I cant believe its only been 6 weeks since we arrived, feels a lot longer now. We realised how much we have learned and know now, because our new neighbours have only been here 2 weeks, going through all the same things we were, they invited us in Mon(bank hol) for a glass of wine and a chat. I think they are in their early 50’s, and decided they just couldn’t retire in the UK. He is a petro- chemical engineer, so got the same visa as Stephen, but are starting their permanent residency application very soon. We gave them lots of insight into houses, driving, areas etc, so we have learned a lot!
The long weekend was nice. We went to see the landlord on Saturday, he is called Eugene, what with our neighbour called Patrick – turning into an episode of spongebob! Anyway, the landlord seemed ok, was going on about the poor standards builders seem t have, and that he has had one struck off the plumbers register….etc, but he seemed ok with the dog, we took Xena so he could see she wasn’t a savage dog. He said he knows there will be wear and tear, but doesn’t want big scratches or holes in doors or else we will have to repair them! Steve is going to ring the agent today, and if he is still happy, start the process of renting.
Went off to find furniture shops Saturday afternoon, we found out that there is a ‘furniture strip’ about 25 min away. My god, talk about huge, imagine two four lane highways, like the M6, but with very little traffic on them, and running along either side, for a bout 1.5 miles loads of furniture shops. You cant walk them, go in about 3 or 4 , then get back into your car, drive down a bit more then get out again! We really didn’t know where to begin, have to do a bit more research I think.
Sunday we went into the city, had a look around Victoria market. It’s a massive market, first bit selling lovely deli type foods& kangaroo meat, have tried some, very dark and rich! The other half sells allsorts, trainers, shoes, clothes etc. There were genuine UGG boots, every design even the knitted type, and they were selling them for $80, thats 40 quid!!! Felt like I should buy them all up at that price. We later walked along the Yarra river, and had coffee, it will be lovely in summer there.
Yesterday we went into Beaumaris, where we will hopefully be living. Parked up and did a recki. We walked to the beach, nice 20 min stroll, 10 min for Ellie to walk to school, local shops 5 min. The area is lovely, mature tree lined streets, tennis courts, green spaces, and everyone we passed smiled and said good morning, so it does seem a nice place. It was a lovely sunny day, quite warm to, even in T-shirt, though cold when a cloud came over!
So back to normal today, will take Xena for a walk now, then got my last personal training session (thank god), then to the supermarket (joy!).
June 15, 2010 at 7:07 am
See you are old hands now, no longer the new kids on the block. The shopping experience sounds right up your street.
The builders sound about the same as here, mind you some probably come from over here!!!
Good luck with the house hope you get it, seems to be in agood position for you all. You enjoyed your BANK HOLIDAY then, but sorry gill you have to get back to the mundane again. Enjoy the walk with the softie that is our Xena, she couldn’t be savage if she tried (think back with little ben).
Good luck Love to all
Kath
June 15, 2010 at 10:41 am
Hi Gill…..good news about the house, best get looking for flights then? the furniture strip sounds great, no TKMaxx then?
Noting really to report here! weather still crap….same old same old really, envy you lots for the lifestyle youre living out there and even more so when the nce weather arrives!
well, take care and will spk soon! xxx
June 15, 2010 at 1:54 pm
See? All that worry and stress and it was soooo worth it, wasn’t it? Chris is in Florida selling the house there. I think we’ll be decision making this summer. Keep you posted. Love the pics too.
Can you tell Ellie Emily Eckersley says ‘hi’. I was telling her about your going to Oz at the school fayre on Saturday. She mentioned she’d seen Ellie on facebook and may get in touch.
lots of love
Mags
xxxxx
June 15, 2010 at 3:38 pm
Hi Gill your bank holiday weekend sounded really great love the sound of walks with tea and cakes my idea of heaven. Glad Xena is back with you and settling in to the ozzie beach lifestyle. Loved the piccies of her.Went watching pink at weekend with Amy was fantastic was worried cos at the reebok and weather hadnt been too good but had sunshine all day luckily as it rained all sunday.Took hours to get home in traffic and on early next day urgghh but worth it. The area were you are thinking of renting sounds idyllic hope you get the house. Missing our chats hope to be able to speak on skype if i can work it out sometime
Love to you all Jue n gang