buckydee

Thanks for clearning that up, GeorgeD. I'm not sure when we'd be going back again, but it wouldn't be within another year so prob best to just keep hunting for the cheapest return here! Thanks!

Unfortunately, it does have to be in July as it's my sister's wedding! I can't say how grateful I am for all the responses on this matter. I've checked out Malaysia Airlines and they are coming up cheapest at the moment, going to look at Qatar and BA now!

Thanks for all your responses again, everyone - very much appreciated! This idea of buying the return in the UK intrigues me - Diane, you said it's not possible if you're starting the first leg of a return journey in Australia, but would it be possible to buy a single ticket to the UK from Australia and then buy a single back using a UK credit card? I have one that is registered to my OH's dad's address so wouldn't be a problem, I don't think...?

Hi, We're looking to head back to the UK for two weeks at the end of June/beginning of July and have been looking at flights for about 3 months now. So far, I've been unable to find anything under $2000, other than China Southern (which doesn't have the greatest reviews and was $1800 so not much cheaper!). Being as it is such a long flight, we've been looking mainly at Cathay Pacific and Emirates as we flew with them on the way out here and found them to be good. I also don't want to spend more than a couple of hours in Hong Kong or Dubai, or wherever. Does this consign me to having to pay through the nose? I keep reading other people saying they've got flights for $1300, yet everytime I check flights, they just seem to be creeping up in price! Getting stressed out now as it's going to wipe us out if we have to pay that much! I've posted about this before and the general advice was to just keep checking and that there's no best time to book, but any other advice or tips would be gratefully received! Thanks!

Thanks very much everyone! I'll check out those airlines and hope for the best!

Hi, I'm returning to the UK in July for a week or so and was wondering when the best time to book is for the best deals? At the moment, the cheapest I've found with Emirates is $2000. I'm open to other airlines - just enquired with Emirates because we had such a good experience with them coming over. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks...

Totally normal, Stacyamy! We've been here 5weeks now and during the run up, I just felt numb, not excited or nervous. Wasn't til I got here that the turmoil set in. Never been on such an emotional rollercoaster! One minute felt fine, next minute got an intense wave of homesickness so bad I felt nauseous, then it was gone again. All i wanted to do was go home. I found all my old insecurities came back about meeting people, etc, because you're not just starting a new job, you're starting a new life and have to start from scratch with everything. I never was much of a patriot, but since being here, I've been so nostalgic about the UK and genuinely proud of my heritage! That said, the melodrama has thankfully subsided and I've turned a corner literally this week. Obviously, everyone's different and you reasons for coming here will obviously influence how you react to the experience. My life was good back home so I wasn't running away from anything and only had good memories of the UK. We really just came over for jobs and the experience. i would definitely recommend spending your Christmas with family and basically just make the most of the time you have! You will be thankful for the great memories you will make! good luck and embrace the experience, good and bad - it's what life is about!

Hey, thanks for your message! We've never been to a motorcycle racing event before, but could be fun! How much is it? Cheers!

Hi All, Posted on here earlier in the year when we were still looking into emigration and found it really helpful! So I have returned to post again after having been here for just over a month now! Managed to get a sponsored job providing a 457 visa for myself and my boyfriend along with temporary accommodation. They also paid for our flights and shipping which was amazing - we never could have done it without it as we have no savings. Anyway, just moved into a villa in Nollamara - apparently not the nicest area, but it's quiet and the house is pretty big and very modern (very echoey and feels a bit like we're squatting as our stuff from the UK hasn't arrived yet!) Job's going well, although there's quite a lot of Brits and, suprisingly, most of the people in my office aren't from Australia, and my boyfriend's just, finally, landed a locksmith job so after a tumultuous first month, things are looking up! Anyway, we're keen to meet people outside of work and really just wanted to see if there were any other people in the Nollamara area or anywhere else really who would like to meet up with some fellow poms? We're not big clubbers, but like live music, evenings in the pub, or dinner and drinks at home. We're also into cycling, walking, camping and movies. Cheers!

Thanks a lot, Sadiesmum. I'll get in touch with my local branch. We got our elder cat from the RSPCA and whilst he was well cared for there, it was run like a bit of a conveyor belt where cats were just sent out of the door as quickly as possible. Hopefully, the CPL would be more picky over who they rehome cats with to make sure they are responsible and suitable. Just had a look on my local branch's website and they already have two cats there that are looking to be rehomed due to their owners going to Oz - so sad and makes me feel so guilty about our two! It's a last resort option and hopefully we can find a home for them with someone we know...

Been looking through the forum for similar threads as I am going through a similar predicament. Two beautiful long hair cats, had one for four years and other for one year, both from shelters. Just decided about 6 months ago to try Oz and was convinced we'd be able to take them. Got offered a job a few weeks ago and the reality of what's involved in taking them with us has blindsided me. Eventually, my vet convinced me to reconsider taking them - made me realise what I knew all along, i.e. the stress of the journey (eldest cries and wees when we take him ten mins up the road to the vet), the heat, the poisonous wildlife and the fact that they'd have to be in quarantine for 4 months (late rabies jabs). Other posters are right saying that cats are different to dogs and will settle with whoever feeds em. It's only my emotional attachment to them that is causing me pain and anguish. I spent two days crying, but have come to terms with rehoming them. Only problem now is that I am really struggling to find a home for them. Everyone I know either lives in a flat or has cats already or babies, or just isn't up for it. Really don't want to put them back in a shelter Has anyone got any suggestions or helpful advice as to going about finding a loving home for them?

Hi dundeeboi82, Thanks for your response. This is a nightmare situ and I guess I better get them vaccinated and start pleading with family/friends asap! ...urgh

This news has really freaked me out. We are looking to move to Perth at the beginning of September and have two cats that we want to bring with us. I understand all imported cats have to be vaccinated against rabies and must be tested 4 weeks after vaccination by a Government Approved Veterinarian at a Government Approved Lab and then the process approved by an Official Government Veterinarian. I also understand that the vaccination must happen at least 60 days before export and that they cannot leave quarantine in Australia until at least 180 days have passed since the rabies test, whic means they would be in quarantine for 120 days. Having been in limbo waiting for a job offer, I had been loathe to research (stupid, I know) and when I last checked, it just said about a min of a month in quarantine. If I get my two vaccinated tomorrow, I will still have to pay for them to be in quarantine for 4 months once wee're over there, which I cannot afford. Other than trying to find someone to look after them for 3 months after we leave and getting them to send them (which is a big ask), is there anyway round this? Thanks in advance!