"Loving it"

[flossybeth]

Ok, we arrived in Adelaide at the end of July. We came from a small town in South Devon, owned (with a mortgage) a house that was big enough for our family, we had no quarrel with our family and we were both in employment that suited our situation. We came because we were fortunate enough to be offered the chance to experience living in another country, not too dis-similar to our own but different enough and with (hopefully) better weather so we could get out and about more - cycling, swimming, camping etc. and hopefully a country that would offer our children more of a future.

 

During these first few months of being here we've been house-sitting so we've experienced the Ingle Farm area and the Moana end of the suburbs. My husband was lucky enough to be offered a permanent job, based in the city, during our second week here so we've taken a long-term rental based in Lockleys which we moved into last weekend. We've got our children settled into Henley Beach Primary and when the sun's out we're enjoying ourselves and settling quite nicely into our new life, albeit with a little trepidation as I start thinking about Christmas approaching since we did the family thing in the UK. Our container arrived and all our belongings made it in one piece. So we have nothing to complain about at all at being here in Adelaide and we are very much looking forward now to discover what's out there.

 

But we're not "loving it" as many people on here seem to do, so I was just curious as to what makes people love their new lives so quickly - is it just the adventure, the whole being in another country, being near the sea if you were perhaps in a city? I'm not trying to be argumentitive just trying to understand if we're missing something or if it really is just a case of different circumstances?

 

Floss

[NicF]

I think some of it is attitude. There are some people (and I count myself as one), that are just very positive, happy people and you can stick them anywhere nice and they will love it. Some if it will be because people have moved from less nice areas to somewhere nice and will be much happier with the area they are now in. Some of it is the weather as some people respond very positively to seeing a bit of sunshine. Some of it will be simply that someone feels at home/right/settled almost as soon as they step off the plane.

 

For me it's partly because I'm a positive happy person, partly because I just feel at home here, partly the weather and party due to the fact that here is so much nicer than where I have moved from. I used to live in a rather industrial, slightly run down part of South Yorkshire, albeit in a nice part of that area. There were no childrens playgrounds in walking distance of our house, everything was quite built up and the nearest beaches were places like Skegness, Cleethorpes, Bridlington and Filey, and they were about a 2 hour drive away. Here we are just 45 minutes from Grange beach, or in an hour we can get down to places like Moana. We live in an area where there are four childrens playgrounds and a tennis club within walking distance plus the primary school which can be used out of school hours. Morialta conservation park is just a five minute walk from my house and the fourth creek trail is just round the corner and runs past the school. Rostrevor is right on the edge of the hills and pretty much everywhere you walk around here you can see the hills in the background. And yet the city is just 10-15 minutes away in the car. Where I used to live there was a smallish co-op, a spar and a few other small local shops in walking distance. Here there are three seperate sets of shops, two of which have things like Delis and hairdressers, the other has a woolworths, coles, two clothes shops, bakeries, cafes, butchers, two chemists, opticians etc.

 

So the area we live in here has a lot more going for it than where we lived in th UK. I've also gone from working part time 3 days a week to being a stay at home mum, which probably makes a difference, although if you'd asked me in the UK I would have said I would hate being at home all the time. I don't think you're missing anything just that you haven't fallen for the place quite like some of the rest of us have.

[carryon]

I agree, its attitude! As above post, im a very positive person, my wife a little less so, but we felt at home from day one, dont know why, we embraced the differences and the little Aussie quirks, why move around the world and not do so! My wife was lucky enough to have a job lined up so the pressure was off somewhat but we actually enjoyed starting from scratch again, loved looking at houses and stuff.......even with 2 kids in tow! Plus we have ended up in a location far better than we came from, Port Willunga, next to beach but still close enough to all amenities! As a couple we go out far more, and just driving to Mclaren vale puts a smile on my face, sitting on the beach with mates chatting...wonderful! Also helped that we made some really great friends pretty quickly, we all need that someone to talk to! Life here is bloody good if you put in the hard yards! 4 1/2 years on and still lovin' it!!!!!

[Tamara (Homes Down Under)]

NicF has really put it very well indeed.

We have experienced living in various parts of the world and my OH also grew up in a depressed industrial part of West Yorkshire. We came here from one of the most stunningly gorgeous cities (the part where we lived and frequently anyway) in the world...Cape Town...but for me i love living here for a number of reasons.

 

I love being safe and not having to worry about my family.

I love the beautiful area where I live.

I love being around friendly helpful people who are down to earth.

 

My OH has his "wobbles" about living here at times...but it was clear from the beginning that it was the right move. We know plenty of people (and have family) that have "ping ponged" back and forth. I also meet plenty of new arrivals and you are right...some rave right away about 'loving it" here.

 

Interesting thought though...do happier, go lucky people settle easier and adapt to their new lives easier too?

 

Tamara

[Diane]

We're in the "take it or leave it" camp - Adelaide is nice, but so was the place we lived in back in the UK (in fact my house in the UK was my "forever" house so I still miss that). In my view it's not about which is better, but more about finding the good things about wherever you are - whenever I feel down and miss the UK, I take myself off for a walk in Linear Park, koala spotting, and just taking the time to enjoy the sight and sound of the rosellas and parakeets swooping around. Not that they're better than sparrows and robins and wrens and blackbirds of course, they're just different and lovely in their own way!

 

I'm not a particularly beachy person, and wherever you live if you're not on holiday, there is still housework and food shopping and work to do, which is as boring as hell wherever you have to do it, but at the end of the day you make the best of where you are - or, if you're feeling negative, you've made your bed so now you have to lie in it! Both mean the same thing, it's just a glass half full vs glass half empty thing!

[Guest EllieM]

I adored it here as soon as I landed to be honest! BUT I am someone who is a bit of a wanderer so I did not really have a "home" as such to miss, I absolutely hated my job in the UK, had just split up with a boyfriend and lived somewhere I was not keen on and moved to live in the CBD where I can stroll to work rather than sit in a car on a long commute, adore work more than i thought was ever possible, work less hours, earn more and have found lots of new friends and have a much better social life than I ever did before. I think the weather this winter/spring has been pretty rubbish and you may feel that as it improves you feel a bit perkier! I am definitely happier on the sunny days and you notice the difference from the UK a bit more when you can be outside all the time and do more fun stuff (Australia is definitely less set up for rainy day stuff). I did find that making sure I was a bit more of a "yes person" helped- I take up lots of social offers and that makes a big difference. I was so miserable in the UK and I thought that was just me but I am like a new person over here! I also make sure I do some more of the tourist stuff that you tend not to bother with when you live somewhere- go wine tasting, go off to Victor Harbor, go to the museums etc and explore a bit. Weekend Notes website is great for ideas

 

Plus I love the fact on a rare bad day I can be at the beach in 15 minutes, go for a wander, see dolphins playing and somehow life feels pretty amazing again. There have definitely been lots more moments out here where I have to pinch myself to remind myself that this is actually my life and not a dream! Part of that is definitely attitude but some of it is also seeing this as home- don't keep comparing it or think of all the things which are missing, or how Christmas won't be Christmas etc- embrace the difference! Weirdly I went back on holiday to the UK a few weeks ago and was hugely homesick for Adelaide

 

Good luck settling in and finding your feet and hope the feeling arrives!

[likesshopping]

Hi Floss

 

 

I agree with Ellie about the weather being a factor. Having only arrived in July, the weather hasnt been all that great since then.... When the suns out and the birds are singing, and you can get all your washing dry so easily on the line (lol) ...it seems to make all the difference.

 

Im in the camp that loved it here before I arrived...we were happy in the UK (came from a nice little town with a river - but a good hours drive to the sea)...but always longed to live in Australia after having travelled around it during my younger days. I really appreciate living near the sea and when Im having an off day - just a walk along the beach can really lift my mood. Im happy that my children are growing up here - there is so much more they can do outdoors and I feel its alot safer for them here.

 

HAve you made many friends since you have been here? I think that it can help...going away on camping trips together...having day outs together...finding families with the same common interests and same aged kids can help.

 

The summer will soon be here (yayy!!) and that can make all the difference.... I just love those beach days...kayaking days and just lazy bbq days.

 

 

 

 

Sarahx

[Guest leeannekays]

I am in the category of loving it here. As soon as I arrived here I felt like this is where I am ment to be with my family. I have always been focused and positive about moving here. I feel like I'm on a adventure and love the openess of the outdoors here. I know this is the better country for us as a family. The children have so much freedom and because the weather is better we can all enjoy the outdoors. We live in Seaford by the sea and this is where we want to stay so we are looking to buy a home in this area. I feel content here and spend much more time as a family and going out doing things together and socialising. It's everything we planned for and more.

 

Leeanne

[cazzaj]

::I'm in the loving it as soon as arrived .... We have been here over a year now and I couldn't love it more.. We come from a beautiful town in England but just wanted more.. My husbands job as a self employed electrician was up and down and we just wanted a new adventure.. We have been lucky to have made some brilliant friends so that has helped and my husband has started his own business installing solar that is going really well ..we feel really at home and I'm about to give birth to a born and bread ozzy we couldn't ask for a better life and feel we are living our dream as everything seems to be falling into place ( touch wood ) it is about being positive and not looking back ...having an open mind and grabbing opportunities...love it love it love it:biglaugh:

[Guest Chris_J]

Are you Daves wife? We have just arrived from the UK but spent 2 weeks in Perth first, which we both love. Liz has already told me she loves it here in Adelaide. I like it but don't like these roads yet haha. I think once you start meeting people and making new friends it will change. You've come from a lovely part of the UK so can see what you mean, but give it a chance here and I'm sure you will love it. I'm still at the nervous stage as I have no job yet but only arrived yesterday.

[zebedee]

Are you Daves wife? We have just arrived from the UK but spent 2 weeks in Perth first, which we both love. Liz has already told me she loves it here in Adelaide. I like it but don't like these roads yet haha. I think once you start meeting people and making new friends it will change. You've come from a lovely part of the UK so can see what you mean, but give it a chance here and I'm sure you will love it. I'm still at the nervous stage as I have no job yet but only arrived yesterday.

 

Glad you made it safely Chris or should I call you Pappa Lazarou!? Dave....your my wife now.......

 

We've come to Adelaide with a very open mind, and there are many things that we like and a few things the jury is out on. I think the biggest shock factor for us is living in a city and we were well aware of that before we came. Working in IT, I knew I'd probably be in the city centre and a short commute (its taking me about 30 mins door to door from Lockleys on the bus - woot!) outranks living outisde the city for us. We've plumped ourselves right next to the linear park and a short cycle to the beach so that feels like a good compromise. Miss the Cornwall and Devon countryside quite a bit, but also enjoying (maybe even loving) being buzzed by green parrots and those lovely gum tree colours in the sunshine, I also love the "big" country views - really big skies over the sea, Adelaide hills, etc....views from Lofty are amazing. The Aussie attitude is infectious too - they tell it like it is and like a laugh. Easy.

 

It's always been the dream to come and live in Australia - and I was so despondent with the UK, just felt I was working for diddly squat and I think we've made an investment in our, and our children's, future - I hope so anyway.

 

I think Diane hit the nail on the head - the day to day life contains a lot of the same stuff, but then you get more opportunities to step out of that and enjoy the good things. I don't see us ping ponging, we couldn't even afford to go back and come back out again for a start, but I think we are happy enough to stand by our new life and see where it takes us.

 

The one thing I would wish is that people would stop telling us how hard it'll be when it's high summer and 40+ !!! I GET IT!!!!!!!!!!!

Edited October 18, 2012 by zebedee

[zebedee]

Oh, and you'll get used to the roads - it's amazing though isn't it? The traffic actually moves! HOW DO THEY DO THAT!?!

[Guest Chris_J]

It's no worse than a drive into Birmingham or Manchester. I'm looking forward to summer its gotta beat cold mornings. Only thing I'm not liking is spiders so far. I never saw one in Perth yet seen a red back and a funnel web here.

 

Once I find a job I think I will be more settled myself. Mortein can help me with spiders we may have to organise a bbq Dave, we are in this place for 8 weeks.

[zebedee]

Sounds good dude, we'll happily pop by or come over ours - once I've finished clearing the giant rhododendron in the back yard, I'll be out buying me some garden furniture and a barbie. Nothing like gardening with the constant threat of death looming over you. Gives it an edge.

 

Good luck with the job hunting!

[Diane]

It's no worse than a drive into Birmingham or Manchester. I'm looking forward to summer its gotta beat cold mornings. Only thing I'm not liking is spiders so far. I never saw one in Perth yet seen a red back and a funnel web here.

 

Once I find a job I think I will be more settled myself. Mortein can help me with spiders we may have to organise a bbq Dave, we are in this place for 8 weeks.

 

You must be pretty lucky (or unlucky!) to have seen a funnel web here - probably just what is known as a "Common House Spidetr" (or some such) as I think Funnelwebs are mainly an east coast thing There are occasional ones around (a friend of my daughter's came back from a trip to NSW and one crawled out of her suitcase as she was unpacking:eek:) but the only really dodgy one we get round here is the redback, and huntsman look scary but are apparently (so everyone tells me) harmless...

[AussieRob]

 

then you get more opportunities to step out of that and enjoy the good things.

 

I'm not disagreeing with this, but I find that most of us when we go somewhere else we explore more and become more adventurous, I think I've seen and done more in Adelaide than many of the Aussies I work with, yet I haven't done as much as other people have on this site.

 

I know the 2 times I've been back to England, I've seen and done more there than I remember doing before I left.

 

I'm not in the "loving it" camp either, there are many many good things about life here, but some equally mysterious things, like why are there so many crazies ? Anyone seen Superman at Marion or Collenades, or baseball man, in Reynella I've seen a mature women with a pram with dolls walking around. I've seen a traffic jam up north once as a man was drunk in the road and laughed at a man who told me he had enough energy from his iced coffee to murder someone, and this was in Rundall Mall. I don't remember any of this in the UK.

[zebedee]

I'm not disagreeing with this, but I find that most of us when we go somewhere else we explore more and become more adventurous, I think I've seen and done more in Adelaide than many of the Aussies I work with, yet I haven't done as much as other people have on this site.

 

I know the 2 times I've been back to England, I've seen and done more there than I remember doing before I left.

 

I'm not in the "loving it" camp either, there are many many good things about life here, but some equally mysterious things, like why are there so many crazies ? Anyone seen Superman at Marion or Collenades, or baseball man, in Reynella I've seen a mature women with a pram with dolls walking around. I've seen a traffic jam up north once as a man was drunk in the road and laughed at a man who told me he had enough energy from his iced coffee to murder someone, and this was in Rundall Mall. I don't remember any of this in the UK.

 

Yeah, guess you get in holiday mode a bit - I think the overall better weather has gotta help a bit though - I've been on plenty of camping trips in the UK during the summer \ autumn months that turned bad due to rain, to the point that you kinda don't bother half the time. We've enjoyed sitting outside way more than in the UK - if that counts.

 

As for the crazies - yet to see that here (sure I will at some point) but Newton Abbot had its (more than) faire share....mind you, that's the South West for you *twitch*.