Well it is 4 years today since we landed at Brisbane airport with god knows how many suitcases, 2 very tired children and an overwhelming feeling of OMG we have actually done it.

Its a strange feeling looking back as in one way it feels like we have been here forever but on the other hand so many things are still alien to us, migrating really is a Massive learning curve.

The first few months were tough, you know no-one, have no sense of familiarity,language although English has an aussie twist to it ,you miss everything you left behind, even the bits you wanted to leave,lol. Thankfully myself and Gary have a close relationship and were there to support each other whenever a wobble set in (and believe me them wobbles can knock you for six), the kids were young enough to adapt to anything as long as they had mum and dad there, so we had no real problems with them. They settled well into school and kindy and the staff in both places went above and beyond to make us feel welcome.

We bought our first house 4 months in and are still here now. We find it a great area to live in, a little sheltered from the city and coast life (which is what we wanted for the children) but still easy access if we want a day out, low petty crime rate, no gangs of kids hanging around and we are surrounded by the most helpful and friendly people you could want to meet.

For us gaining citizenship last year was ''the icing on the cake'' , it makes you feel complete and also that you do actually 'belong' in this country.

Don't get me wrong... although we have made a pretty decent life for ourselves and swapped a 3 bed semi in the UK for a 4 bed detached on acreage with a pool ,, its not all sweetness and roses, there are lots of things that annoy the hell out of me some things more now than when i first arrived.
We came here for a 'slower pace of life'' which is great UNTIL you want to do something,then the lack of returning phone calls, the tradies who don't turn up when they say they will, real estate agents who have you over a barrel, all start to wear a bit thin. I sometimes (when having a stamp my feet & paddy day) refer to life here as living on a treadmill, you are doing everything you can and getting no-where!! Thankfully we personally find days like this are few and far between in comparison to the good things about living here.

So i guess im saying heres to the next 4 years and whatever surprises it brings along the way.
Migrating is hard and can really test you as a family unit, but if your prepared to smile through those down days and carry on regardless you really can find happiness in the sun and live a fab life out here, you just have to be prepared to adapt and really work at it until you get yourself established.

Cal x

 

Awww Cal - a fantastic read! Well balanced and honest - a great read for those starting out here and those still to make the move! Still makes me smile when I think Of "Wanted Down Under"! Congrats and best wishes for many more happy times to come! :wink:

 

What a lovely read and thankyou for being so honest. Good luck for the next phase..... x