BrownEyedGal

Hi Ozblueskies I am thinking with a similar view to yourself about moving to Brisbane. I'm currently working casual as hospital admin and know that the skills are transferable. I think Brisbane may a different lifestyle to Sydney. I actually want to enjoy doing things, not feeling so tired that I spend my free time at home. Yes, I would definitely value some insight form our PIO members. BEGal

Love that Bobj Mr Adams reflections are certainly current and I found myself chuckling!! Although I don't carry a stick, I always have a can of flyspray at hand. But maybe a good stick would be better. BEGal

That is actually really interesting. I'm travelling back to the UK in a few weeks and usually suffer really bad jet lag. So the melatonin tip is great - I'll look out for some tablets. Yes, I use vaseline, Vicks vapour rub - put that all over, especially my chest and arms as well as a really good moisturiser or the nappy rash cream, Bepanthen. My skin gets so dry on these long haul trips. I do eat most of the onboard meals but leave the snacks and alcohol out. May have to cut back on those. I don't eat anything on the stop-over, just drink water and do lots of walking around. Unfortunately I don't get use of the airport lounges:(

Ooh seriously that's awesome news..congratulations on the dream job. I probably would have gone for Finnish as I know a tiny bit of Hungarian and apparently the languages are linked..but yay EU citizenship will be a great outcome! So how do you manage your jet-lag?

Oh no BadgerLady! I am seriously going to miss your daily writings. I am in awe and envy of how you manage to achieve all of this. I've been looking into buying camper vans and seeing what jobs can I do..unfortunately nothing seems to marry up at the moment. What's happening in Finland? Do you speak/know any Finnish? Will you come over to the UK for a visit? Questions, questions.. I really hope you keep us updated. BEGal

Yep. Its the most annoying thing. I agree, I usually get, 'where do you come from?' or 'I meant, where do your parents come from?' as well as the 'where do you live?' I find it amusing at times, so I generally give a vague answer or the weirdest and strange response just to mix it up a little. Personally I find a person more interesting if they don't ask those questions, as it means that they don't need to 'pin' you anywhere on their mental map and come up with a stereotype in my opinion. I guessing you have travelled a fair bit with your dad as being a practical nomad seems to suit you? BEGal

Hi BadgerLady What make of campervan do you have - reading your daily updates, I imagine its fairly robust? I'm enjoying reading your posts. BEGal

Thank you for the update McJim. I too am looking to move to Brissie in the future, so it's nice to see your outcome. Lets us know how you do in a few months time. Take care...BEGal

Can't say it enough..CHILDCARE..if you can get the relevant paperwork/certificates together, you can look into running a family day care OR offering pick up and collect services for working parents, taking children to extracurricular activities - there's so much there that parents would like some help with. This is something I do, as well as working in the industry. I just love it. You can do volunteer work as Pom Queen said, and start networking your relevant skills. There are so many things that we are time poor with that to find someone who can help you move or pack or look after your pets..any of those things that you think, if only I could - hence airtasker etc. Happy hunting..BEGal

Oh dear Emj, I'm sorry you feel this way. I feel you should try somewhere else. Although I have never lived in the Goldcoast area, I do know the heat and mozzies would drive me insane. Not knowing your line of work or your partner's - is there a chance you can transfer your role? Making Australian friends can be very difficult and for me even now I can't count any on one hand. However a majority of people I met and deal with everyday are nice and solid citizens. So far, I like where I am but recognise there are areas of Australian life I just don't get - I just put that in my 'too hard basket' and move on. Just from reading your post, I think you said it - that area is not for you, the country girl - try somewhere else. Get opinions from members on this site as to actual locations that may be more suitable and then make informed decisions. You can go home anytime and know you gave it your best shot. Wishing you the best.

Hi BadgerLady I'm really interested in your report. Its interesting your actions and the acceptance of a PO box too. How does that work for voting? I will look forward to your next report..BEGal

I originally made a decision to travel here for a holiday in 2004. I tried every which way to get over here but at that time the restrictions were too hard. I fell in love with Perth and had a great time there. A couple of Australian boyfriends and several years later, I am here. I enjoy it and the lifestyle. I do miss home, (UK & Europe) badly, but I try to go back every year for 6 weeks to 3 months, except for this year as I am going to NZ. I don't see myself going back anytime soon but I won't be buying property here, I can buy something small in the UK, much more affordable

Hi Stacey When are you here and where will you be staying? BEGal