I'm here...

[tmrei]

the new look is very very 'springy'. at first I just thought that the forum looks different in australia then I realized it got a new look.

It has been a daunting few weeks but I'm sitting in my Quest accomodation right in the middle of Fitzroy - writing offline (after being on-line) and will put myself back on-line after this is written--sigh the pain of paying for on-line service. Unfortunately I've spent about $75 US dollars (without considering the credit card fee for australian purchase and the other taxes...) But until i'm settled it's worth it to connect to the world of which I'm familiar and to look for apartments.

I worked so hard to be prepared only to realize all the things I didn't prepare. Painfully obvious things. Like I should have realized the US makes it impossible to wire transfer money to a bank in Australia. I should have taken out the money first.

but the people at my new job have been lovely. The HR manager has been helping me find an apartment. I may have one. It is way way too small for me and my husband but it is furnished, feels very very safe as I'm trying to get my bearings and I can rent it for 6 mos. I figure my husband will likely come even faster if the apartment is too small for both of us. I will look more today...but boy they make it hard...

I've almost been demolished by a very fast biker as I keep looking in the wrong direction when I start to cross the street. Need to look both ways.

Fitzroy feels very much like the East Village NY without all the starbucks and gaps and victoria secret. Its very trendy and cool. I'm hoping to go salsa dancing tonight and if luck is on my side that will be one thing that will feel very familiar. I don't know about people from Great Britain, but the strange thing about Australia for an American is it feels strangely familiar but distinctly different...Like you look at things that you think you know...and then realize they're something else.

very odd.

I'm starting work on Monday and will more fully get immersed in my new experience. and I will see the lawyer to begin working on the 457 and figure out when my husband is coming...I need that to happen yesterday...I would be grateful for a few positive thoughts on Monday if you remember...

I thought of Anj recently when I went to open my bank account. the guy had moved from India 8 years ago. He was telling me about his experience with the transition. I have it easy I know...well semi-easy without my husband.

best,

Tiffany

[Tiffani]

enjoy the salsa tonight Maybe it would be worth it to take a six-month lease on a furnished apartment because that will give you plenty of time to get to know the area and find a place that really works for you. Also, I'd check with the shipping company to find out when to expect your furniture (if you brought it all with you, that is) because we had a six week estimated arrival that took four months so there are no guarantees there.

by the way, as for the expensive internet, when I arrived in melbourne I discovered some internet cafe places in the middle of shopping centre in the suburb where i was staying, where i paid $5 for 2 hours and I could come and go (I had a login and password that I could top up when needed so I didn't have to sit there for two hours if I didn't want to -- I could come back later and pick up where I left off). I am betting there are places like that in the CBD or near where you live, if you have a look around. Hopefully when you start working you can log on from there.

Take care!

[kaz101]

Hi Tiffany,

Glad you are here and settling in.

We've transferred money from Oz to the USA without any problem for a share trading account so hopefully we will be able to transfer it back just as easily!

I'm from the UK and yes Australia did seem strangely familiar but distinctly different too. It used to lull me into a false sense of security and then hit me with something unexpected

I've talked to people I thought were Aussies only to find out that they came out here years ago. Us immigrants are everywhere

Like Tiffani I used a cheap internet cafe for a while until I was settled in since they are cheap and are great for simple stuff like emails.

Hope the salsa dancing went well. I'm trying line dancing tomorrow night as long as I've recovered from this cold / sore throat that has developed today. I've not done it before and I'm not sure I'll like the music but I haven't found salsa dancing locally yet.

Good luck with work on Monday.

Manifest wonderful things! It's a whole new start and more than ever now you can create what you want.

Big hug,
Karen