new here...

[Overtaker]

hello all,

I'm new to the forum, and pretty new to Oz as well, having arrived in Perth over the Easter weekend this year. I wish I'd seen this forum before I left, but then I think if I had, then I probably wouldn't have come...

I cannot believe how backward this country is - its like living in RSA in the '80s... Well, that's our experience anyway... And yet its so expensive - yet we don't get the benefits not having PR...

Fortunately we have an au pair, which helps, and is stacks cheaper than day care for our 3 kids.

Stupidly enough, we settled / are renting in Ridgewood, and the hour trip to town is getting to me - having worked on the mines in RSA, I think the furthest I ever stayed was about 15 mins. So we'll try to get out of our lease (how easy is that?) and move closer to the city...

so, somewhat dis-illusioned, here I am...

Rich

[Aramat]

Hi Overtaker, welcome to the forum!

They say that it takes about a year to adjust, and from your post I gather you are there on a 457. I'm sure you'll sort something out and find a spot closer to work.

At the moment I stay 20mins from work but up until 18 months ago I was travelling btwn 1hr & 1hr30min in to work every day, so I know how you feel.

Good luck with sorting out your lease, just remember why you left RSA, don't be too hasty to want to return, give yourselves time to adjust.

Aramat

[The Parsons Family]

Hi Rich

Welcome to the forum!

Getting out of your lease is relatively easy, most agencies expect you to pay an advertising fee and to pay for the rental until a replacement tenant has been found. We got of our lease so it is possible

Ridgewood is quite a distance from the city, perhaps you could look within a 25km radius.

I am sorry to hear that you are not enjoying it here, if there is anything we can do to help, please don't hesitate to ask, we've all been where you are now.

Cheers

Gaille and Lawrence

[Overtaker]

thanks guys...

hmmm, "don't forget the reason I came here..." - actually still trying to work that one out...

I've met up with a couple of families since arriving, and some couldn't handle the politics in RSA, others the violence / security, others the education decay, etc etc etc... They all had their reasons, which seemed valid.

I've been blessed in that I've never had these issues. I worked on the mines out in the sticks, and other than minor cases of petty theft, never had any reason to abandon ship. I was a bit cheesed with my ex-employer the one day, and co-incidently some headhunter called and asked if I wanted a job in oz, so I took it.

Now I'm here wondering if it was the right idea. To be honest, the schooling my kids had in RSA was way better than here, so now we're battling to keep them interested... I am a canoeist and a cyclist, and it looks just too hard at the moment to get things sorted out...

anyway, I'm sure I'll get over this bubble eventually.

maybe I should go to the dozi concert just for kicks, but to be honest - that's not really my scene anyway.

Chow

Rich

[WidgetofOzz]

Hi Rich,

Relax man, it is different but it is also good. If you do not like it when the 457 runs out go back. The kids would have some 'international' experience, you also and it will make you a lot more marketable in the good old RSA.

....but , I have a feeling that after 2 or 4 yrs here that option might not seem so attractive anymore, or once back you might think, that little place in Perth will be nice now.

It is your life friend. make the most of it, and live it the way you want to.

Fellow life traveller....

WoO

[Guest ClanRogers]

Hi Rich

Welcome!!!

Coming from an exKimberlite... I too had to adjust to life in the "big city" with the move to Cape Town i.e. the commute & expensive lifestyle... What a culture shock! Looking back however I maintain it was still the best decision I have ever made, with the exception of the next & possibly biggest decision, immigrating to Australia, which didn't feature @ the time...

Vasbyt, I'm sure you'll "acclimatize" in no time!!!

Good luck

Brad

[Nilo]

Hi Rich

How odd???? We are LOVING Australia and are EXTREMELY thankful that we got a visa to live in such a wonderful country.

You must be very fortunate to be able to afford an Au pair if the country is so expensive! We have honestly experience the opposite. Australia has been very good to us the past 8 months that we have been living here.

I might add that we lived on the beautiful tropical Islands of the Seychelles before settling in Australia, and still find Australia fantastic, cultured and wonderful, not to mention advanced.

Hope you settle in soon and see what the others of us see.

By the way I had an sms from my sister in South Africa this evening, they ??????? broke into her office and stole everything in sight and the stuff that was not stolen was distroyed!!! At least people in Aus have respect for each other's belonings.

Nilo

[Allie en Urs]

Hi Rich.

Welkom op die forum en in ons pragtige WA.Jy gaan dit nog baie geniet.Gee jouself net eers n kans om aantepas dan gaan jy met ander oe na al's kyk.Jy het die regte besluit geneem.

Vas byt.

Albert en Ursula.

Edited September 11, 2007 by Allie&Urs

[JayJay]

My 2 sente ook gee...

Ek was heeltemal uit die veld geslaan, Overtaker - oor jou ondervinding daar in Oz.

Ek het hierdie forum al kruis en dwars gelees, kommentaar gelewer - en gevra, maar ek moet sê, dit is ook goed om van jou ondervinding te weet.

Soos altyd, kan dit nie net maanskyn en rose wees nie, veral nie met al die onbekendes wat jy alreeds ondervind het nie - maar op die ou end, gaan dit alles oor attitude. Ek glo dis nie altyd moontlik om dinge op te los op jou manier nie, en ek glo, nog moeiliker in 'n vreemde land, want jou normale kanale bestaan net nie daar nie, maar ek's bly vir jou dat jy hierdie klomp wonderlike mense ontdek het! Al jou antwoorde lê hier - glo my.

Alles van die beste, en ek is, so-te-sê in dieselfde bootjie as jy - het ook toevallig die job raakgeloop, maar ek moet nog daar kom - in die vreemde! As ek besluit om nie te gaan nie, gaan ek myself vir die res van my tydjie hier op aarde afvra - "wat sou gebeur het?" Dis vir my moeilik om hierdie comfort zone waarin ek my op die oomblik bevind, op te gee en in die vreemde nuut te gaan begin, maar ek voel ek moet. Almal hier reken ek's mal - so be-it!

Sterkte vir julle - en probeer die Dozi thing. Ek het hom hier in SA gesien - dis die moeite werd, al is dit net om terug te verlang hiernatoe.

Groetnis

JJ

[Conrad]

Hi Rich

Welcome to Forum

Who say`s this transition is going to be easy.I think the most important factor is our children and the larger picture at the end of the day.

As far as living in the80`s! what a pleasure.Would love my children to have the experience.

Your reason for going over.I truly hope you did not think you would be living a King`s life.

Coming from the Stick`s!try and live in a City in SA.Here in the Western Cape thing`s still look good and we still have a bit of hope.

I really think you should feel privileged at been given such an experience and make the most of it.Life is one BIG journey.

Cheer`s Conrad

[Suidwes]

Hi Overtaker,

Welcome!! Hope everything gets sorted out.. especially the reasons why you came. Maybe then you will make a bit more sense of it all.

I would like to know why you said this:

I wish I'd seen this forum before I left, but then I think if I had, then I probably wouldn't have come...

Anyways.. I 'm sure you will find alot of information on the forum.

Sw

Edited September 11, 2007 by Suidwes

[Blossom]

Hi Overtaker,

Can you pretty please explain why you find this country backwards?

Sorry you feel this way.......hope things get better for you......maybe it's just the culture shock...it is a very big adjustment from there to here.

Regards,

Kannidood.

PS. Perth is such a lovely place......

Edited September 11, 2007 by Kannidood

[Guest juno1]

Hi Rich,

Speaking from experience, you get to live a bit of a charmed life on the mines. We always said it gave us a false sense of security. Two stints in Joburg brought us back to reality, which is why we are now in WA feeling totally relaxed in our new environment. I cannot agree with you about the country being backwards. Perhaps your experiences have been different to ours? In the 7 months we have been here, we continue to be amazed at the efficiency. A lot of things get done without any of the hassle you have to put up with in RSA. Certainly keeps the stress levels down

Do hope you manage to settle. Hopefully in a new rental that is more to your liking. I agree with Kannidood. It's probably just a culture shock. You haven't been here very long. Not enough time to adjust fully. Just hope you come to love the country as much as we do.

[MannyT]

Hi Overtaker

Sorry to "hear" that some/all of your experiences since your arrival in Australia have been bad. I was rather bemused by some of your comments:

- "I can't believe how backward this country is-it's like living in the RSA in the 80's" Thats rich coming from someone from Kimberley who "worked on the mines in the sticks"??. By the way I loved living in the RSA in the 80's.

- You are apparently still trying to work out why you came here/to Oz- Why is that ,was it not you that made the decision?

- I assume that it was you that also made the decision to settle in Ridgewood, so if the travelling is a problem for you, move.

- If you feel that the schooling for your children is also a problem, send them to a private school.

- "everything is so expensive here"- It's all relative.

Life is all about choices so if you are not happy in Oz you can always go back to the RSA.

I would however suggest that you endeavour to come to terms with your move for the sake of your children.

Enjoy!

Manny

[Mikej]

Talking about living in a backward country, 2 weeks ago I drove from Fourways to Vryheid. OMG what a shock. Getting off the N3 on the Balfour road at Heidelberg and travelling to Vryheid past Standerton was mindblowing.

It was like armageddon.

The squatter settlements have deteriorated, yes even the shacks look worse than in the 80s. They cover the landscape and are themselves covered in muck, plastic and rubbish.

You have to drive through the most depressing scene to get into Standerton. Even the farmhouses one sees in the distance are in disrepair. All the way you see the telephone lines have been stolen, the thieves new trick is to cut the poles down with a chain saw and simply pick the cable up off the ground. I saw Telkom poles lying all over the place. Most of the shops on the route have closed and the garages are dumps, dirty and covered in plastic litter. All the way to Vryheid was just more of the same.

I returned the same day and was glad to get back to Fourways but it was a big eye opener and a warning to those of us who live sheltered lives. The fact is we live on tiny islands in a huge ocean of poor people who will not accept living like that forever while we live like royalty behind electric fences.

If you think South Africa is a progressive country then you are fooling yourself. We are going backwards big time and there is no rescue or hope.

For the time being it is possilbe to live a sheltered, protected life here but not for much longer.

The Fourways Mall has been robbed by gangs with AKs and there has been at least one major shoot out involving 17 armed robbers. This is where my wife shops with our babies, she left the mall about 30 mins before the shootout. Monte Casino has been shot out so many times its not funny.

Last week we did not have water at home for 2 days, we have not had Telkom phones at work for 3 weeks and I have bought a generator for my business because the electricity is so fickle.

Is this what one calls progress?

This is common in SA, does it happen in Australia?

If you dont like Australia then that is fair enough, but you need to be honest with yourself because no-one else is going to buy that rubbish.

In your post you said

Stupidly enough, we settled / are renting in Ridgewood

and I will take your word for it but that is not Australia's fault.

Michael

[Guest Mauritz]

Hi Undertaker

I understand completely why you're not that happy in the land of Oz. Most people pack up and go, because of the crime, the speedy backslide everywhere in Africa - after asking questions, 'visiting websites like this one, praying, consulting etc. They pack up to find a safer place, a better place, a place with a future

You're the first person I've ever met, that packed up because "I've been a bit cheesed" with my employer. I think if I do something like that and live that 'far' from my work, I'll also wake up in the mornings - look in the mirror and 'gee myself 'n lekker vet oor elke oggend, man.'

Nothing to do with Oz, man - I know it is dirty, unemployment is worse than anywhere in Africa - I mean the beggars man - you've to lock your car and grab that pistol at every intersection. The taxis - unbelievable. Last , but not least - the CRIME.

C'mon man, grab that cano and tricycle and get out there - see the land, smell the air. You'll soon love this place.

Hope things work out for you and the family.

Regards

Mauritz

[Dax]

Hi Rich

I think you are suffering from “settling-in blues”, and it’s a normal process for us all.

It happens when you are past the “we-are-here” euphoria, and things sink in. sometimes its like sitting down in a hot bathtub, you feel like jumping out, but bite the bit, and soon you are used to the “heat.”

It is in this time period that little, insignificant things may irritate you or turn you quite negative. During my first few weeks here I could not stand the smell of gum trees when it rained – don’t ask me why.

Also, in our settling-in period when I was unemployed for a short while, we had to rely on public transport, and to this day, I really don’t like getting onto a bus, brings back bad memories.

Back then there weren’t any forums or sources of info like saaustralia, and we did everything by the seat of our pants on our own. Therefore, nowadays on this forum, if I can save someone re-inventing any particular wheel, I do so with pleasure.

Look, I hear what you say, in some respects Aussies do seem to be somewhat behind the rest or a bit ignorant. An example, during my first few years I attended a seminar for teachers where someone informed us about some “new” research which indicates that children younger than 7 years are quite good at picking up a second language. Now, for any Saffer this IS NOT news, anyone who grew up in the rural areas of Natal would tell you that by their fifth or sixth year kids spoke Afrikaans/English and Zulu if not all three. The same with kids that grew up in Namibia in the 50’s and 60’s, they often were fluent in Afrikaans, German and maybe Vambo or Ovahimba. When I mentioned this I sort of got some blank stares.

I mention this, as it it is an example of things that can get under your skin at times.

But, don’t worry mate! I’m sure (and I’m hoping) that you will settle in. Just give Oz time and it will grow on you. I’m sure after a few years you will remember the life you had in RSA with fondness, but that you will prefer your new life in Oz.

Cheers,

Dax

[Lisa T]

Hi there

As someone has said on this thread, we do live in little pockets or islands, and it is just a matter of time before that changes.

To give you an example: A family moved into a house opposite ours. Within a matter of months, they had rubbish piled up on their verge, refused to buy garden refuse bags to have it cleared away, threw old furniture onto the verge that was so shocking, no-one would even steal it. People take pride in their homes on our street, but this family doesn't give a damn. After repeatedly asking them to please remove their rubbish to no avail, my husband took it upon himself to throw 30 black bags of garden refuse (which by this time was smelling like compost), an old bed with a huge hole in it, and numerous other items back over this guy's wall early one morning. Calls to the local municipality made no difference.

To top it all, this guy's power was disconnected because he had an account of R13 000.00 in arrears. So what does he do? He doesn't pay his bill, but gets a generator that makes the loudest, most dreadful noise that disrupts the peace and keeps his neighbours awake at night.

I know this may sound petty to some, but the difference is a case of pride and respect for fellow neighbours, which they obviously don't have.

You're lucky you got out, and should see the positives to that. We haven't made the move yet, but do know that it is not going to be easy and we are going to miss South Africa, it's good people, family, friends and support structure. However you also need to be realistic and see SA for what it is and how it is deteriorating in all respects.

And lastly, the fact that thousands of people are wanting to get out of here, should raise a question or two.

I hope in some small way, it helps you to see that you've done the right thing and that with time, you can make Oz your new home.

Lisa

[Just B]

Hi Overtaker,

Perhaps it's a little to early to shout my mouth off as I'm still in RSA. One of the things I have discussed at length with the family is that we cannot expect Australia to be the same as South Africa, and also that it's a country all the same with hardship. My wife and I have already begun with doing our own housework is assist the transition.

I personally and I know my wife is also absolutely excited with the Adventure we will be embarking on.

Why not wake up tomorrow with out any preconcived ideas and take each day as it comes and don't compare it to RSA (there are on opposite ends of the earth)

I do hope things start looking up for you and hang in there, even long enough to get your passports. that way you have the option to go back (so many of my friends are still kicking themselves back here)

Regards,

K&B

[Overtaker]

well that's an interesting mix of responses - from "don't worry its just a culture shock", to some more unpleasant ones...

I think this forum has a world of knowledge in it, and we had some concerns following our LSD, which we were told by the aussies not to worry about. Well - we should have worried about it. Had I known about the forum, I'd have been able to do my homework better - and either would not have come, or had been better prepared - difficult to say, cos I'm here now...

There have been comments about the affordability of an au pair. putting things in perspective - I think I paid R1000 a month to have my 3 kids in daycare - both in Kimberley, and Tableview just before heading this way. Here in Perth its $50 to $60 per child per day. That's $750 a week for me. multiply by 4 weeks and then by 6 - its more in a month than I used to spend in a year... HECTIC!!! An au pair costs $200 a week, and is always there - no more having to find babaysitters. Its still not cheap, but better than the alternative. When they go to school, it'll be a different story - cos that's very affordable - I am told.

I was told I could get a government rebate for daycare. Its not true for South Africans on a 457, but you can if you've got PR, but the amount varies according to what you earn. IF its peanuts, then the rebate is up to 80%. My wife and I are engineers, so the rebate is very little - and it takes a while to get PR.

But apparently my last statement is also not true. When I got here, I was told to settle down for 12 to 18 month wait for my PR application. This seemed true talking to other blokes at work. However, this week I got a call from my agent to say the government here has woken up, and now are processing nominations and applications concurrently and on the spot. I will be submitting both in 4 weeks time (just awaiting some paperwork), and I am told, I could have PR in as little as a week after that. Again, maybe its possible - one of the blokes at work just got that.

Why did I say this place is backward? I understand the rest of Oz is better, but I grew up in Pietermaritzburg, the slowest little sleepy hollow in the world. Well, it used to be, cos Perth is even slower. The locals even say WA stands for "Wait A-while"... that's the lifestyle they like. In most places (though not all) the shops still are closed on Sundays. The infrastructure is way behind in this place - with freeways and railways still being built (typically behind schedule) to cater for the growth of the city... it seems backward to me...

as an interesting note, I've heard some people leaving RSA cos they can't handle the efficiecy of the local councils... I read this with interest...

http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21...48-2761,00.html

I guess I also wasn't prepared for how unfriendly the aussies seems to be. If you move into a new house in RSA (which we did quite a bit, both in the sticks and in the city {pta and tableview}) - the neighbours come to welcome you etc - not here... And they seem genuinely threatened at work as well. The friendliest people I've met here are the saffers - and then the aussies say we're clicky...

anyway, everyone has their own experiences, which can be cool, or marred. I guess I didn't do enough homework before getting here, and then had that messed with in various ways, such as not being fetched at the airport cos the company got the times wrong, being stuck too far out of the city (no that wasn't my decision) and also death in the family 3 weeks after arriving and having to return while trying to settle in - getting jet lagged is quite low on my things to do list as it is...

I'm sure we'll settle in, once we've gotten over all the hang-ups and bugger-ups.

Cheers

Rich

[Springbok]

Why did I say this place is backward? I understand the rest of Oz is better, but I grew up in Pietermaritzburg, the slowest little sleepy hollow in the world. Well, it used to be, cos Perth is even slower. The locals even say WA stands for "Wait A-while"... that's the lifestyle they like. In most places (though not all) the shops still are closed on Sundays. The infrastructure is way behind in this place - with freeways and railways still being built (typically behind schedule) to cater for the growth of the city... it seems backward to me...

Maybe you should visit us on the eastcoast here in Sydney where the pace is faster, just to reassure yourself that the whole country is not backward... and remember WA has only recently caught up with the rest of the country, due to the mining boom, so it's obvious that the infrastructure is still being upgraded. Dr. Marius Kloppers, the CEO of BHPBilliton, thinks the resources boom will last for another few decades (yes that's what he said), so the future for WA and Perth should be great!

I guess I also wasn't prepared for how unfriendly the aussies seems to be. If you move into a new house in RSA (which we did quite a bit, both in the sticks and in the city {pta and tableview}) - the neighbours come to welcome you etc - not here... And they seem genuinely threatened at work as well. The friendliest people I've met here are the saffers - and then the aussies say we're clicky...

You get friendly and unfriendly people all over the world, I generally find the Aussies to be super friendly here in Sydney and genuinely interested in my life. No one seem to feel threatened, I guess they don't suffer from insecurity complexes. When I moved into my new house (in a security complex) in Joburg 2 years ago, none of the (relatively young) neighbours made an effort to welcome me, except the retired British couple who lived next to me.

anyway, everyone has their own experiences, which can be cool, or marred. I guess I didn't do enough homework before getting here, and then had that messed with in various ways, such as not being fetched at the airport cos the company got the times wrong, being stuck too far out of the city (no that wasn't my decision) and also death in the family 3 weeks after arriving and having to return while trying to settle in - getting jet lagged is quite low on my things to do list as it is...

Yeah sounds like you had a very rough entry into Australia, mate, sorry to hear about your family. But it will come right with time.... here's a thought: if you grew up in PMB, then you're an eastcoast boy. Maybe you're meant to live east and should move over to Queensland or New South Wales?

[martinwolmarans]

Hi there,

In a way i would sometimes agree with you. Having lived somewhere where everything was the way you knew it and then moving here, getting this huge culture shock can be pretty affecting. I was from Durban where i surfed evry morning and evening and was not the camping outdoor type(had enough of that in the army) prefered going to Gateway mall with kids and having cappucino and so forth and then arriving in North Queensland seeing the 'HOONS" drive the crap out of their big V8's, tradies driving around with dogs on the back of their utes, roads in NQLD being up to crap,hospitals with lqarge waiting lists no large malls with " our Woolworths, House of coffees, Spur or Wimpy." Now that was a culture shock for me and even worse for my wife. But you know what, my kids are "happy little Aussies". I can take them for walks. go to the Strand without fear of being mugged, can go a way on work trips and not fear My wife and two daughters would get raped andd killed. These are the most important things in life are they not. Agreed that apart from the old South Africa there is no more Utopia. Accept it, learn to like it and you reap the benefits when your kids can achieve anything in this country. The sooner we can get our Aus passports the happier we will be.

Accept there is no more perfect country. Choose what is the most important and stick with it. These days you cant have your cake, milkshake and chocolates and then get to it it. Coose one. Hopefully you choose the " chicken salad" Safe, healthy, but a bit bland.

regards

Martin

[Guest Chris Rimmer]

Hi Rich

Welcome to Forum

Who say`s this transition is going to be easy.I think the most important factor is our children and the larger picture at the end of the day.

As far as living in the80`s! what a pleasure.Would love my children to have the experience.

Your reason for going over.I truly hope you did not think you would be living a King`s life.

Coming from the Stick`s!try and live in a City in SA.Here in the Western Cape thing`s still look good and we still have a bit of hope.

I really think you should feel privileged at been given such an experience and make the most of it.Life is one BIG journey.

Cheer`s Conrad

So much for Perth being in the 1980's. Last year I went there and they all still had Beatle haircuts! Don't flatter the joint!

[SASydneysider]

Accept there is no more perfect country. Choose what is the most important and stick with it. These days you cant have your cake, milkshake and chocolates and then get to it it. Coose one. Hopefully you choose the " chicken salad" Safe, healthy, but a bit bland.

Well said!!!!!

[Frenchy]

Dear Overtaker

Sorry to hear about your bad experiences. Just as a matter of interest. Have you ever been overseas before you went to Aus or was this the first time? We have lived in a few countries, our first experience was pretty much like yours, but having done it before, the second and third country was better. We are hoping that the move to Aus will be smooth as we know what to expect emotionally and having done months and months of research.

So I am keen to know if this was your first overseas experience or not.

Regards

Frenchy