whoiam

Thats the soundest piece of advice I've heard in a long time Tink.

Paul your post brought tears to my eyes. I really do hope that you find love and joy in your present and future. From your words it's quite clear that Oz has never been home. Home is where the heart heals. All the very best to you.

Sydney Sheldon, Robert Ludlum for his fast pace, Jeffrey Archer , Ayn Rand etc. Having said that its been a while since I've been involved in avctive reading. Certain members of my family are the antithesis to reading.

Thanks to Northshorepom, I made it a point to be in Darling Harbour this evening. Actually just returned from there. The night is quite sultry but the fireworks were awesome. It was a sight to behold-- when it started of people and kids running from all over toward the direction of the sound and light show. My Lil son was practically running toward it with me in tow-- and it was his first time ever to hear and see fireworks. After it all we lay on the park benches. I was just thinking, coming out of Britain kind of unshackled you from the weather and its limitations. Can't imagine lying on a park bench in the late evening, without wrapping up.

Lol!:cute:

Yep Paddys is the one at Haymarket. Short walk from where we are at the mo.

It's also 'quite' hot and humid today - I forgot to mention. Virtually had to drag DS along.

Just back from Paddys Market. Spent the morning at the Fish Market too. Really impressed by the variety and quality of fish and seafood. I love fish! Parking costs just 3 dollars for an hour which is more than enough time. Our entire sea food purchases today came to 130 dollars so I'm going to see how long it's going to last us. Our freezer is full so let's see. Bought some lovely mangoes from Paddys as well as a few veg and odd bits. Made for a nice Saturday morning. Finished off with some Japanese food from above the market hall. Sydneysiders are quite lucky to have such fresh produce at their doorstep! Btw any fishermen out here who knows which season you get catfish with eggs? Or are they put back if they have eggs?

I put on 4 kgs over the last couple of months? I think it's all that fast food that I've been having on the go as well as being entertained by friends prior to our departure.

Its past one month since we landed. Been out for a couple of weeks in between but all is good. Customs Main points to note for new immigrants--for those of you(like me) who watch border control and are scared stiff of customs my advice is--chillax! They are not too bad. We had tons of meds and food with us--declared them all on the slip we were given from Singapore airport. At customs they asked us to put some of our bags which were piled high down at ground level for their dogs to take a sniff. Guess if there is no animal matter you should get through. They also orally confirmed that the meds were for personal use--they didnt ask for any prescriptions etc. The second time I came through it was from India and again done the same--declared everything. This time they opened the box, cursory look--I even had pickle in it. They said nothing. So the bottom line is--Declare if in doubt. Any fresh fruit or stuff like that they are not keen on--even if its stuff from the plane. At the end of the day they are doing their job and it is our duty not to bring in stuff that would endanger the environment in which we are planning to live in. People Sydney, esp central sydney is very multicultural. If we just consider Oz to be an asian country then that would be a good starting point for would be migrants. Yes Australia has a western democracy. But in cities, esp like Sydney the very fabric has a multicultural identity--more so asian. This influence is enriching and neutral. Nothing to worry about and a lot to enjoy and take from. There are again parts of Sydney and certain cultures or behavioural practices that might remind one of parts of London or Birmingham--basically take care of yourself and your possessions as you would do anywhere. Bulk of the people you meet are just normal everyday people. The grumpy lot, the cheerful lot, the helpful lot and so on. Much less put on pleasantness compared to the UK--may be good and bad. Be yourself, and try and get to know people. You might find more people come over and try to get to know you--be they neighbours, co workers etc--they are assessing you as you are them! You will find some that you want in your life and some that you wouldnt mind keeping a healthy distance from. Always keep an open mind. Nature/Landscape The farthest Ive been from Sydney in the past month is Bathurst. Sydney city is beautiful--its tall buildings adding glamour to the lovely beaches. Bondi reminded me of Scarborough but on a much smaller scale. All that Scarbourough lacks is the temperature for it to be ten times a greater place than Bondi. The blue skies are uplifting. As it gets hotter we often have some rains to cool things down. When it rains its not a British rain but a very asian rain--reminds me of South Indian rains--nice big dollops with a bit of thunder. As you drive out of Sydney into the Blue mountains the surrounds are more scraggly and patchy green compared to the lushness of Britain. For some reason or another long drives here dont seem to agree with me. I feel hot and nauseous(even with aircon). But that might be just me. Whereas never felt the same in England. So all in all new migrants to this beautiful land please remember Australia is Australia, more Asian in landscape and weather than European; quite multicultural which I find good, and has breathtakingly blue skies to assuage years of grey sky syndrome. Thats all for now. Shall post some pics when i get time.

Weve rented a longer term place in one of the suburbs, but still going to be in DH this saturday--going to keep an eye out for the fireworks--thanks for the heads up.

As some of you might know we've just moved to Sydney.Last couple of months have been nightmarishly busy so hardly been on PIO. Been living in the CBD near Darling harbour for the past few weeks. On the evening of our first day here we ventured out half dazed to get some grub. First woolies shop and Hungry Jacks to the rescue - back we were in our little Apartment. What surprised me in our lil night walkabout was that I hadn't heard even a single person speak English on the streets! And surprised by the almost rarity of Anglo-Saxons. Yes, over the next few days, as we ventured out more along York street etc there were suited and booted Anglo-Saxons about--but far fewer than I would have imagined. Is this simply my perception or is central Sydney a very Asian area? I've absolutely loved the variety of food---one can never get bored. We had a Thai burger for breakfast one day---succulent pork in steamed rice buns!--Awesome! Sorting things seem to take longer than desired. Now we've secured a rental and yet to sort out broadband so still on vodafones portable offering. Each morning its a luckydip to see if we still have internet or not--awful customer service--well they are polite but nothing gets sorted. Looking at going with TPG for broadband internet -give me a shout if u have an opinion on it. Weathers been good so far. Yesterday was sweltering but todays rains have cooled things down. Finally admission for kids have come through--7min walk so thats good--not that I think many Australians walk or are that bothered about the environment as in the UK. Anyway--lifes good. Lets see what tomorrow brings. Not yet convinced that this is paradise--but it will do for now.

We've taken Vodafone mobile wifi. In itself it's ok. But renewing/ loading it online has become a nightmare with it becoming a daily ritual for OH to spend 30-45 min every day on the phone with customer service. No one knows how to SORT a problem!

Getting a bit numerous for me--good storyline--- but I doubt if those who haven't seen the initial one can really get it.

If you have a reasonably good job lined up, have a job offer or something, then about 10K in the bank would do. Basically make a good impression on the agent and landlord.

Hi Norah, The tax is very much the same whether you are on a 457 or PR. If your husband is working in a hospital then he may be able to enquire about salary packaging which could help you save a few quid. School fees are the main difference --- 457 pays fees, PR does not--esp in state schools. As to when u can apply for PR I guess it depends on which one you want to go for and if your husbands employer will sponsor or not. Cheers and have a great time.

Sorry for the delay in reply bonza--havent been regular on the net. My Oh was initially supposed to be self contracting--but for one employer. So they needed a formal contract of 'employment' rather than the initial contract that he had.

Hi to all the financial pundits out there ! Any recommendations for a good super fund with low fees? Anyone using Caresuper? Just looking for personal recommendations or personal choices as I'm finding it difficult to make up my mind

Congrats! Wishing you all the best.

If she is a savvy 16 yr old who has done a few journeys then I would not hesitate in sending her alone. Depending on the airline and stopovers you could go through the transit arrangements with her and familiarise herself online with the airports. If its her first trip or so maybe unaccompanied. I recently sent my 8 and 7 yr olds unaccompanied on emirates on a trip that involved a stopover at dubai. It was a dream. No probs.

Hi Salma, Just read your post. Hope your hubby is feeling better. Its easy to get carried away with work. I hope he is able to work less and be more stress free. Feel free to pm or chat whenever. Its tough in these situations when our natural support network seems 1000's of miles away. But just remember, you are tougher than you think--and will do well,.:cute::hug:.

I dont know the rights and the wrongs of it but I feel it can be seen across communities and nationalities and not just Brits. Helps some feel more comfortable especially if its the first time one is out of your native country. Common things to talk about --that sort of thing. Our priorities have always been commutability, public transport and schools. And of course getting a nice house for a reasonable rent! I just calculated that if we went for a home just $100 higher in rent per week -- that would be $5200 per year more. That is equal to having a wage of about 10K more before tax! (if you are a higher rate tax payer). Guess these are more serious considerations than what nationality my neighbors are!

Direct entry DRc application of 121 lodged on the 27th of July. Acknowledgement in early Sept I think. We know we have a CO as he has asked for an amended contract. No idea how much longer.