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Arrival and settling in to Australia


Skinierkie

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Hi All

We have been in Melbourne for a little over a month now.

When we arrived, we got through customs really quickly even though we did declare an ostrich egg and Gypsum ( a mineral). We had no problems with the declared items whatsoever and they just asked us to see both items. After checking whether the egg was properly cleaned inside and send us on our way.

PS. The customs officers we got really did not want to chit chat and looked more annoyed that we were interrupting their conversation and that they had to help us.

I know the weather is a concern for some people that are considering Melbourne. We have found the weather to be very changeable (4 seasons in one day) which really is not a bad thing here as you can have a rainy day/hour in the morning but that does not mean it will be raining all day. Later in the day, you might be able to go to the beach or go for a hike, etc.

The people in general are really nice although keep in mind you get sour pots everywhere. We were here for 2 weeks applying for countless jobs daily when I was called for an interview and got a job as a recruitment consultant two days after the interview. It is on an ongoing Casual basis (no benefits but a higher pay rate) but nothing beats the Australian experience and earning dollars. Hubby is still looking...

Our movecube arrived on 25 March and was kept in port to go through customs till the 9th of April when it was delivered to our storage unit. All our stuff arrived in good order and nothing caused a problem going through customs. We had a lot of wooden items, sea shell,Christmas ornaments, camping gear etc. and the only box they inspected was the one with Christmas ornaments.I would recommend having a very detailed inventory list.

We are currently looking for a long term rental and have applied for a few places just waiting to hear back. It is possible to go to viewings using public transport you just need to plan your trips accordingly. We plan our trips using journey planner (Victoria).

These are the links that you can use for each state:

Victoria: http://ptv.vic.gov.au/journey/#jpsearch[action]=showPlanner

NSW: http://www.transportnsw.info/

South Australia: https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/

WA Regional: https://secure.transwa.wa.gov.au/bookingsexpress.aspx

Perth: http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/

Queensland: http://translink.com.au/

Yesterday we went to our first MeetUp.com get together (Meet Up is a free website that connects and allow people with the same interest to organise meet ups). We had a wonderful day meeting other people who are also new in Melbourne (from other states/countries).

^_^ Loving Melbourne.

Edited by Skinierkie
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Wow, it sounds as if you are settling in and getting yourself organised really well.

Once you get that rental and get your own belongings in, it will feel more like home. Congratulations on the job, every day is adding to that valuable "Australian experience" and good luck to hubby with his search.

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Thanks Andrea I think we will feel truly at home once we have our things around us again:)

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Once you begin to get your own stuff around you, that's usually when you feel like you're "home".

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hi there - congrats on the move and the job! Im really impressed with you! 2 weeks! that is fantastic. Just make me wonder more how long Im going to hold out this side, Im applying for those same jobs but the competition is quite fierce here. Sounds like Melbourne has lots and lots more... :) maybe one day..

It's good to hear that you have settled well..you were a little quiet the last few weeks, I was wondering how you were. Enoy Melbourne, my brother lives in St Kilda and he loves it.

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@ Toitjie I have been a bit quiet and I actually mentioned to my husband, yesterday , that I have not posted in such a long time.

Melbourne does seem to have more recruitment type positions. Don't lose hope yet because anything can happen at any time. I know it is not that easy to stay positive but once you lose the optimism, it's difficult to get it back.

Thinking of you :hug:

My job is in Hawthorn and we are looking for a rental close by.

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hi there - congrats on the move and the job! Im really impressed with you! 2 weeks! that is fantastic. Just make me wonder more how long Im going to hold out this side, Im applying for those same jobs but the competition is quite fierce here. Sounds like Melbourne has lots and lots more... :) maybe one day..

It's good to hear that you have settled well..you were a little quiet the last few weeks, I was wondering how you were. Enoy Melbourne, my brother lives in St Kilda and he loves it.

Hang in there Toitjie. It must be incredibly frustrating.

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