Maya
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lol just found this post and what a shame it must have gone on the forum about three weeks too late! we left Brissy on 15th June I think, heading back to UK, reluctantly taking our Aussie bought carseat as I didn't manage to sell it and we thought if we can take it back we might at least get some more use out of it in UK... I would have jumped at this if I knew! oh well... now I'm just looking around in case anybody leaving to Oz would be interested in taking with them Aussie approved car seat xxx
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I don't think you are asking too much and should not be ashamed to make it clearer that you expect something back for providing all that you provide to your visitors. I think whoever told you that 'no way, this is our holiday' is the one who should be ashamed. It's not like you are asking them to re-decorate your house while they are around or something big like that! One night out for you in return for a few weeks of being looked after is more then fair and frankly I don't quite understand how can they even open their mouth to say that!! We haven't had a chance to host anyone yet over here, but my in-laws are coming over in October for 4 weeks. I know it will be quite different from the visits while we were in UK, because of the length of time they will stay, but I know I won't have to worry much as they have always been helping with anything even when they were visiting us for a long weekend in UK. From tiding up the garden to helping with washing up. And also, when our daughter was only few months old, my husband needed to attend important work 'do' where it would show him in unfavourable light if he didn't come or came unaccompanied. As we didn't feel confident with paid babysitter for such a small baby, they came over to do the babysitting for us even though they lived over 5hrs drive away. Precisely because it's your family they should be the first to offer helping hand while they are over because you are not holiday hotel and as much as you might enjoy them to come over, they should never take for granted what you do for them. If they wanted holiday where everything will be done just for them without expecting anything in return (well, except for a cheque maybe!), they can go to Spain or Greece! Oh and if they don't eat what you eat, I'm sure they can cook it themselves or go out and buy it, but not expect you to be cooking two different meals just because they are gracing you with their presence!!! Good luck, strong nerves and as it has been said already... lay the ground rules before they come out so that they know what to expect and send it over with the prices of the hotels, restaurants, car hires, tour operators and anything else they might think of using on their 'holidays' and then either they will be more grateful for what they are getting from you or they can sort it out at their own expense!
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<p>Part 4</p>
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<p>Do keep in touch and let me know when you are going to come. One of our cousins is incredibly gifted at helping people find, furnish and equip a new home, and just loves helping them to find out about the area. In fact, she may end up doing that professionally.</p>
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<p>Rambling. Sorry.</p>
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<p>So, I know we are older etc, but I am sure we could be some help to you as you arrive and settle. Happy to do that. But I promise we won't be "in your face" and annoying about it.</p>
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<p>All the best</p>
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<p>Annette</p>
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<p>Part 3</p>
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<p>Not sure how much help that has been. Get in touch if you want more info.</p>
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<p>email: <a href="mailto:" rel="">annette@felixfamily.org</a> will probably get a swifter response as I tend to do most of my browing on my iphone now!</p>
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<p>We are:</p>
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<p>Me, 54, ex-nurse, now a disability support worker. </p>
<p>Steve, 46, IT professional, currently on contract with NRG, the power station, and loving it.</p>
<p>Ben, 13, at high school and loving that.</p>
<p>Buddy, 5, Cocker Spaniel, generally just happy to be with us. Not too keen on the heat but puts up with it.</p>
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<p>We are not really party people, and enjoy just having friends and family round for food and drinks (I think everyone drinks more up here!), and going out for meals etc. Would hardly ever go out to dances or even dress up for the races, to be honest. But we do enjoy seeing the local sights, taking our very much less-than-beach-perfect-bodies to the beach or local pools, and going to the local shows (think country shows, here!!)</p>
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<p>Part 2</p>
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<p>The hospitals (the "base" hospital and the private Mater hospital) are just chronically under resourced. Many specialities are just not available here and we have to travel to Rockhampton (about an hours drive) or Brisbane for specialist treatment. Some friends of mine have had to have mastectomies in Brisbane (one of them today) and will be able to have some follow-up treatment here but one of then. for instance, had to stay in Brisbane for 6 weeks for her radiotherapy. She had to send her children to live with friends and organise everything before she went etc.</p>
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<p>I am very happy to tell you about areas in which to rent. The older parts of town are generally less desirable. Clinton would be one, but very close to Clinton is a very nice, new area. Basically there are just small pockets of not so good areas. We were very happy in New Auckland (but again, there are some streets, I would avoid!) and have just moved to Telina which is considered a nice suburb.</p>
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<p>Hi Maya</p>
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<p>My message is too long, so I am sending it bit by bit.</p>
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<p>This is Part 1</p>
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<p>Great to hear from you. What work does your OH do? I guess he is coming to one of the big industries here?</p>
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<p>I LOVE Gladstone. I really feel we are meant to be here. It helps that we have family here, for sure. And we joined a church where we have made loads of friends etc, but even without that, most of the locals are very friendly. I think it helps that we aren't a major immigration destination (and that might be why I try not to sell Gladstone too much on the forum!!) lol</p>
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<p>It isn't the prettiest area as the industry does dominate, but the plus side is that the industries also provide a great deal for the city, as a sort of "sweetener". Some of the best parks were "made" by industry and maintained by them. They even clean the barbecues each day!!!</p>
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<p>Hello!!</p>
<p>I've seen your messges on the forum about Gladstone.. we are currently in Brisbane but will be moving to Gladstone soon. We might or might not have an option to find the house to rent to be then paid by my hubby's project so I wanted some insider info on where is good and where isn't good to rent. The guide max figure for rent per week is $550 so we should be able to pick something nice, just not sure how much time we will have to see the properties and locations.. or we might be just given something by the project. </p>
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<p>We have a 13months old daughter Libby and English pointer Miles who is still in Sydney in quarantine. We are planning to get a car for me, so hopefully being central for everything is not a priority. </p>
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<p>Also, you've mentioned that the hospital doesn't have a good record.. why is that? Is it because of the lack of services they provide or some issues?</p>
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<p>Would be great to get some local advice, although your past posts have been a great help already!</p>
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<p>Thanks Maya</p>
