Hi Everyone

Just a note on our first thoughts in no particular order.

We left the Uk on the 15th May and went on holiday to Los Angeles, San Deigo and the Cook Islands. We had a fantastic time and I think it definitely helped the kids as they were both really upset when we left. On the flight to LA Olivia (5) was settlling down for a sleep and I looked over the seat to see her. Tears were running down her face and I asked her what was wrong, "I'm never going to see my Nanna again am I ?" was her response. I wanted to jump into the cock pit and turn the plane back to the UK. But I didn't and I'm so pleased I held it together.

We arrived on the 6th June to a lovely sunny day and have not looked back since. We lived initially in the Espanade Apartments, West Beach. We really liked the area and its proximity to the beach but have now moved to Belair in the Hills area. It just felt right every time we came here.

We have found the Australians to be laid back, helpful, welcoming and non judgemental. I have been looked after by many mums from school and have drank so much coffee I don't sleep at night !

For those in the UK reading this, Adelaide is really no different than any city although not massive. There are some beautiful suburbs close to the city and the hills feel very much like the UK. We were driving through one area the other day and I will find it for my next post but it really reminded me of Thornton, Clevelys in the North of England. I think your initial views of Adelaide will depend on where you lived in the UK. We lived outside Manchester but for those living in the depths of the countryside you would need to move further out of the city I think to appreciate what there is here.

I think the main shock is that really the place is the same as any other developed country in the world making my questions on whether I could buy spices look stupid ! There are a few things that you may have trouble finding but these are little things. Weetabix can be bought here but their Weetbix take a little getting used to. I tried loads of mayonaise before I found one I liked and the custard and gravy powder testing continues.

Although this thought may change in the months to come I do feel that the food shopping is expensive in relation to the average wage. I know we can all cut our cloth accordingly but I have met many who do watch what they spend and cut down on luxuries. This is ok if you are used to budgeting but is difficult for people used to going into Tesco/Asda/M&S and just putting things in the trolley without looking at the price !

One final thing please budget for school uniforms, fees and activites. Also, any course fees. We have spent over $2000 on these items all of which do add up.

Thats enough for now I can hear you all yawning !

Jo :D

PS Hair dressers - another story - get it done before you leave or buy a hat ! :lol:

Welcome to the Hills.

Glad everything is going well.

David

:bouncy:

What a nice way to get there!

I think I may have the same comment from my two when we eventually reach the plane point, not looking forward to it 'cos I blub at the drop of a hat over that kind of stuff :(

It's lovely to read how everyone finds their first few weeks so many thanks for the post.

I have question though, which is why there is a problem with hairdressers in Adelaide. Do you know? Doesn't Vidal do training courses there :D

How about bigger city salons? I wonder if they're any better. Or you could try and find the Brit hairdressers who have just got there or are already established.

Hope things continue on the up and up.

YES, i keep saying we're on our way and I know some are already there, can't imagine why they are sooo bad?? :blink:
Oh that stuff about your daughters tears made me weep to read it, am dreading telling my two boys we're going! will get the visas first.

Great to hear you are settling in well,and enjoying your Oz experience.

Sounds like your really settling in, it gave me a lump in my throat when I read the bit about Olivia on the plane :(

As for a good English hairdresser try Sarahsmartypants (I highly recommend her :D ) :D

Welcome to the hills Paul the spark ... a group of us meet every Thursday somewhere for coffee etc. this week is at Joans pantry in Hawthorndene (its in the social section).. :D

Know what you mean about Belair .. had the same feel for us too!

Ditto Sarahsmartiepants for hair!

Nikki
xx

:huh: hi jo,
enjoyed reading you e-mail . its sounds as if your enjoying it more than we are. we came from shenstone in staffordshire and find adelaide very built up. but the main downside has been introducing my husband to the workplace. at home he ran a successful building company and we've found it really hard to source information regarding licences and courses . he's feeling a little disillusioned to say the least. on the other hand the children,aged nine and seven have settled in well and are making many new friends. we also booked into the esplanade apartments, but maybe they just gave us a really bad unit? it was awful and after a 25hour flight set about finding a nicer place to stay. it was 8am July 4th and cold! but since renting in mawson lakes things are on the up. i hope

Sorry girls - I just had to put this in at the end because I read something similar when I was in the UK and nearly fainted at the thought of having a bad hair day for the rest of my life. :lol:

There are loads of hair salons here but you do seem to get what you pay for. Also, I think we are in a particular trend in the UK and theirs is slightly different here for example in the style and colouring.

I stalked a few salons for the first 4 weeks and was eventually dragged into the Hair Machine in the Marion Shopping Centre by Paul who was getting sick of me by this time. It was quite funny really my hair was awful and I wanted to make sure they didn't wreck it ! The girl I had did a really good cut and Dawn aka DDAS had hers cut and highlighted this week at the same place and it looks great.

Hope that calms some of the nerves !

Jo :D

Hi
Just got to add i am a hairdresser and have just got a job in Parkholme shopping centre near Marion. It is not silly prices ,not a flash salon but the owners( who are Italian) respect my work and are willing to let me work the way i have done in the Uk. Sarah also does my hair so there is a few of us around , also i have 2 small children and i am very use to screams. Tracy

Hi guys
Glad to hear everything is going well, btw a great post.
Kerry

Hiya Jo & crew welcome to Adelaide.

Sounds like your having fun and settling in ok.

I will also reccomend Sarasmartiepants for your hair

Debs xxx

Hi and welcome!

Yes, Hair Machine is good but they charge a fortune! Last time I paid $240 for two colours, cut and blowdry - yikes! My husband had a fit!

I can defo recommond Sarah Smartiepants - she is very good and also affordable. She is in Eden Hills so not far from Belair. As to the coffee meet on Thurs mornings I think Joans Pantry is the regular venue now. We are there between 9 and 10 / 10.30.

Claire