till we fly home, great time catching up with long term friends here.

I think I’m fine, that sounds daft I know, but heart rate has been a bit up and down, much more than usual , 124 down to 47, but I reckon I’m ok, and perhaps just a bit stressed. Will set an alarm in future when I’m away and out of routine.

Sorry to hear that, take care and get better soon xM

I woke up at 2am and I absolutely couldn’t remember if I had taken my heart meds? I’m away in WA, so whereas at home I have a system to remind me, nothing in place here. I decided to take them, about 2.30 The worry kicked in an hour later as I am on digoxin, googled and decided I could be in trouble. Phoned Margaret River hospital spoke to nurse, who took details and gave good advice, including put me through to the poisons hot line, very impressed, told what to look out for, medication advice etc for next 24 hours. When wide awake realised I should have done all the above before taking (2nd dose?) 5am now feeling ok, so fingers crossed that for the first time ever I had forgotten to take my meds and that I haven’t double dosed.

I just checked and our river river cruise was was 2017, scary as I really didn’t think it was so long ago.

Absolutely no one was too elderly or infirm on the cruise I went on, yes an older demographic, probably from their 40’s plus, but it certainly didn’t feel like geriatrics anomalous.

We went from Budapest to Amsterdam, some of the stops were shorter than others, but there wasn’t a lot to do in them so the length was fine. Some we just wandered on our own, other places with more of interest were organised with a guide, plus plenty of time to explore on your own as well. I would describe the trip as a gentle cruise, lovely scenery and interesting places to visit, some extra entertainment arranged on shore in lovely surroundings. The downside is the reality that your cruise is one of dozens, all following each other, and lining up to moor, during the day. Then at night your boat is often moored 3 deep, you could almost shake hands from your room, with the boat next to you, and you either go through another boat to go ashore, or they go through yours. Both were a major reason why we wouldn’t go on another river cruise.

I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your friends. To the best of my knowledge no one I know has died from the effects of COVID, and had that happened I might feel the same as you. One of my son's friends in NZ is the only person I know of who has had a life changing reaction, supposedly, from the vaccine. My husband had no reaction to the astrazenica, but had a short reaction to the Pfizer booster, neither of us have had the next booster yet and not sure we will.