Spend spend spend....
Well we collected the keys to the house today, after a quick trip to the bank (and I have to say the banking staff here are so friendly and chat away to you) we went to the real estate agents and sign the contract and collected the keys.
We then went to the house and did a load of measuring and thinking a bit what we need and how to lay it all out. Its all good fun this bit!
Whilst we were there I finally got the call from the boss of the festival I had applied for a job at, alas I didn't get it, had hired some woman with more Australia HR experience than I, ah well. He did say he wanted me involved in the festival somehow but on a smaller scale, I think I'll charge him lots for privilege!
Anyway off to the shops we went to hit the last day of the sales, I'm quite proud of myself for driving hard bargains, got lots of $$$$ off the big ticket items, manage dot get a full size fridge/freezer and 42 inch plasma telly for just over a grand sterling...result!
We've also picked up a 2 seater sofa for the kitchen area, we didn't see any lounge furniture we liked yet.
Got our eyes on some bedroom stuff but that's on sale until 12th July so hanging back.
We are both knackered tonight so having an early one. Tomorrow is lots of car/contents insurance, driving licence, internet, phone stuff to be sorted.
When the broadband speed picks up here on July 2nd we'll go full out on job searching/applications.
and finally for Dean, its a 2005 Silver Holden Astra estate, 1.8 automatic, pretty good condition, has all the usual stuff, cd/aircon etc and I think you can plug in Ipod. It will be filled with IKEA stuff at weekend!
Finally keeping an eye on Wimbledon, looks lovely in London...
Tuesday 30 June 2009
Monday 29 June 2009
Day Seventeen
Monday...
Although not at work at moment the days seem to fly by, before we know it it's dinner time again. We got up early and drove out west to the car city at Minchinbury. We thought we had found a decent car but the bloke on the car lot was so dis-interested we walked away.
Anyway Kate knew there was a large Holden (aussie equivalent to vauxhall) nearby so we swung by there. To cut a long story short we found 3 Astras for sale and there was a really nice sales guy, not pushy and genuinely friendly. Upshot is we bought ourselves a 2005 Astra hatchback (silver for the girls who may be interested and no sporty petrol cap for the Symbian readers among you). I'll add a pic here tomorrow if I can get it off the phone (no PC suite screwing up this laptop, I'll have to find SD card adaptor tomorrow)
We put a deposit down and collect it Friday when our money comes across from blighty.
We came back via Chatswood where we picked up some cool glasses for the new house.
We also collect the keys for the house tomorrow instead of Wednesday, the landlord clearly is doing some kind of tax dodge on last day of financial year, but my instinct says its all above board but will read contracts carefully etc before they get our wonger.
As I say the days fly by and I find myself at bedtime writing this, so that's all folks, I'm off to sleep.
Although not at work at moment the days seem to fly by, before we know it it's dinner time again. We got up early and drove out west to the car city at Minchinbury. We thought we had found a decent car but the bloke on the car lot was so dis-interested we walked away.
Anyway Kate knew there was a large Holden (aussie equivalent to vauxhall) nearby so we swung by there. To cut a long story short we found 3 Astras for sale and there was a really nice sales guy, not pushy and genuinely friendly. Upshot is we bought ourselves a 2005 Astra hatchback (silver for the girls who may be interested and no sporty petrol cap for the Symbian readers among you). I'll add a pic here tomorrow if I can get it off the phone (no PC suite screwing up this laptop, I'll have to find SD card adaptor tomorrow)
We put a deposit down and collect it Friday when our money comes across from blighty.
We came back via Chatswood where we picked up some cool glasses for the new house.
We also collect the keys for the house tomorrow instead of Wednesday, the landlord clearly is doing some kind of tax dodge on last day of financial year, but my instinct says its all above board but will read contracts carefully etc before they get our wonger.
As I say the days fly by and I find myself at bedtime writing this, so that's all folks, I'm off to sleep.
Sunday 28 June 2009
Day Sixteen
Sunday Sunday....
Not much to report today, we went out and looked at a number of car dealerships, saw a number of good cars but I think we will have to spend a bit more than we planned. Second hand cars are expensive, for example we were looking at a Peugeot 307 from 2003 and that was going to cost 7000 Sterling (I've just noticed there's no pound symbol on this aussie keyboard!). In blighty you could get one new for that.
I've researched a bit more and we will visit one of the 'car supermarkets' in the morning and see if we can get a better bargain, but it maybe we have to spend a few more thousand than originally planned.\\Next few days will be lots of spending in last few days of sales for stuff for house, we effectively need everything!
The rest of day has been a brief bit of food shopping for dinner, then had a call with Hazel and Peter, its good to hear them both sound a lot more cheery, and I'm envious of the sun...still our time will come ;-).
Also had a good call with folks, again all sounding good.
Watched some telly, written this and then I'm off to bed, I'm determined to get up and out earlier in the next few days!
Ooo one last highlight (and I sound sad) you can get UK Sky News on the Aussie Sky news active service...another little piece of 'home'.
Not much to report today, we went out and looked at a number of car dealerships, saw a number of good cars but I think we will have to spend a bit more than we planned. Second hand cars are expensive, for example we were looking at a Peugeot 307 from 2003 and that was going to cost 7000 Sterling (I've just noticed there's no pound symbol on this aussie keyboard!). In blighty you could get one new for that.
I've researched a bit more and we will visit one of the 'car supermarkets' in the morning and see if we can get a better bargain, but it maybe we have to spend a few more thousand than originally planned.\\Next few days will be lots of spending in last few days of sales for stuff for house, we effectively need everything!
The rest of day has been a brief bit of food shopping for dinner, then had a call with Hazel and Peter, its good to hear them both sound a lot more cheery, and I'm envious of the sun...still our time will come ;-).
Also had a good call with folks, again all sounding good.
Watched some telly, written this and then I'm off to bed, I'm determined to get up and out earlier in the next few days!
Ooo one last highlight (and I sound sad) you can get UK Sky News on the Aussie Sky news active service...another little piece of 'home'.
Saturday 27 June 2009
Day Fifteen
A fairly laid back day today so not much to report. Spoke to real estate agent and organised taking possession of house on Wednesday morning. have to pay 3 months up front but at least its out of the way for the first three months.
Here are pictures of the place....
Here are pictures of the place....
Did a bit of shopping, bought myself a satnav, will help getting around when we buy a car and has a cool lane feature telling you which lane to be in, Sydney is one big monster one way system with streets 4-5 lanes wide, plus across the harbour bridge is 8 lanes and it spits into many different lanes for different part of city and Northshore at other end.
Looked at prices for appliances and furniture, think we will go bargain hunting on Tuesday on last day of sales.
Had a lovely homecooked dinner at home, and we nipped to offy before hand and picked up some booze to have a drink in this evening
Tomorrow is looking around for cars!
That's about it, will speak to family on oovoo tomorrow, looking forward to it.
Friday 26 June 2009
Day Fourteen
The day Jacko died, although a bit of a freak in later years he did knock out some good tunes in his day! Anyway enough about him more about us....
Had a fairly good day. We were approved on our rental property, we plan to sign our lease on Wednesday the 1st and gradually move ourselves in as we get essentials like bed/fridge etc. We have the fun of buying loads of new things, all very exciting. Not that exciting but we were looking at monster fridges today, will be investing in a good one.
The Australian financial year ends at the end of June, as such everyone is having mid year/end of year sales, plus you can negotiate in the department stores, happy days. We plan to go in with a wedge of cash and say to them we want to buy lots of items with cash and as such expect significant discounts. I also get to buy a new plasma telly ;-).
It feels like things are moving along and falling into place to help us settle.
This afternoon I visited the Oxfam team in town, I had mailed them a month or two ago telling I was coming over and volunteering to assist on their Trailwalker event (see link in post yesterday). It went really well, seem a great team and appreciative I can bring some of my festival event experience to help them out. I will be going in week after next to help, it will need to fit around job hunting etc, but it's good to be doing something.
I heard briefly from guy I had interview with, he wanted my mobile number but didn't call me back when I emailed it to him. I called him later in afternoon but he had gone, so that will have to wait until Monday now.
Not much else today, mainly watching news about Jacko, it was funny to be ahead on the news from UK folk, it was top story here long before you lot woke up. I did'nt feel it necessary to text anyone in UK to wake you up with news though hehehehe.
Weekend will be focused on finding a car to buy I think so we have transport for when we move. I'm sure we'll grab dinner out too, its been commented that we eat out a lot since we arrived, Idon't think its that many times but hey, this city has so many stunning restaurants, even the fast food/food courts in shopping centres are superb, a strong Asian influence to them. Anyway I'm sure some of the readers of this blog will be out to see us and sample it all in due course!
Had a fairly good day. We were approved on our rental property, we plan to sign our lease on Wednesday the 1st and gradually move ourselves in as we get essentials like bed/fridge etc. We have the fun of buying loads of new things, all very exciting. Not that exciting but we were looking at monster fridges today, will be investing in a good one.
The Australian financial year ends at the end of June, as such everyone is having mid year/end of year sales, plus you can negotiate in the department stores, happy days. We plan to go in with a wedge of cash and say to them we want to buy lots of items with cash and as such expect significant discounts. I also get to buy a new plasma telly ;-).
It feels like things are moving along and falling into place to help us settle.
This afternoon I visited the Oxfam team in town, I had mailed them a month or two ago telling I was coming over and volunteering to assist on their Trailwalker event (see link in post yesterday). It went really well, seem a great team and appreciative I can bring some of my festival event experience to help them out. I will be going in week after next to help, it will need to fit around job hunting etc, but it's good to be doing something.
I heard briefly from guy I had interview with, he wanted my mobile number but didn't call me back when I emailed it to him. I called him later in afternoon but he had gone, so that will have to wait until Monday now.
Not much else today, mainly watching news about Jacko, it was funny to be ahead on the news from UK folk, it was top story here long before you lot woke up. I did'nt feel it necessary to text anyone in UK to wake you up with news though hehehehe.
Weekend will be focused on finding a car to buy I think so we have transport for when we move. I'm sure we'll grab dinner out too, its been commented that we eat out a lot since we arrived, Idon't think its that many times but hey, this city has so many stunning restaurants, even the fast food/food courts in shopping centres are superb, a strong Asian influence to them. Anyway I'm sure some of the readers of this blog will be out to see us and sample it all in due course!
Thursday 25 June 2009
Day Thirteen
Thursday, where is the week going, almost 2 weeks here in Oz already. We got up a bit late as we had decided to take it easier today. I know we have no jobs etc but we feel like we've been running around quite a bit so wanted to take it a bit slower.
We went to the bank nearby and sorted out our final joint account and added all our tax file numbers, mobile numbers etc. We are good to go when we need to lay a deposit on house etc.
Still no news on our rental application, hopefully we'll hear tomorrow.
Had a lunch at home and spent much of afternoon sending emails to event management contacts and friends with contacts to try and start getting employment.
Still no news on my original job application, hopefully I'll hear tomorrow.
Had a great video call with folks, good to see them.
We cooked dinner for Bill and Carol and then we've had an easy evening. I've been catching up on Top Gear on the Slingbox at the folks, such a great programme!
Off to bed, tomorrow we'll check out stuff for house and in afternoon I have a meeting with Oxfam, I'll be volunteering to assist their Trailwalker Event in Sydney in August.
Info here
http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/
I'll let you all know how it goes tomorrow.
We went to the bank nearby and sorted out our final joint account and added all our tax file numbers, mobile numbers etc. We are good to go when we need to lay a deposit on house etc.
Still no news on our rental application, hopefully we'll hear tomorrow.
Had a lunch at home and spent much of afternoon sending emails to event management contacts and friends with contacts to try and start getting employment.
Still no news on my original job application, hopefully I'll hear tomorrow.
Had a great video call with folks, good to see them.
We cooked dinner for Bill and Carol and then we've had an easy evening. I've been catching up on Top Gear on the Slingbox at the folks, such a great programme!
Off to bed, tomorrow we'll check out stuff for house and in afternoon I have a meeting with Oxfam, I'll be volunteering to assist their Trailwalker Event in Sydney in August.
Info here
http://www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/
I'll let you all know how it goes tomorrow.
Wednesday 24 June 2009
Day Twelve
Today we put a holding deposit on a property in Glebe. I would have added a link here with the pics but alas the agent has pulled the property from their website. We think this is a good sign that we will be approved. Here in Oz it seems you put a holding deposit down while they pre approve you to rent it. We should know by the end of the week either way.
After that we grabbed lunch in Chatswood and sorted out mobile phones for ourselves. Ive texted out the number to people, if Ive missed you let me know and I'll pass it on. The UK number still works and will for the foreseeable future too.
We had dinner in Darling Harbour tonight here
http://www.imangussteakhouse.com.au
Then it was back here, blog writing and bed.
Sorry its a short post tonight!
After that we grabbed lunch in Chatswood and sorted out mobile phones for ourselves. Ive texted out the number to people, if Ive missed you let me know and I'll pass it on. The UK number still works and will for the foreseeable future too.
We had dinner in Darling Harbour tonight here
http://www.imangussteakhouse.com.au
Then it was back here, blog writing and bed.
Sorry its a short post tonight!
Tuesday 23 June 2009
Day Eleven
A shorter post this evening...
Sorted all our banking, now have access to cash and debit facilities....hooray.
We looked at a flat in Newtown this morning, it was an ideal location but after talking to Newtown friends last night, it seems building has a history and is a bit shodddy. The flat itself wasn't great and we both decided it wasn't for us.
We then called another agent about a flat we had liked on t'internet but that was gone. On off chance we asked what else they had and they organised for us to see a terrace house in Glebe. We went over there and really liked the place, so much so I think we will get it organised tomorrow. Once its signed sealed etc we'll stick some pics/links to it on here.
Its in this area
http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=UTF-8&q=maps+glebe+nsw&ie=UTF8&split=0&ei=a8pASr3eDtKYkQWXxa3sCA&ll=-33.877827,151.188698&spn=0.050238,0.076561&z=14
Its about a 15 minute walk to Darling Harbour which is great, plus we only have to sign up to a six month contract so if we decide we don't like it, we are not locked in for ever.
Still no word on job, will start fall back plan of other applications/casual work tomorrow I think.
Also need to call my friends at Oxfam Sydney as I volunteered to help them in the office and at their Trailwalker event.
Not much else to report. Eleven days in all is well, missing the folks back home, but equally it doesn't really feel like a holiday here, seeing the real Sydney rather than Opera House etc makes it feel more like a home I guess.
We still need to put our Ireland and leaving party pics on facebook, we will get round to it soon!
Sorted all our banking, now have access to cash and debit facilities....hooray.
We looked at a flat in Newtown this morning, it was an ideal location but after talking to Newtown friends last night, it seems building has a history and is a bit shodddy. The flat itself wasn't great and we both decided it wasn't for us.
We then called another agent about a flat we had liked on t'internet but that was gone. On off chance we asked what else they had and they organised for us to see a terrace house in Glebe. We went over there and really liked the place, so much so I think we will get it organised tomorrow. Once its signed sealed etc we'll stick some pics/links to it on here.
Its in this area
http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=UTF-8&q=maps+glebe+nsw&ie=UTF8&split=0&ei=a8pASr3eDtKYkQWXxa3sCA&ll=-33.877827,151.188698&spn=0.050238,0.076561&z=14
Its about a 15 minute walk to Darling Harbour which is great, plus we only have to sign up to a six month contract so if we decide we don't like it, we are not locked in for ever.
Still no word on job, will start fall back plan of other applications/casual work tomorrow I think.
Also need to call my friends at Oxfam Sydney as I volunteered to help them in the office and at their Trailwalker event.
Not much else to report. Eleven days in all is well, missing the folks back home, but equally it doesn't really feel like a holiday here, seeing the real Sydney rather than Opera House etc makes it feel more like a home I guess.
We still need to put our Ireland and leaving party pics on facebook, we will get round to it soon!
Monday 22 June 2009
Day Ten
A good day generally.
We went out this morning to look for flats and see real estate agents in Newtown. This went well and we have secured a viewing on a place tomorrow. As we grabbed some lunch in Newtown I recognised one of Kate's friends walking down the street. Quite impressive I think as I had only met him once when we were here for Christmas in 2008!
Anyway we ended up in the pub catching up with him (Andrew) and it was his birthday, anyway the upshot was we stayed out all day and had dinner in Newtown with 11 others. Was really good but we ate too much etc. I drove home which was fun but being winter it took an age to demist the car.
We have now got all our bankcards too, this is great news as it frees us up to start buying stuff and allows us to rent a place etc etc, a big weight of the mind. So I now have 2 more cards in my wallet.
Ive also had news about the job, the guy has said things have been manic and that's why he hasn't got back to me, he still needs to organise a second interview I think, all a bit odd but hey. Ive written back expressing strong interest and understanding which will hopefully move things on.
Tomorrow we have a viewing on a flat at 11 and then I'm going to persuade Kate to go car shopping now we have some dollars!
Not much else to report, form Aussie news front its all political mud slinging over money for a Ute for the PM or something.
We have both eaten too much and are now going to try and sleep it all off!
Take care everybody.
Oh and its good to see I now have 5 followers for my blog. Carlos do some work...
We went out this morning to look for flats and see real estate agents in Newtown. This went well and we have secured a viewing on a place tomorrow. As we grabbed some lunch in Newtown I recognised one of Kate's friends walking down the street. Quite impressive I think as I had only met him once when we were here for Christmas in 2008!
Anyway we ended up in the pub catching up with him (Andrew) and it was his birthday, anyway the upshot was we stayed out all day and had dinner in Newtown with 11 others. Was really good but we ate too much etc. I drove home which was fun but being winter it took an age to demist the car.
We have now got all our bankcards too, this is great news as it frees us up to start buying stuff and allows us to rent a place etc etc, a big weight of the mind. So I now have 2 more cards in my wallet.
Ive also had news about the job, the guy has said things have been manic and that's why he hasn't got back to me, he still needs to organise a second interview I think, all a bit odd but hey. Ive written back expressing strong interest and understanding which will hopefully move things on.
Tomorrow we have a viewing on a flat at 11 and then I'm going to persuade Kate to go car shopping now we have some dollars!
Not much else to report, form Aussie news front its all political mud slinging over money for a Ute for the PM or something.
We have both eaten too much and are now going to try and sleep it all off!
Take care everybody.
Oh and its good to see I now have 5 followers for my blog. Carlos do some work...
Sunday 21 June 2009
Day Nine
As I write this I'm watching the British Grand Prix via the slingbox, not the greatest picture but interesting to think I'm watching the TV stream from the sky box in my folks living room!
A good day, we got up a bit late, although Kate was awake at 5.45 and eventually got up and did some emails etc. It's funny I know its probably jet lag still but its a role reversal, in blighty I was always the one awake early, whereas now I'm happy to sleep on and on. I think its just a general relaxation now we are finally here after all the planning and build up.
we had lunch here
http://www.trippaswhite.com.au/the_pavilion
with Kate's folks and Chris and Hannah who were back from the Southern Highlands before they flew back to Adelaide.
It was a good lunch and nice to catch up with them again.
After lunch Kate and I did some shopping, well picked up some mobile phone brochures.
We've given more thought to our housing situation, we think we'll look around bit more, we think we wont commit to the high value place we like until we know what our job situation is. Tomorrow morning we will visit all the agents in the are we like to talk to them about our needs.
Had a call with hazel which was good, it's nice to catch up on her news, we then had a video call with the folks, again really good to see them, keeps them close in a virtual kind of way. Watched the old fella open his fathers day present too.
Not much after that, as I say watching British TV on the laptop as I type, although not much excitement in this race.
Lets hope the banking paperwork arrives tomorrow!
Oh yeah and just for a change, its raining today.
Oh and Alvin has been tracking flight prices, business class flights only 1800 pounds return, so economy will be a steal... so no excuse for anyone not to come see us once we have our place etc!
A good day, we got up a bit late, although Kate was awake at 5.45 and eventually got up and did some emails etc. It's funny I know its probably jet lag still but its a role reversal, in blighty I was always the one awake early, whereas now I'm happy to sleep on and on. I think its just a general relaxation now we are finally here after all the planning and build up.
we had lunch here
http://www.trippaswhite.com.au/the_pavilion
with Kate's folks and Chris and Hannah who were back from the Southern Highlands before they flew back to Adelaide.
It was a good lunch and nice to catch up with them again.
After lunch Kate and I did some shopping, well picked up some mobile phone brochures.
We've given more thought to our housing situation, we think we'll look around bit more, we think we wont commit to the high value place we like until we know what our job situation is. Tomorrow morning we will visit all the agents in the are we like to talk to them about our needs.
Had a call with hazel which was good, it's nice to catch up on her news, we then had a video call with the folks, again really good to see them, keeps them close in a virtual kind of way. Watched the old fella open his fathers day present too.
Not much after that, as I say watching British TV on the laptop as I type, although not much excitement in this race.
Lets hope the banking paperwork arrives tomorrow!
Oh yeah and just for a change, its raining today.
Oh and Alvin has been tracking flight prices, business class flights only 1800 pounds return, so economy will be a steal... so no excuse for anyone not to come see us once we have our place etc!
Saturday 20 June 2009
Day Eight
Well it's been a week since we landed here in Sydney. We've made some good progress on main things like banking, house hunting and general administration.
Today we looked at 3 places to live, the first was in a converted biscuit factory, we liked this place a lot, it is a 2 storey apartment, has 2 bedrooms, both with en suite, a large lounge/dining/living space and additional toilet/laundry room downstairs. On the second floor of the building it has a view of the city of Sydney.
The second place was an end terrace house, much much older and in a pretty shabby state, we knew pretty much straight away it wasn't for us.
The third place was again a new flat, this time over one floor. It was good but didn't feel particularly right. It wasn't helped by the poor state of tidy the current tenants had it in, they didn't even make the beds!
the third one also didn't have parking.
We think we'll investigate the first one more on Monday, its at top of our price range but we both really like it.
We were due to watch the Sydney Swans AFL game at the ANZ stadium tonight, but the weather made this a bad idea. It has absolutely belted down with rain since we arrived, I'm getting comments of 'brought the British weather with you'. We ended up watching the game on the telly. It's weird, after every goal scored they have an advert break. We used the sky plus or foxtel plus facility to skip through them at least.
Last night Chris and Hannah arrived, so we saw them off this morning, they headed south to make wedding plans, before we went house hunting.
Tomorrow its lunch in botanic gardens with Chris and Hannah and then maybe some shopping.
Monday we plan to pursue housing issues and look at cars. Hopefully we'll get bank cards through post too.
I'll also be chasing that job up!
Look forward to speaking folks on video call tomorrow as well as Hazel on the phone.
Hope everyone is still reading this hehehehe.
Today we looked at 3 places to live, the first was in a converted biscuit factory, we liked this place a lot, it is a 2 storey apartment, has 2 bedrooms, both with en suite, a large lounge/dining/living space and additional toilet/laundry room downstairs. On the second floor of the building it has a view of the city of Sydney.
The second place was an end terrace house, much much older and in a pretty shabby state, we knew pretty much straight away it wasn't for us.
The third place was again a new flat, this time over one floor. It was good but didn't feel particularly right. It wasn't helped by the poor state of tidy the current tenants had it in, they didn't even make the beds!
the third one also didn't have parking.
We think we'll investigate the first one more on Monday, its at top of our price range but we both really like it.
We were due to watch the Sydney Swans AFL game at the ANZ stadium tonight, but the weather made this a bad idea. It has absolutely belted down with rain since we arrived, I'm getting comments of 'brought the British weather with you'. We ended up watching the game on the telly. It's weird, after every goal scored they have an advert break. We used the sky plus or foxtel plus facility to skip through them at least.
Last night Chris and Hannah arrived, so we saw them off this morning, they headed south to make wedding plans, before we went house hunting.
Tomorrow its lunch in botanic gardens with Chris and Hannah and then maybe some shopping.
Monday we plan to pursue housing issues and look at cars. Hopefully we'll get bank cards through post too.
I'll also be chasing that job up!
Look forward to speaking folks on video call tomorrow as well as Hazel on the phone.
Hope everyone is still reading this hehehehe.
Friday 19 June 2009
Day Seven
Not too much to report today....
Our bank cards failed to arrive, so again stuck a little bit, annoying as our funds are sitting in Australia, we just have no access to them!
I've not heard about my second interview, although the bloke did say he would 'probably' let me know by Friday, lets wait and see.
Had a nice lunch out and then Kate and Carol went out shopping in the afternoon.
Chris and Hannah arrived form Adelaide and lots of English treats were presented, I now have 160 PG Tip teabags...much nicer than Liptons hehehehe (although that's not bad either).
Oh our stuff now has a ship assigned to it and an approximate arrival date of 30th July, it does appear to be on a ship which ran aground in the English Channel last year...hmmmmmmmmmm.
Up early tomorrow to view properties and in the evening I'm going to my first AFL game, I'll give you a match report afterwards.
Our bank cards failed to arrive, so again stuck a little bit, annoying as our funds are sitting in Australia, we just have no access to them!
I've not heard about my second interview, although the bloke did say he would 'probably' let me know by Friday, lets wait and see.
Had a nice lunch out and then Kate and Carol went out shopping in the afternoon.
Chris and Hannah arrived form Adelaide and lots of English treats were presented, I now have 160 PG Tip teabags...much nicer than Liptons hehehehe (although that's not bad either).
Oh our stuff now has a ship assigned to it and an approximate arrival date of 30th July, it does appear to be on a ship which ran aground in the English Channel last year...hmmmmmmmmmm.
Up early tomorrow to view properties and in the evening I'm going to my first AFL game, I'll give you a match report afterwards.
Thursday 18 June 2009
Day Six
So its Thursday, a week since we flew from UK, hardly seems like yesterday. Still waiting on bank cards etc so not much to do until then. Kate has been looking at jobs and we continue to track properties. Saturday will be day when we finally visit a number of them on the open inspection days. Things work differently here, instead of booking a viewing, houses are open for example from 1.00 - 1.15 Saturday for inspection. As I understand everyone piles in and views at same time, theres stories of people racing each other down the street to get to agents to lay down deposits. I think things have calmed a bit since then though.
Went out for a nice dinner here, had superb steak and amazing crumble dessert.
http://www.maitrekarl.com.au/
Its just round the corner form Bill and carols house where we are living right now.
Oh I also sorted out a Tax FIle number online, the equivalent of our National Insurance number. That should arrive within 28 days. Its not critical to getting jobs though thankfully.
It's rained pretty much all day, in fact pretty much all the time since arriving...pesky winter!
Tommorow maybe some touristy stuff as Kates folks have the day off
Went out for a nice dinner here, had superb steak and amazing crumble dessert.
http://www.maitrekarl.com.au/
Its just round the corner form Bill and carols house where we are living right now.
Oh I also sorted out a Tax FIle number online, the equivalent of our National Insurance number. That should arrive within 28 days. Its not critical to getting jobs though thankfully.
It's rained pretty much all day, in fact pretty much all the time since arriving...pesky winter!
Tommorow maybe some touristy stuff as Kates folks have the day off
Wednesday 17 June 2009
Day Five
Wednesday already....
Today I had an interview for a job with a festival in Sydney, I think it went well, I'm hopefully going to get a second interview next week with more of the folks there. It would be a result to land this role, although only contract it would be a real fit for my experience. More when I know whats happening.
We also spent an hour at the bank, our first transfer of funds completed successfully, hurrah, but still no debit cards etc, hopefully they will arrive in post by end of week, or first thing next week, that will allow us to really get started on things.
We had dinner in Newtown with Ben and Caroline, was good to catch up with them, I've met Ben many times in London already so it was easy. We drove through Newtown yesterday and having had dinner there really like the area, it has good transport links to town etc.
We have found 2-3 properties which are open for inspection on Saturday so will be going to them to see whats what. Again without bank account access we cant put deposits on etc yet.
Been investigating cars, decided to hold back form buying a higher value/newer car for now until exchange rate is better, so am looking at something like a 3-4 year old Vauxhall (or Holden as it is over here) Astra which will be 4-5 K Sterling. I'm thinking reliability for now rather than flashness.
Had a good selection of text form people back home, thank you muchly, keep them coming.
Not much else to report, we had a snooze this afternoon, which made us look shattered when folks did video call, we woke up soon after!
Tomorrow is more job/car/house investigations.
Today I had an interview for a job with a festival in Sydney, I think it went well, I'm hopefully going to get a second interview next week with more of the folks there. It would be a result to land this role, although only contract it would be a real fit for my experience. More when I know whats happening.
We also spent an hour at the bank, our first transfer of funds completed successfully, hurrah, but still no debit cards etc, hopefully they will arrive in post by end of week, or first thing next week, that will allow us to really get started on things.
We had dinner in Newtown with Ben and Caroline, was good to catch up with them, I've met Ben many times in London already so it was easy. We drove through Newtown yesterday and having had dinner there really like the area, it has good transport links to town etc.
We have found 2-3 properties which are open for inspection on Saturday so will be going to them to see whats what. Again without bank account access we cant put deposits on etc yet.
Been investigating cars, decided to hold back form buying a higher value/newer car for now until exchange rate is better, so am looking at something like a 3-4 year old Vauxhall (or Holden as it is over here) Astra which will be 4-5 K Sterling. I'm thinking reliability for now rather than flashness.
Had a good selection of text form people back home, thank you muchly, keep them coming.
Not much else to report, we had a snooze this afternoon, which made us look shattered when folks did video call, we woke up soon after!
Tomorrow is more job/car/house investigations.
Tuesday 16 June 2009
Day Four
At last, a decent nights sleep, 11.30pm through to 9.30 unbroken. We got up and tried to get into a normal cycle of a day. After brekkie we headed into the city and did some more shopping in the glorious QVB. Finally managed to buy a dressing gown, no easy task it seems in this city. Grabbed some lunch and then did a drive around areas we may choose to live. We did the western side of the city checking in out, Newtown, Camperdown and Glebe. I think I liked Glebe the best, where some of the places have fantastic views of the city.
We have had a quiet night back at base, Kate has been trawling job websites and I've been in front of TV most of evening.
Tomorrow is meeting with bank and then job interview...fingers and toes crossed!
We have had a quiet night back at base, Kate has been trawling job websites and I've been in front of TV most of evening.
Tomorrow is meeting with bank and then job interview...fingers and toes crossed!
Monday 15 June 2009
Day Three
A fairly uneventful day and as such a quick update. Managed to wake up at 4am again and after again drinking tea and chating fell asleep at 8am and woke around 12.30. Unlike me to sleep so much but I think its much needed.
Had a late lunch out locally and spent a lot of time on t'internet researching places to live and areas, this is in advance of tomorrow driving around areas and visiting agents.
Without our bank accounts and cards which are being sorted on Wednesday morning its hard to really get into everything, once that done we have formal paper work with address on so we can get started in earnest on things.
Managed to buy a few things today whilst shopping, can get laptop working in Kate's room now so we can watch British TV via the slingbox. I'm not hugely impressed with Aussie selection so far!
Still finding my feet with things and understanding the Aussie way...
Take care all, good night!
Had a late lunch out locally and spent a lot of time on t'internet researching places to live and areas, this is in advance of tomorrow driving around areas and visiting agents.
Without our bank accounts and cards which are being sorted on Wednesday morning its hard to really get into everything, once that done we have formal paper work with address on so we can get started in earnest on things.
Managed to buy a few things today whilst shopping, can get laptop working in Kate's room now so we can watch British TV via the slingbox. I'm not hugely impressed with Aussie selection so far!
Still finding my feet with things and understanding the Aussie way...
Take care all, good night!
Sunday 14 June 2009
Day Two
Jetlag...
So we awoke at 5.15 am, wide awake and chatting, tea's and felt quite awake. A quick bit of shut eye at 7am resulting in waking up at 1.30pm...
So Day 2 has been a pretty relaxed affair, we have unpacked our suitcases and got ourselves a bit more settled. An oovoo call home (of Voodoo as Alvin calls it) went well and it was good to see the folks. Also had a quick call with Hazel which was good.
Realising rapidly that the Aussie TV is limited (god bless Sky TV and my slingbox sitting at home - just need to get a network cable so we can watch it here).
Been looking at housing email updates and plan to check out some areas tomorrow and see a few estate agents, plus do some more shopping in the city.
We've realised we are at the bottom of the V as it were, in that we spent so much time and effort moving out of the house, giving up jobs and winding everything down to the point where arrived in Sydney, we are no basically looking at the upwards side of the V, i.e finding a job, moving into our our own place etc.
I think a lot of the sleep today was from the physical and mental exhaustion of just getting here. Still its good to finally start rebuilding and getting some routine back in place.
Oh yeah and its still cold and rainy here, no one told me that when I signed up for Oz!
So we awoke at 5.15 am, wide awake and chatting, tea's and felt quite awake. A quick bit of shut eye at 7am resulting in waking up at 1.30pm...
So Day 2 has been a pretty relaxed affair, we have unpacked our suitcases and got ourselves a bit more settled. An oovoo call home (of Voodoo as Alvin calls it) went well and it was good to see the folks. Also had a quick call with Hazel which was good.
Realising rapidly that the Aussie TV is limited (god bless Sky TV and my slingbox sitting at home - just need to get a network cable so we can watch it here).
Been looking at housing email updates and plan to check out some areas tomorrow and see a few estate agents, plus do some more shopping in the city.
We've realised we are at the bottom of the V as it were, in that we spent so much time and effort moving out of the house, giving up jobs and winding everything down to the point where arrived in Sydney, we are no basically looking at the upwards side of the V, i.e finding a job, moving into our our own place etc.
I think a lot of the sleep today was from the physical and mental exhaustion of just getting here. Still its good to finally start rebuilding and getting some routine back in place.
Oh yeah and its still cold and rainy here, no one told me that when I signed up for Oz!
Saturday 13 June 2009
Day One
So after almost 18 months of planning we find ourselves in Sydney. We had a fairly good flight on Emirates via Dubai, the Airbus A380 really is a superb piece of kit and I would recommend it over a 747 any day.
It's strange to finally be here, it seems like only yesterday we told our families of our plans to head south, Kate to come home and me to emigrate with her. That was Christmas 2008 and after many months of planning, stress and at times nonsense with the Visa application it is all become a reality.
This blog will chart my settling in Australia and will act as a record of how it has gone. Hopefully it will also keep people up to date on what we are doing.
So day 1...we arrived at Sydney at 6.12am, and I have to say its pretty chilly here at that time of day in winter! We met with Bill and Carol in arrivals after waiting forever for luggage (oh incidentally getting through passport control was a breeze, thought it would be a bit more complex than it was).
Back to Willoughby for some breakfast and shower. We then hit Chatswood Chase, the local shopping centre to get a few bits before heading back to Willoughby for sleep. We crashed for a couple of hours and then had dinner. As I write this I'm struggling to stay awake before sleeping and no doubt waking up super early for Day 2.
I have a job interview on Wednesday for a really cool looking job, but more of that in due course.
I'm not homesick yet, it feels a bit like a holiday but as the days pass I'm sure it will become more of a reality. I do of course miss my wonderful family and friends back in Blighty.
It's strange to finally be here, it seems like only yesterday we told our families of our plans to head south, Kate to come home and me to emigrate with her. That was Christmas 2008 and after many months of planning, stress and at times nonsense with the Visa application it is all become a reality.
This blog will chart my settling in Australia and will act as a record of how it has gone. Hopefully it will also keep people up to date on what we are doing.
So day 1...we arrived at Sydney at 6.12am, and I have to say its pretty chilly here at that time of day in winter! We met with Bill and Carol in arrivals after waiting forever for luggage (oh incidentally getting through passport control was a breeze, thought it would be a bit more complex than it was).
Back to Willoughby for some breakfast and shower. We then hit Chatswood Chase, the local shopping centre to get a few bits before heading back to Willoughby for sleep. We crashed for a couple of hours and then had dinner. As I write this I'm struggling to stay awake before sleeping and no doubt waking up super early for Day 2.
I have a job interview on Wednesday for a really cool looking job, but more of that in due course.
I'm not homesick yet, it feels a bit like a holiday but as the days pass I'm sure it will become more of a reality. I do of course miss my wonderful family and friends back in Blighty.
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