:) On the eve of another New Year, I have taken time out to think about the last 12 mths.
On Jan 6th 2006 we got our visa and have been on a roller coaster ever since. We landed in Adelaide on 4th July so we are approaching our 6 mth anniversary.
In that time we have achieved so much. We have rented a place, brought a car and motorbike. Both got great jobs, brought our own home (with a pool, always a dream of ours :D ), sold a car, brought another car, and have made some lovely friends along the way. We both feel so settled and it has absolutely been the best move we have ever made. Would we do it all again….you bet we would! :P I have moments of feeling it is unbelievable that we are here and actually living here, but this is getting less often. Now, I just feel at home.
Yes, we have had some low moments, and I do so miss my Mum and dear friends back in the UK, but the good so far easily outweighs the bad for us. I am also making a trip back to the UK in June to see my Mum as I promised I would.
Having good jobs has certainly helped and it has also been a good way of meeting Aussie friends naturally in the work environment. I rarely post on here nowadays, but am always totally grateful for all the support we have had along the way. I do “pop in” from time to time to see if I can help anyone else as I know how much we appreciated help from folk on here. :cool shake:
So, does Adelaide measure up to our expectations? )
We came on holiday to Aus in 2004 and made a point of seeing Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, and knew that Adelaide ticked our must have’s.
We have not been disappointed and I really think of Adelaide as home. It’s a beautiful city and I have found the people lovely and really helpful and keen to make us feel welcome. We have both found merging into Aussie life has been pretty easy and quite enjoyable even with the odd surprises that living here throws at you! :blink:
Suburbs - well we always had our heart set on the south, our choice, and to be fair I know very little of other suburbs as we so wanted to live by the ocean. We have no regrets in choosing Moana, its peaceful, clean and quiet with a truly beautiful beach. May have been a bit far out if we had kids, but for us and 2 doggies, its perfect.
Cost of living - I think some things are cheaper, especially some food items, but it all evens out once you earn the Aussie dollar. I don’t even convert to pounds so much anymore and have got used to budgeting in dollars for everything.
Wildlife - Huntsman spiders take a little getting used to :sign68: , but a swift blast of killer spray helps! Haven’t seen any other nasties, and I hope to god I never see a snake. But I am not paranoid about creepy crawlies anymore :help: and just get on with enjoying myself. The flies in Summer can be a bit of a pain, but nowhere is perfect. You learn to live and adapt in this amazing environment.
Overall our standard of living and home is better than we ever hoped for, and we have great plans for 2007. We want to explore our new home in our camper trailer, so no doubt more adventures lie ahead. :yeehah:
For all those waiting to come over, it is so worth it. Yes there are tough times, but I believe in grabbing life by the b***s and living your dreams.
Wishing everyone a really Happy New Year! :dance:

Cheers
Karen & Paul
Mutley & Titch xx


:dancing dog:

A great read Karen and Paul,
Lets hope the next 6 months are even better !!!!
Bedfordshire ????????? Who needs it ??? :P
Happy New Year !!! :loopy:

I agree, great read. How about a pic of the new home!?! We like the look of Moana, nice and clean / quite...

Hi Karen & Paul

What a great post, really enjoyed reading it, so thank you for taking the time. It is great for all of us still waiting for our new adventure to read these posts as I'm sure you remember.

Hope you continue to enjoy your new lives and travelling round your new 'home'.

Best wishes for 2007.

Carol

Best wishes to you Karen and Paul, all sounds fab..... hope it continues.
Happy new year!

Simon and family :D

Here, here, great post really glad it all worked out well for you both (& the dogs)

You have to take chances in life, otherwise there would be to many "what if ... :what?: "

Once we arrive & are settled, we would love to get about in a camper van - it sounds so exciting ;)

Happy New Year to you & everyone else in the UK / Australia

Angela

Thanks for taking the time to post.

Sounds like you have settled really well into life in Aus.

Look forward to reading the 1 year post!

Lea :sign61:

:bouncy: Well reading your post has really cheered me up on this New Years Eve. We have high expectations for 2007 - the top of the list being our move to OZ.

You have obviously settled really well into your Adeladian (is that a word?) life and have given hope to us all here still here in Blighty.

Good luck for 2007 with your Campervan travels.

Karen and Steve

Great post.....congrats on your 6mth anniversary....here's to many more out there.

What a great way to get out and about to explore in your camper van...you'll have a fab time. All the best for 2007!

RR
:)

What a great post - I remember reading some of your threads as you were making the move over so time seems to have flown by :D

Your first 6 months sound like you have been having a great time and settled well into your new life. Enjoy your travels in your campervan and good luck for your next adventure :D

Happy New Year
Lisa :lol: