Best things to check out on LSD

[kiffoke]

Hi Guys

I'm coming over in November for an LSD trip - 1 week in Sydney and one in Melbourne. I've got the usual list of things on my list to do, but I wondered if anyone else done anything REALLY useful that I may not have thought of. Can anyone lend a hand?

Thanks

kiffoke

[Guest B H]

With my limited experience , I would say try to pinpoint SPECIFIC areas you are interested in moving to, before you go. Sydney & Melbourne are huge and the days fly by quickly once you are there, costing you precious time. Look on maps, and ask yourself if you prefer living at the the sea, hills, city, etc, before you even get there. Then pick 4 or 5 areas, and tackle them only.

If you battle with jetlag, take 'Melatonin' on the plane, it helps a little with the time difference, and you are out of action for a shorter period when you arrive. Buy a Vodaphone card for your cell as soon as you land so you can call agents, home, etc.

If I had to do my LSD over, I would get into specifics of areas and schools, and stick to those areas, doing in-depth investigation like looking at showhouses to rent & buy, and visiting the schools you are keen on (some prefer appointments). We brought a lot of newspapers home too, and looked at the prices of furniture to rent & buy, etc.

I would also try to set up a couple of interviews with recruitment agencies beforehand. I was lucky on my LSD, and a recruitment agent agreed that I could pop in for a 'chat' about my industry. He was incredibly helpfull with information about my job prospects. It would have been good if I had my CV (Resume to them) on a disk with me. It would also have been good if I had taken something other than my jeans with me, to wear to the interview.... Oh well, he was still nice to me.

One regret I have is not meeting more locals on my LSD. That is the best way to get a feel for a place, and something we were not very successfull with. If you are a member of a church or rotary, or something like that, see if you can squeeze in a few personal visits with like-minded Australians (at their homes if at all possible). Take a few bottles of S. African wine/liquer etc. so you can thank them for their generosity. And don't be shy to go up and speak to people. We went over in 1997 on a camping tour and spent the whole three weeks watching the Aussies longingly and hoping they would talk to us. Of course they didn't and we went home having not met more than one or two! You will have to make the first move.

Bronwyn

Edited October 23, 2006 by B H

[Mara]

Hi kiffoke

We are based in Melbourne, if you wish to make contact whilst you are here on your LSD trip, please PM me.

Mara