Husky Posted January 12, 2018 Author Report Share Posted January 12, 2018 I marvel at the wonder of Melbourne every day. I just love this city. I love its diversity and order. I love its energy and calm. I love its buildings and parks. I love its people and animals. I love that there is so much to do. If it sounds gushy, that’s because I am just happy to be here. Totally get why it's voted the most liveable city in the world. We arrived on New Year’s Eve after 27 hours of traveling via Dubai. Wasn’t ideal but we managed. Celebrated midnight at the carousel waiting for our luggage. Getting a maxi taxi for all our luggage was easy and $65 later we arrived at our apartment in Parkville, which is opposite the zoo and lots of parks. We are trying to balance all the admin with having a little bit of fun and enjoying our adventure. THE GOOD · Public transport is easy and available. TIP: Read up on the MyKi card and make sure you get a special child card for kids as they only pay 50%. · Walking everywhere at any time and feeling safe. We must be doing at least 6 km of walking a day, which is great for my back and our health overall. Melburnians are super fit and healthy. There are people walking their dogs, cycling and running at all hours of the day. · Our daughter passed Matric (grade 12) well with a distinction in Business Studies. We are hoping to hear the results of round 1 university placements this week. Hold thumbs. She is currently doing a hospitality course in the city (night classes) so that she can get a part-time job. So strange to let her get there and back by herself, especially at night. · Registered for medicare (a bit of a wait, but quick once with a consultant) and applied for tax file numbers. · Bought a second-hand car (cash) so at least we can get around to places public transport doesn’t cover. · Signed up for car insurance and waiting for confirmation on private medical aid cover. · Went to a (free entrance) Latino festival at the botanical gardens, offering great Latino food, cheaper beers and great music. · People are just lovely. Friendly and open and very chatty …..Have seen a few odd characters, but that just adds to the diversity of the city. · Discovered Sumosalad ……. The best fast food joint (for me) offering healthy eating options with flavour. · Met my husband’s step-cousin and his family who welcomed us with open arms into their home for a braai. They did think it was very funny the way we pronounce Weber (as in weeeba). They say webber. · Spent a few hours on the beach at Brighton (where the colourful boxes are). Just lovely. Wish I hadn’t sold our short leg beach chairs now. Oh well. · Best part was finding Healesville, which reminded us of Franschoek. A wine route and foodie haven less than an hour from Melbourne. Yay. Must admit that I do prefer the New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs. The search continues. · Visited the Healesville animal sanctuary and had our first, very open encounter with koalas, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils and a very shy platypus. THE BAD · It is expensive and the sooner we can stop converting, the better. · Finding a house is tough and admin intense. We have already been declined from 3 applications and are starting to get a little anxious as we have to be out of the apartment by end Jan. Primarily searching the Whitehorse area (Blackburn, Burwood etc.). Going to see 3 more tomorrow. So far, the agents are not very helpful. · Shopping. Don’t get me wrong. I just don’t like shopping. With having brought so little over with us, we need to furnish an entire house. Difficult to do when you don’t have a house and don’t know what will fit where. Spending a lot of time looking at online stores. · The bread and rolls. Like most of the food we have bought, but just cannot find any bread that tastes fresh and light at a Coles, Woolworths or Aldi. Any recommendations here? · Driving around trams is tricky. Still, at least everyone follows the rules of the road. THE UGLY · My husband went for a final interview with a great company, where they wanted to discuss an offer. It was at this stage that we (and they) discovered that he has to be registered with the Victorian Police as a security advisor. He is an electronics engineer, who specialises in security. No worries! Not so. Eventually found out that he has to have character references from 2 professionals who have known him IN Australia for at least 12 months. This means he cannot practice his trade for a year. A bit gutted, but we’ve decided that I will push for something permanent and he will look into some alternative roles. He is also experienced in telecoms and renewables. Anyone had this happen and what did you do? P.S. The weather in Melbourne is FABULOUS. We went from 46 degrees on Saturday to 22 degrees on Sunday. Today is the first day I have seen rain. Love it. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shellfish Posted January 12, 2018 Report Share Posted January 12, 2018 Great update, Husky and lovely to read about Melbourne through fresh eyes - I do miss it. This is far and away the best time to be there - daylight savings, good weather and loads of activity and things to do. We eat Helgas bread generally or the stores home brand version (probably been here too long to notice it's not too fresh) but if you are after fresh bread then perhaps pay a visit to Baker's delight? The people are friendly and chatty (more so than in Perth), and it won't be long before you'll start up a conversation with a perfect stranger in the lift . The Whitehorse area is a good choice - central, good services and close enough to the city. Sorry to hear about your husband's employment dilemma but not surprised. There are a lot of logistical issues that crop up which are frustrating. When we first arrived, we had to ask my husband's boss to write me a character reference - he'd spoken to me once for about 3 minutes All the best for the future. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SimpleSimon Posted January 12, 2018 Report Share Posted January 12, 2018 Thanks for the update. Good luck. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Husky Posted January 17, 2018 Author Report Share Posted January 17, 2018 Details to follow in the hope of paying it forward with information. Yay. We were accepted for a lovely house in Burwood East today. So grateful. Garden a little small, but will deal with it and kids have promised to walk the dogs every day. We shall see.... And that's not all...... Drum roll..... Our daughter got a first round offer to study her first choice of degree at Deakin University. Thrilled! God is good. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fidjet Posted January 17, 2018 Report Share Posted January 17, 2018 15 minutes ago, Husky said: first round offer Congrats on the house, and uni. What does first round offer mean? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedPanda Posted January 22, 2018 Report Share Posted January 22, 2018 I'm glad Melbourne has been treating you, mostly, well Although it can take some time to settle in and get around the local quirks that nobody tells you about, I'm sure in a year and a half you'll be feeling quite at home. It's not that long, we passed the mark a while ago, and it was honestly much sooner than I imagined it would be. Good luck for 2018, hope it's a good 'un! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Husky Posted February 3, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2018 One month in Melbourne. When did that happen? Highlights have been exploring the city and surrounding towns, meeting some beautiful people, feeling safe, getting fit, courtesy on the roads, cleanliness of the city, beaches, coffee, buying new furniture, parks, Korean BBQ, fireworks at Docklands for Australia Day and the wonder of going to the Australian Open.No jobs yet. Being unemployed is quite liberating. There is progress with a few interviews 😉Have had one offer which I am seriously considering. Salary is lower than I had hoped, but understand I have a lot to learn about the Australian way. Hubby going for an interview for a great role on Monday. Lowlights (yes, we've had them) - missing family and friends, just not finding good bread rolls, a few tense days with the kids, red tape, driving in the CBD, it being expensive, the constant washing and cleaning, and a few 40 degree days with 90% humidity. Finding a house was a rather frustrating process with up to 20 people having 15 minutes to walk through each place. May be the time of year. Real estate agents show very little interest and most do not communicate well at all. Very grateful that we found one close to the university and in a great school zone. This agent actually took us to the place on our own. So funny to find that the current tenants are South African. They must have made a good impression because the landlord approved our application, despite us having 3 dogs and no jobs yet. My son only starts school on Monday. With only getting confirmation on the house last week, we couldn't book him in until then. The school then insisted on a copy of the lease and a utility bill. Considering we only move in next Tuesday, this was a real challenge. Eventually got a confirmation email from Origin saying they are connecting us and that seemed to suffice. Despite the initial red tape, I was thoroughly impressed once we met the middle school principal. It is so wonderful to see government taxes being spent wisely on education. The school fees come to around $600 for the year, which includes things like a locker, photocopying, a fantastic dairy and planner, IT connections and specific subject fees. will say that the uniform was quite expensive and would be wise to buy school shoes in SA. The books and stationary came to about $480 in total. This is for year 9. We did have to buy him a small computer (not in our budget) as most material is online. Very relieved that I don' t have to wrap books this year ...... hehe. Balanced update, I trust. Still love Melbourne 💛 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Husky Posted February 27, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 27, 2018 8 weeks done and I feel quite proud of all we have achieved in such a short time. Still, the missing and loss of identity is very real now and we have been struggling with our emotions. When I say we, I mean my hubby and I. Kids are doing swimmingly well. Very grateful for that. We just need to toughen up a bit. Even though we are still somewhat in the honeymoon phase of emigration, the reality of not being able to pop into family or call friends for a last minute braai is unsettling. Quick highlights: 1. I was offered a job on the 31st and started work last week Monday with a medium sized consulting firm. The people are lovely and the work is what I was doing in South Africa. Need to up my confidence as I keep doubting myself. Also need to learn some of the Aussie workplace jargon. Do love working in the city. Melbourne is clean, friendly and full of interesting little laneways and fabulous coffee shops. The office team even have a grading board for coffee in the area, They certainly take coffee very seriously. Takes me about 40 minutes to get in from the South East in the mornings on the train. 2. We are intent on exploring and experiencing as much as we can of this beautiful place, so we say yes to any invitations and try something new every week-end. This includes discovering great parks to walk the dogs, St Kilda festival, White night, new restaurants and cuisines (quite like Korean BBQ), rooftop bars, glamping in the city, markets (must try Queen Vic night market on a Wednesday) and Espresso Martinis (must try cocktail). 3. Moved into our rental, which we love. Dogs arrived and have settled in well. We do walk them every day and take them for long park walks on the week-ends. Thank goodness for my robotic vacuum and a fantastic husband who is handling most of the housework and cooking while I' m at work. He is in final stage interviews for a great job. We will both be earning less than we were in South Africa and be in lower graded job roles, but that's OK. Grateful that we have work and can start gaining some Australian experience. Kids helping more than they did at home, with lots of room for improvement. 4. My son is happy at school and has made a few friends (diverse group of kid from over 6 nationalities, which is just fantastic and one of the reasons we love Melbourne). He is at Mount Waverley SecondaryCollege and must admit that I am very impressed with the education level, systems and communication. I can log on at any time and check his attendance, tasks, results etc. In my experience so far, it is better than the private school he attended in South Africa. 5. My daughter has made a few friends (also diverse), started with Orientation at Deakin University and loves it. She starts formal classes next week. She was also lucky enough to get a part-time job waitering at a local restaurant. Today is her first day. 6. Have sorted out most admin: Medicare, BUPA, VicRoads drivers licenses, household insurance, Superannuation and life insurance, car and insurance, Citylink (like e-tolls), internet/ data, mobile phones, bank accounts, doctor, physio and dentist. #lovemelbourne If anyone would like to have a coffee in the CBD, happy to meet up and chat about shared experiences. Just send me a PM. Thought this quote was quite apt as it explains this ambiguous feeling I have well: “Settling into a new country is like getting used to a new pair of shoes. At first they pinch a little, but you like the way they look, so you carry on. The longer you have them, the more comfortable they become. Until one day without realizing it you reach a glorious plateau. Wearing those shoes is like wearing no shoes at all. The more scuffed they get, the more you love them and the more you can't imagine life without them.” Tahir Shah, In Arabian Nights: A Caravan of Moroccan Dreams 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anusha Posted February 27, 2018 Report Share Posted February 27, 2018 (edited) Such a lovely read & inspiring quote. Wish you well! Edited February 27, 2018 by Anusha Spelling 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fidjet Posted February 27, 2018 Report Share Posted February 27, 2018 Whaw, congrats on all the jobs and you are allowed to feel impressed with what you "have achieved in such a short time" it is a lot. Glad you are loving Melbourne we will be joining you ant the rest there in 18 days. 6 hours ago, Husky said: We are intent on exploring and experiencing as much as we can of this beautiful place, so we say yes to any invitations and try something new every week-end. This includes discovering great parks to walk the dogs, St Kilda festival, White night, new restaurants and cuisines (quite like Korean BBQ), rooftop bars, glamping in the city, markets (must try Queen Vic night market on a Wednesday) and Espresso Martinis (must try cocktail). Sound like the right attitude and we will be doing much the same, after a short rest and some sleep. the last couple of weeks in SA are crazy busy. Enjoy your new "shoes" 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TamTam Posted February 27, 2018 Report Share Posted February 27, 2018 (edited) 8 hours ago, Husky said: We just need to toughen up a bit. Even though we are still somewhat in the honeymoon phase of emigration, the reality of not being able to pop into family or call friends for a last minute braai is unsettling. It's not about toughening up in my opinion; it just takes time. It's no small feat to move country and the loss of identity is a big issue for many. I promise though it really does get easier. You will always miss the proximity of family but the sadness gets easier and easier. It sounds like you're doing all the right things to explore your new home. PS Which robot vacuum did you buy - I am not sure which one to get. PPS Congrats on the job Edited February 27, 2018 by TamTam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Husky Posted March 1, 2018 Author Report Share Posted March 1, 2018 Thanks to those who commented. I never quite know if my ramblings are either of interest or use to anyone, so feedback is greatly appreciated. To top it all, my husband was made an offer for a job yesterday, so things are working out well. @TamTam We went with the I-robot Roomba. It was quite expensive, but so worth it. We also have 3 dogs, including a rather fluffy Golden Retriever ..... My hubby loves gadgets so he did the research and bought it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TamTam Posted March 2, 2018 Report Share Posted March 2, 2018 On 3/1/2018 at 3:42 AM, Husky said: We went with the I-robot Roomba. It was quite expensive, but so worth it. We also have 3 dogs, including a rather fluffy Golden Retriever ..... My hubby loves gadgets so he did the research and bought it May I ask which model? Hubby and I also love gadgets and anything that makes day to day life easier, and frees up time to do other things is well worth the investment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZADE1234 Posted March 2, 2018 Report Share Posted March 2, 2018 6 hours ago, TamTam said: May I ask which model? We have a Roomba, high 800 model (cant remember exactly - the one just before the 900). Same cleaning technology but is random and goes back to charge, instead of the 900 which maps your house and goes back to where it left off after charging. We have multiple floors and small rooms, so it wouldnt help after charging go go back to where it left off, I still need to carry it upstairs. I shut the robot in the room and let it clean because if the doors are open, then it would stay dusty behind door, so mapping the room is then pointless, since its locked in. Thought the extra cost not worth it. Can imagine that on a large open plan it would be very useful tho. My neighbour has a new philips one, its a bit flatter so goes under low furniture better. She loves it. Our roomba is very very thourough. Its just slower than a human, so you can't blitz the house clean. Wont get through an entire family sized house on one charge. I just do it over 2 days, but therefore more often. We went for a roomba so that we can share its accessories with...the scooba! Just go straight out and buy one. Washes all tiled areas, love love love. Problem is it only cleans for 2 small rooms (bathroom, kitchen) or one big room (dont have). But I just do it as it needs to be done. Kitchen floor much cleaner than before! Scrubs in the grouting too, which (my) mop never touched. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZADE1234 Posted March 2, 2018 Report Share Posted March 2, 2018 ...so to return this discussion to "Australia", if we manage to move across, we would design our house and furnishings around the robots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZADE1234 Posted March 2, 2018 Report Share Posted March 2, 2018 (edited) @Husky how are your kids settling in? How much did you have to do, in order to settle them? Ours would be similar age. Also expense of uni, straight after the expense of moving...(we have 4 children). Edited March 2, 2018 by ZADE1234 Wanted to clarify better 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anusha Posted March 2, 2018 Report Share Posted March 2, 2018 Wow, this thread is so interesting. I had no idea abt the robot vacuum😑 I am speechless @ how it cleans. What is the approx cost of one of these! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mara Posted March 3, 2018 Report Share Posted March 3, 2018 The Roomba is around $1000... Be careful of the cheap imitations, they do not usually work well! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TamTam Posted March 3, 2018 Report Share Posted March 3, 2018 Hmmm Roomba versus Dyson robot vacuum...?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shellfish Posted March 4, 2018 Report Share Posted March 4, 2018 Lovely update once again, Husky. Happy Kids - tick, Happy in your job - tick, happy in your home - tick. These make such a difference when you move to a new place. My sister converted her Law degree and landed an entry level position in Melbourne and within 6 months has been promoted. Knowledge and a strong work ethic count for a lot in Australia (in my experience) and South African's have it in spades. I'm sure you and your hubby will work your way up in no time. All the best. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Husky Posted March 6, 2018 Author Report Share Posted March 6, 2018 @ZADE1234 We have been lucky with our kids I think. My son is especially easy going. Got my daughter into a hospitality course the week after we arrived which helped her integrate. Son has also started Scouts, which he had been doing back in SA. Kids really are remarkably resilient. Please see the education tab for a post I wrote about the university application process and costs. We're fortunate enough to have PR, so my daughter qualified for a Commonwealth Supported Place (government subsidised). For her degree, we are paying around $3200 per semester (2 semesters per annum). She is enjoying uni so far. @TamTam Think we have the Roomba 980. Just love it, 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SimpleSimon Posted March 6, 2018 Report Share Posted March 6, 2018 My Brother gave me a Roomba a few years ago which now lives in a shelf in the shed. It kept on getting stuck under the furniture. We take preventative action - shoes left outside the door. Handheld Dyson to clean up messes as they happen, and then hire a Polish lady who uses our full on Dyson twice a month. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Husky Posted April 14, 2018 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2018 It has been 3,5 months since we arrived in Melbourne and life is full. We have been very conscious about integrating into Australian life and make a lot of effort to do something new every week. There really is so much to do in this beautiful city that we feel very privileged. Day to day life is going well and we have settled into a good rhythm. Some reflections from the past month: My husband started work on Monday and is taking a little bit of strain trying to get back into things. It is very tiring after 4 months of not working. I think the thing that takes the most energy is coming to terms with having a lot of deep experience and acknowledging how little one knows about a new company and country. I am still getting used to having a boss again but luckily I work with really nice people. I do like working in the CBD. It has a really good vibe. Most days I feel content and proud of what we have achieved. Then there are the days when I miss our family and friends so much and feel like we don't belong that I just want to curl up and cry .... well, actually that is exactly what I do. Haha. Life is really simple and easy in Australia. Everything works, people are nice and there is a lot to do and see (so not boring at all). I said to my husband that we have probably been more active and done more new things than we used to in SA. In the last month alone, we have been to 3 new restaurants (Korean bbq is our favourite), tried different food, had cocktails in Albert Park during the grand prix, gone to a comedy festival, found an underground speakeasy with chemical cocktails, done a Melbourne at Night tour and visited 5 different venues (my favourite was a piano bar) and been to a Footie game (Australian football). Even though I am not a huge sports fanatic, I was surprized at how much I enjoyed the footie. The atmosphere is just so much fun and it is all geared to families. Kids under 15 get in free to the general area and there is a lot of food etc on sale. You can also take your own food into the stadium. In an effort to integrate and belong, and after much research we have chosen to support the Richmond Tigers (yellow and black). We have also had a braai with a South African family and attended a really nice church at Easter. Plan to go back. Our daughter is working hard and saving money for her trip to SA year end. She cycles to her job at a nearby restaurant and sometimes comes home late at night in the dark on her own. Weird feeling to know she is safe. She goes to uni 4 times a week and seems to be enjoying her course. She loves the digital design element the most. Must admit that both kids have been really good at helping around the house. We have the odd "argument" but nothing serious. My son is well. We got him into a teenage surf camp run by a Christian ministry during the holidays. Despite never having surfed before, he just loved it. Now tells us he wants to surf as a sport. Pity that the only real waves are quite a trip for us. He is so laid back and easy going so seems to get on with everyone he meets. He seems happier at school but I think that has to do with it being less stressful. No compulsory sports. He starts at 8h45 and finishes at 15h00. He also rides his bicycle to school and back every day. When I leave in the morning, he is still in bed sleeping. Hehe. Dogs are fine, though we definitely need to move to a place with a bigger garden. It does force us to take them for walks often. There are some beautiful parks around. Our favourite was a long walk in the Dandenong Ranges National Walk – quite beautiful and only 40 minutes away. Would be nice to make some new friends, but I understand this takes time. Have looked at MeetUp and am trying at work, but I have found that locals are very quick to say “we must have you over for dinner” but never really go through with it. There have been some lovely South Africans, including some from this forum who have reached out and we are grateful for that. Thank you. Happy to have a coffee if anyone is in the city. Take care everyone. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedPanda Posted April 21, 2018 Report Share Posted April 21, 2018 Good to hear that you are settling in well If you like walking in the Dandenong Ranges, you should explore the area over time. I think you can literally walk your legs off without walking the same route twice! (Sherbrook Forest, Lysterfield Lake Park, Churchill Park, the area around Olinda, the area around the Sylvan reservoir, and around Emerald....ok, basically you just need to look at Google Maps in satellite view and if it's green- you can walk there!) But yea, also good to check out things to do and places to go close to home 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Husky Posted May 9, 2018 Author Report Share Posted May 9, 2018 Quick one. We had the impression that life was far more laid back in Aus and work a lot less stressful. Life is certainly less stressful BUT goodness we are working hard. Leave home in the dark and get home in the dark, then have to do shopping ,cleaning, washing, admin and cooking. I am so very tired! We really have come from a place of privilege. No regrets and yes, I still love Melbourne! Now if I could just get the teenagers to be consistent with their chores ..... think I'll just top up my glass of wine. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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