Popular Post BriD Posted May 27, 2014 Popular Post Report Share Posted May 27, 2014 It is so strange that we have been in Sydney for only 2 weeks, but we feel like we have been here for ages and already feeling very settled.I think this was a good move for us in many ways. Our time in Melbourne showed us where we wanted to live...and for us, that means not in the inner city suburbs. Just too busy, too noisy...too many people, clogged up roads etc. We spent all our time there exploring outside of the city and loving everything we found in the quieter more natural areas. We needed more space and a garden for the kids....it is only when you don't have a garden that you realise how very important it is.And so when we had to move we deliberately looked for a house with a garden in a nice quiet natural suburb. And we found our happy place in Oyster Bay, Sutherland Shire. I think perhaps the beauty of the area as well as the awesome bird life has just made me "click" with our new path. On Sunday we were treated with 4 Kookaburras at once in the tree in our backyard. For me seeing a Kookaburra is very special...I cannot say why...it just is. And every evening as the sun sets the flocks of Cockatoos that fly over head into the valley to roost for the night...it is just so beautiful. Add to that the Rainbow Lorikeets and the beautiful noises of the Magpies...I love it here.The Kids started their new preschool last week. it is 1 street up from ours and we walk to school and back. I loved the vibe of the preschool and appreciated the way they teach the kids. The children will be there together...which takes a huge load off me...in Melbourne they were at 2 different places and different times...I was driving around like a headless chicken. And amazingly they love their new school...not a whimper or a clingy moment...both of them walked in and were happy. I cannot say how much of a blessing and a huge relief that was for us!!!Hubby started work last week Monday, and he is very talkative about it...I can see he is excited and interested by the Factory and what they do there. So a bit of passion is a great thing when starting a job. This week he started working on the 12 hour shifts...so Mon, Tues and Wed he is at work from 7am-7pm. But then Thursday he has a half day and then Fri, Sat and Sun off. So it all balances out in the end. His commute is about a 35 minute drive. So not too bad.As for me...With a little more time on my hands I will be able to really try get into baking again. Last Thursday I tried out a Ladies Tennis Club for a bit. It was great....although I was the youngest by about 30 years...it was so good to get out there in the fresh air and play tennis with some really good players! Age doesn't matter! I will definitely be making it a weekly thing. Best way to get in a bit of exercise if while you having fun at the same time.I also want to volunteer at an Animal Shelter...so I need to look into that.Other than that...I am really surprised that so few forumites have ended up in the Sutherland Shire...it is so beautiful. From Oyster Bay it is a 35 minute train trip into the City Centre which is not bad at all! Our rent is not bad at all, $595 per week for a 3 bedroom house in a good area....which I think is pretty good. Good schools in the area, both government and private. Our nearest station is a 5 minute walk...so definitely still accessible to everything. The reason we did not consider the Northern Suburbs was because hubby is working South of Sydney...so made sense to us to look more South.Within the Sutherland Shire is Cronulla, which has great beaches. it has a definite Umhlanga feel to it. Very holiday like. Also close to us is the Royal National Park with some beautiful places to explore, beaches, waterfalls etc.And so I am happy to say...we are very happy where we have landed up. And if all goes well and Hubby enjoys his work, we will consider buying a fixer upper in the area to fix up while we continue leasing. Eventually to move into. I could totally imagine us staying here in Oyster Bay for a very long time. 16 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eyebrow Posted May 27, 2014 Report Share Posted May 27, 2014 Am so glad things have worked out so well for you.Life is amazing, you think it should go one way, but then it goes another, and it is ok!Enjoy your time there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toitjie Posted May 27, 2014 Report Share Posted May 27, 2014 You really sound happy and settled. Im so happy for you!All i have to say about Oyster Bay is I discovered the nicest white wine from Oyster Bay and I love it! That made we wish I could see for myself what Oyster Bay looks like.Enjoy the hours you are free. I have also discovered my inner chef while i was at home and although I never knew, I had quite the culinary skills! well...that's what I like to think anyway. I sorely miss being at home, cooking and baking. I have so many recipe books and I know that even if I use one recipe per day, I will not in my lifetime go through all of them!If you can, why dont you post some pics of Oyster Bay? I would love to see Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronwyn&Co Posted May 27, 2014 Report Share Posted May 27, 2014 Very nice update BriD, and btw your hubby's shifts sound perfect Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tazzn Posted May 27, 2014 Report Share Posted May 27, 2014 Awesome Bri. So glad you and the family and are happy and settled Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crossedover Posted May 27, 2014 Report Share Posted May 27, 2014 How wonderful that you are beginning to feel more at home... It's jolly hard finding a place to love when you don't know the country... Well done on finding a lovely spot. I hope you continue to be excited about your new beginnings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rozellem Posted May 27, 2014 Report Share Posted May 27, 2014 Bri, I played good tennis in primary school, then squash in high school and then fell of the wagon. I have now discovered Cardio Tennis here, it is absolutely brilliant. I play twice a week (7-8pm). I saw on their website that there is one 6km from Oyster Bay. First lesson is usually free, go have a look. Otherwise, see if their is not a mum and kids tennis morning on round your area. There is one close to us, mums play tennis and a nanny entertains the kids within sight. Port Hacking Tennis Centrecome along and find out what 'cardio tennis' is all about. "nathan's tennis" provides lessons for all ages and ability. For all enquiries, call nathan on 0432 945 117. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
julesktm1 Posted May 27, 2014 Report Share Posted May 27, 2014 Such an uplifting post for all the newbies to be. The very best of luck to your settling xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KalahariHarry Posted May 27, 2014 Report Share Posted May 27, 2014 Well done things are working out well for you, Please post pics of oyster baytrev Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HansaPlease Posted May 27, 2014 Report Share Posted May 27, 2014 All i have to say about Oyster Bay is I discovered the nicest white wine from Oyster Bay and I love it! That made we wish I could see for myself what Oyster Bay looks like.)Just don't go to the wrong Oyster Bay! the wine is from NZ... Great to hear you guys are settling in so well! Sounds like you've found "your place" - it's a good feeling! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndreaL Posted May 27, 2014 Report Share Posted May 27, 2014 That is so good to hear Brid.I really believe that it is very difficult to pick a place to live in Australia whilst still in South Africa..............( I'm referring to posts over the years) .......you really need to live here for a while to see what works for you and what doesn't, that is why it is really sensible to rent first and not be afraid to move elsewhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SurferMan Posted May 28, 2014 Report Share Posted May 28, 2014 Yip, my good mate comes from NZ and he lives across from Oyster Bay, and drinks loads of the stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamie Posted May 28, 2014 Report Share Posted May 28, 2014 Hi BriD,So happy for you guys, you sound so content and happy in your new space. I think it found you! So many things are in place for you now. What an amazing feeling, well done.I agree about the birdlife. One of the things I can't wait to experience are those wonderful sounds.Enjoy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rozellem Posted May 28, 2014 Report Share Posted May 28, 2014 We (or rather me) also drink Oyster Bay wine. I keep an eye out for specials and then buy a box. It from the Marlborough region, so any white wine from the area is decent, in my opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diveup Posted June 22, 2014 Report Share Posted June 22, 2014 Hi BriD,I lived in Gymea and Barden Ridge for a couple of years and I love the Sutherland Shire.Diveup Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel-B Posted June 22, 2014 Report Share Posted June 22, 2014 Sounds lovely! happy for you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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