writerbeth

Homewardbound588 et al make valid points. It isn't necessarily going to be a perfect life. But, from my experience, I guess I was lucky as I got a job and I commute to work on the ferry but also manage to go to the beach after I knock off. What's not to like? I realize there are the same problems here that there are anywhere but for me, a nicer climate that allows me to be outside more and the laid back attitude of people generally (I used to work in London! so that is definitely an improvement) make a huge difference. I guess I could have moved out of the city to somewhere like Bournemouth if I had stayed in the UK but a big city here plus the beach life seems to me to be the best of both worlds. Yes, take every gushing review (and yes, I realize this is one!) with a pinch of salt and keep an escape route open by all means but it never hurts to try something and if you keep an open mind, you just may enjoy it.

I might be slightly biased but you can't beat Sydney. Love it love it love it! From the beaches so close to the city to the Opera House and theaters if you're feeling slightly more cultural. There is nothing better than the walk from Spit Bridge on the North Shore ending in Manly. It follows the coast and by the time you get to Manly at the other end, it is an excellent excuse for a chilled glass of white or a splash in the ocean. Cycling in the Blue Mountains (mind you that is probably a bit hard core depending on the ages of your children!) or kayaking around Middle Harbour, or just a day on one of the gorgeous beaches all in a stone's throw. The restaurant's are 'mostly' child friendly and the food is really fresh - my fave ever is Sails at the end of McMahons Point with a view of the bridge and Opera House. Having said that, as an expat I can't praise Australia enough and enjoy every minute here. So I'm sure there will be others who equally praise Melbourne and I'm sure for good reason. Wherever you settle, I'm sure you'll enjoy it, just be aware that it isn't all perfect and idyllic but if you are willing to give it a fair go, you'll benefit from all it can offer you. I 'm new here so I don't know if this is OK to do but I wrote this about my expat life here - hope it's ok to link to it? http://writerbeth.hubpages.com/hub/My-ex-pat-experience-in-Australia Anyway, enjoy your holiday there to suss it out - it would probably pay you to try both Melbourne and somewhere in NSW like Sydney if you could manage it for a comparison. The more you see, the easier it wil be to make a decision, Thanks for listening to my slightly biased rant, Beth

Ooh blimey. As you are looking for a lifestyle change, then I think going before September is essential. If you have the same type of job as when you are in the UK, then the day to day life probably won't be all that different with the added incentive of down time being much better. It will be hard on your OH to start with if you are off working and she hasn't had chance to make friends but that will change as time goes on (I've found it so much easier to make friends here than in the UK. Maybe it is the better weather and the fact that everyone is outdoors more?). Once you are settled, then it may be easier to alter your job for one with more at home time, but unless you actually go, it is all an unknown quantity. I don't know anything about the industry I'm afraid so I can't help you there, but I know it is far better for me out here than drizzly Britain. Good luck with your decision,

Totally agree, the letter box outside gets me too. But apart from that, I used to miss Marmite but I am now a converted Vegemite lover! And Weetabix - Weetbix just isn't the same. Also, the dawn chorus - the birds are more beautiful here but they are a little raucous first thing! Having said all that, there are more things that I prefer here, the beach, the weather, the friendliness, barbies, the freshness of the food - think I should stop now or this could end up being the longest post in history.......