Been here 6 yrs today.

[sueoc]

Hi,

Well,we have been here 6 yrs today(5 Sept 2008).We arrived having never been to Australia before,and not knowing what to expect.First thoughts were mixed,sadness that our 'old' lives had finished,and fear and excitement that a new adventure was beginning.We had our two youngest sons with us,aged 18(just) and 16.That was the difficult part,as they did not want to leave their mates,and way of life.They gave us a torrid time,which didn't help,but we knew that this was understandable.Often feelings of guilt came to the fore,but we had in effect pulled their 'comfort' rug from under them.I came over as a critical care Nurse.The first week was horrendous,as the recruitment Agency organised a Backpackers accommodation for us,assuring us that it was not like European Backpacker accommodation,but much better quality.The opposite applied!The boys were livid,and let us know in no uncertain terms.After one week we found a better temporary home with Glenelg Letting Agency.Though expensive,we had all we needed there,and it was clean.Through this site,we found a rental in Seacombe Gardens,where we stayed for one year.It was newbuild,and very ,very basic.The Agents were awful,whinging about cobwebs around gutters,dust on skirting,and many other trivial things.They were also arrogant and rude.The Boys were still beside themselves with anger and grief,though they did manage to find work,which partially eased their distress(and ours)We decided to get our next rental from Advertisements in the local paper,which was a good move.We moved to Brighton,into an old house,but it was big,though very dated.The Landlord was like Rigsby,and as tight as a Ducks Bum,but he never gave us any problems,and as long as the rent was paid,he was happy.We stayed 2 years whilst saving for a deposit for our own home.One day one of our sons went to the local Gym,met a lad from his hometown,who introduced him to his mates,then my other lad starts going around with them,and all of a sudden,they were out all the time,socialising,camping,road trips, fishing,the lot.Now our boys were happy,and so were we!Anyway,we bought a house in Moana,as you get a whole lot more for your Money,than you do around Brighton.The boys are now both with lovely Girlfriends,whom they have been with for a long time,and now actually thank us for bringing them to Australia...they love it!!!We are now all Citizens too.So it has all been worth it for us,and Adelaide is so much cleaner,friendlier,and peaceful than where we were.I would recommend anyone to give it a try,if they have the chance.It could well be the best decision they may ever make for their Family.All the very best to all on here,it has been an invaluable site to us over the years,and best wishes to those about to embark on their new lives out here.

[Guest Guest75]

Many congratulations!!!!

[sduffy]

Congratulations Sue,wishing you and the family much happiness in the yrs ahead.Glad all has now fallen into place.

 

Sue

[Seipeal1]

Hi,

Well,we have been here 6 yrs today(5 Sept 2008).We arrived having never been to Australia before,and not knowing what to expect.First thoughts were mixed,sadness that our 'old' lives had finished,and fear and excitement that a new adventure was beginning.We had our two youngest sons with us,aged 18(just) and 16.That was the difficult part,as they did not want to leave their mates,and way of life.They gave us a torrid time,which didn't help,but we knew that this was understandable.Often feelings of guilt came to the fore,but we had in effect pulled their 'comfort' rug from under them.I came over as a critical care Nurse.The first week was horrendous,as the recruitment Agency organised a Backpackers accommodation for us,assuring us that it was not like European Backpacker accommodation,but much better quality.The opposite applied!The boys were livid,and let us know in no uncertain terms.After one week we found a better temporary home with Glenelg Letting Agency.Though expensive,we had all we needed there,and it was clean.Through this site,we found a rental in Seacombe Gardens,where we stayed for one year.It was newbuild,and very ,very basic.The Agents were awful,whinging about cobwebs around gutters,dust on skirting,and many other trivial things.They were also arrogant and rude.The Boys were still beside themselves with anger and grief,though they did manage to find work,which partially eased their distress(and ours)We decided to get our next rental from Advertisements in the local paper,which was a good move.We moved to Brighton,into an old house,but it was big,though very dated.The Landlord was like Rigsby,and as tight as a Ducks Bum,but he never gave us any problems,and as long as the rent was paid,he was happy.We stayed 2 years whilst saving for a deposit for our own home.One day one of our sons went to the local Gym,met a lad from his hometown,who introduced him to his mates,then my other lad starts going around with them,and all of a sudden,they were out all the time,socialising,camping,road trips, fishing,the lot.Now our boys were happy,and so were we!Anyway,we bought a house in Moana,as you get a whole lot more for your Money,than you do around Brighton.The boys are now both with lovely Girlfriends,whom they have been with for a long time,and now actually thank us for bringing them to Australia...they love it!!!We are now all Citizens too.So it has all been worth it for us,and Adelaide is so much cleaner,friendlier,and peaceful than where we were.I would recommend anyone to give it a try,if they have the chance.It could well be the best decision they may ever make for their Family.All the very best to all on here,it has been an invaluable site to us over the years,and best wishes to those about to embark on their new lives out here.

 

Congratulations Sue. It was lovely to read your post. It felt a little surreal to read it as we are 5 years here today.

My family were exactly 1 year behind yours and it is a sentimental day. We came out from Ireland with a 12 year old and 2 year old. The 12 year old hated us for 'ruining his life' for the first year and we had lots of issues settling.

However, 5 years in, we are very glad we came here. Life is good, we live in the Eastern Suburbs 5 minutes from town, my wife works part time at a job she really likes and I work in the Barossa performing a job I really like also. The kid love it here. My youngest in particular considers herself Australian, which I suppose is not unusual as she has lived here for the vast majority of her life. My eldest is also good and has a good circle of friends and is busy studying in year 11.

 

When I reflect on the last 6 to 7 years, I am proud that we made the right decision to make the move and had the courage and fortitude to plan and execute the huge change.

 

From my own personal viewpoint, I never believed I would become besotted by AFL and now it has become a passion. How good is it that the year is split into 2 seasons. The hot season - October to March, and the footy season, April to September. This weekend, I am a Crow going to the Oval to support the Power and I cannot wait!

 

I often come to this site and reflect how I felt looking in before our move years ago and seeking advice from people on the site. I thank everybody who has offered good advice to me over the years and apologise that I have not contributed as often as I should.

A big shout out to those who make that contribution week by week. Thank you and do not ever feel it is not worthwhile to some people who you will never even realise take strengthfrom the advice given and kind words.

 

I thank you all.