Marshs Down Under

At last, we have signed all the forms required to rent the house in Beaumaris, Melbourne! Click the link here so you can view the images, this is the house that is for sale, it is up for $1.2 million, but has a better description and photos than the one we are renting. Ours has a slightly different design with 2 large living areas and3 bathrooms, but doesn’t have the balcony off the bedroom upstairs, apart from that, they are the same. We move in next Monday if quarantine clear our belongings in the container (should be done by then).

Also had to go and buy a fridge/freezer as we left ours at home. Bought a funky American style one, similar to the one we had with ice & water, but a more contemporary design.

Been to the big shopping centre at Chadstone today, thought I would take Ellie and Steve as it was a bit drizzly weather. Got quite busy later on, people waiting for your parking space when leaving. Went for a coffee in Borders book shop (still going strong here!), people sat reading the magazines while they were having their coffee’s. The only difference is that it wasn’t Costa coffee, the big coffee shop here is Gloria Jeans – nice coffee, stupid name! There are about 3 Starbucks shops only in the city.

Going to try and get our Australian driving license’s tomorrow, it’s a good type of photo ID. I’m not really bothered about getting one, as you can’t get points on your UK license if you get caught speeding!

Thanks for letting me know how nice it’s been at home, hope your all enjoying the good weather, just one point to make, its our shortest day tomorrow, which means it’s your longest day, after that the nights start drawing in, Winter will be with you soon!!  Haha……..

Had my last personal training session, I’m sure I didn’t tell him that I was training for the marines though. He had me doing squats with a barbell over my shoulders, bloody hard getting back up with that weight! My legs are aching now, don’t think I’ll be using him again! Went to yoga with Jayne last night, bit weird, doing the up dog/down dog and cobra, couldn’t keep a straight face when the instructor was describing the moves! Jayne has booked our tickets for Xmas in July, 17 of us going in total, should be fun.

I have managed to book Michael Buble tickets  today, wohoo! Going to see him in Melbourne on 25th Feb, cant wait. I have also requested tickets to be in the audience for the X-Factor, don’t know whether we will get them though, should know soon cos its for early July.

The house looks like it may get signed off on Saturday, but I am not posting any links to photos until then, don’t want to temp fate! The landlord has asked that we don’t allow any stiletto shoes on the floor (sorry Steve), and put felt sticky pads on chairs etc. I am going to try Xena in those dog slippers, what are the chances of her keeping them on?

Weather was quite stormy last night, gales have blown a few trees over then a hail storm this morning, then sunshine an hour later, crazy weather.

Been out for coffee a few times this week, but haven’t plucked up the courage yet to try the hot drink the Aussies love – chai latte. Yep, a tea latte, aka frothy milky tea, don’t think I could drink that.

Have done my shopping, I’m now a dab hand now at going to the  butchers for my meat and chicken, which is cheaper and much nicer than the stuff I used to get in the UK. It has no water, chemicals or additives and must be used or frozen within 24 hours. The fruit and veg is very tasty and loads of different varieties, go to the greengrocers near to Ellies school, very good and very cheap! Only go to the supermarket for tins and toiletries etc. My shopping bill is cheaper than the UK. The beer and wine place that all the Aussies (and Brits) use is called Dan Murphy’s. It is a Sainsbury’s (Leigh) sized warehouse full of beer and wine, Banrock station 3.50 a bottle, you get a discount the more you buy. Just a matter of knowing where to go, miss the 3 for 10 quid offers though, especially Chablis, cant find that here. (Sue I’ll send you my address, 6 bottles should do initially!)

Have recieved the last piece of documentation required for my nursing registration. Steve took it directly to show them today, so they have sighted and photocopied it, hopefully I will be getting my registration card soon. Have had a quick look for jobs, there is the Royal district nursing service, think they still do a lot of home care stuff and salt baths are still big over here, so much for evidence based practice! Will create a CV then just send it out and see what response I get, that’s my next challenge.

Well, back to watching relocation-relocation from 5 years ago, think Kirsty is pregnant with her first child in this series! Cant wait to get a decent Foxtel (sky) package with up to date programs on.

I cant believe its only been 6 weeks since we arrived, feels a lot longer now. We realised how much we have learned and know now, because our new neighbours have only been here 2 weeks, going through all the same things we were, they invited us in Mon(bank hol)  for a glass of wine and a chat. I think they are in their early 50’s, and decided they just couldn’t retire in the UK. He is a petro- chemical engineer, so got the same visa as Stephen, but are starting their permanent residency application very soon. We gave them lots of insight into houses, driving, areas etc, so we have learned a lot!

The long weekend was nice. We went to see the landlord on Saturday, he is called Eugene, what with our neighbour called Patrick – turning into an episode of spongebob! Anyway, the landlord seemed ok, was going on about the poor standards builders seem t have, and that he has had one struck off the plumbers register….etc, but he seemed ok with the dog, we took Xena so he could see she wasn’t a savage dog. He said he knows there will be wear and tear, but  doesn’t want big scratches or holes in doors or else we will have to repair them! Steve is going to ring the agent today, and if he is still happy, start the process of renting.

Went off to find furniture shops Saturday afternoon, we found out that there is a ‘furniture strip’ about 25 min away. My god, talk about huge, imagine two four lane highways, like the M6, but with very little traffic on them, and running along either side, for a bout 1.5 miles loads of furniture shops. You cant walk them, go in about 3 or 4 , then get back into your car, drive down a bit more then get out again! We really didn’t know where to begin, have to do a bit more research I think.

Sunday we went into the city, had a look around Victoria market. It’s a massive market, first bit selling lovely deli type foods& kangaroo meat, have tried some, very dark and rich! The other half sells allsorts, trainers, shoes, clothes etc. There were genuine UGG boots, every design even the knitted type, and they were selling them for $80, thats 40 quid!!! Felt like I should buy them all up at that price. We later walked along the Yarra river, and had coffee, it will be lovely in summer there.

Yesterday we went into Beaumaris, where we will hopefully be living. Parked up and did a recki. We walked to the beach, nice 20 min stroll, 10 min for Ellie to walk to school, local shops 5 min. The area is lovely, mature tree lined streets, tennis courts, green spaces, and everyone we passed smiled and said good morning, so it does seem a nice place. It was a lovely sunny day, quite warm to, even in T-shirt, though cold when a cloud came over!

So back to normal today, will take Xena for a walk now, then got my last personal training session (thank god), then to the supermarket (joy!).

Don’t have to get up to take Ellie to school today, she is off so the teachers can write reports, then Monday is a bank holiday for the queens birthday, weird that we don’t get that in the UK.Sunday is forecast to be nice so we’ll probably have a drive out somewhere to explore. Ellie was saying that a few of her friends are going up to the Gold coast/Queensland as its still 25.0c up there, never really gets cool. There are Warner bros theme parks up there like Disneyland but smaller, have wet and wild etc also. Living over here opens up so many places to holiday, all the places that would take up to a day to get there such as Bali & Maldives are only about 6 hours away.There is also the great ocean road, which is a fantastic drive with the best views, so lots of places to investigate when the weather picks up.

Went to a huge shopping centre with Maria yesterday at Chadstone, 20 min away. It is the largest shopping centre in the Southern hemisphere, looks a bit bigger than the Trafford centre, has all the designer shops like Chanel, Louis Vuitton  and Tiffany, its a really nice place, nearly lost the car though and was late picking Ellie up from school!

Going to view a house this morning in Sandringham, then got a meeting with that landlord on Saturday morning so we can clear a few issues if we decide to go for that property, so hopefully we may be a bit more certain of where we may be living by then.

Been on the beach a few times with Xena, the sea was quite rough with proper waves, never seen it like that before, usually very still. I think winter is definatley here now, will be booking somewhere warm this time next year!

Had an email from the NMC to say they have e-mailed the Aus nursing board the transcript of my training, so just waiting for one final letter that has to come through the post,  I will have to take it in to show them, then it should be done. Looked on line at nursing agencies, there are loads, and they all describe themselves as ‘Melbourne’s leading nursing agency’, where do you begin?

Xena has really enjoyed being on the beach, she has learned not to drink the water! Went to the dog beach on Sunday( Sandringham) with Kim ( the agent) and her children. There were a few other dogs for Xena to run with, then we went into the cafe for a hot  drink as it’s quite chilly when the sun goes in.

Met Jayne and Chris and their 6 year old daughter at a pizzeria for tea on Saturday, BYO wine, had a good evening, Jayne has convinced me to go to her cycling class at the gym Wed morning (she teaches), so we’ll see how that goes, I’m still aching from my personal training session!

Went into the city on Sunday afternoon on the train to do a little more exploring, there’s always something going on there. Finding our way around a lot better now.

Maria came over Monday and we were out walking on the beach for nearly 3 hours, stopped for a coffee and cake halfway though! Thats a good thing about living here, loads of little street cafes selling goodies.

There are a few developments on the housing front, we were going to proceed today with the house we viewed recently, then a lovely house is available to view from Saturday, 17 min walk to train station, but Ellie would need to bus it, and now Steves just walked in and played a message from the agent that says the landlord of the house in Beaumaris that I REALLY liked has said he would take a much reduced bond…. Help!!!! What do I do?

Been to the mall shopping today, lots of really good sales on, bought a few bits and pieces, but really need a new coat, might go with Maria on Thursday.

Phoned Nursing councilin UK last night, they are going to try to sort things out for me, sending me some stuff so will hopefully be registered soon, then can look for work.

More pics on Flickr

Went to collect Xena at last, she was so excited and wondered where she was going when we led her away from the exercise pens. She was reluctant to jump into the car though, the Murano is a lot higher off the floor, will have to get her a ramp when she gets older!

We went to the beach shortly after arriving back, she ran into the sea and took a big mouthful of water, before coughing it out and shaking her head, she’ll soon realise its salt water. Kept getting sand in her mouth too when retrieving her ball. Walked past the pet shop on the way home, the owner made a big fuss of her and gave her some dried kangaroo tail to chew on- yuck, Xena liked it though.

Met Kim, the agent for a coffee in the garden centre next door, we went through the houses that are up for rental, which are very few. All her contacts are aware of our requirements and will let her know if anything comes up. Been to view a couple more today, not suitable mostly. There is one that would do in Beaumaris, walking distance to school,modern, good space with 4 beds so we have put an application of interest in on that one, after all we are only renting and can move on in 12months.

At last we have found a really good Indian restaurant! Decided to take a chance and turn up, but it was so busy we ended up getting a takeaway. The last one we tried was disgusting, all the Brits keep telling us that the Indians here just aren’t the same. Ellie tried a tikka massala and she couldn’t eat it, tasted like warm tomato ketchup! So we know where to go for good indian food now at least. Going to meet Chris and Jayne at a pizza restaurant shortly, and Kim has asked if we want to meet on the beach tomorrow to take the dogs for a walk. Hope the weather will be better as its been like an English autumn day today, raining quite hard also, had to put our jeans in the dryer when we got home!

Well, we offered to pay the full rent, presuming that everything would be accepted, 2 days later the landlord came back requesting another 2,000 pounds as a bond to protect against the dog scratching the floor! We were already paying a 2,000 pound bond, so told him that it wasn’t going to happen. I would be constantly worrying about the dog walking on the floor, and fully expect him to examine the floor with a magnifying glass when we leave, keeping the bond if there was a tiny scratch! Don’t need that stress, even if it is the nicest house ever.

We have engaged the services of a re-location agent, she was recommended to us by Chris and Jayne, and already she has got us appointments. She explained that as agents, the estate agents give them first refusal on new properties that are coming up, so they can get their clients in early. So that’s why all the properties were being taken even before their open days! We already have one shortlisted, couple more to see early next week, fingers crossed. She is providing this service as a friend and only charging a couple of hundred dollars for her services, and only if she finds us a house.

Ellie has been invited to the cinemas by her group of new friends to celebrate end of exams tomorrow. They also invited her to sleepover, but she’s reluctant, think it’s a bit soon for her,  and she wants to see Xena on her first night home also.

The weather has been absolutely lovely again for the past few days, clear blue skies. Lots of people sitting at the pavement cafes in their shades, hard to believe its winter, though it was a little foggy first thing this morning and Steve woke up shivering in the night. The rental doesn’t have duvets (dunnas), just sheets and blankets, cant wait to get the goose down duvet back! Lots of special offers on electric blankets, and those snuggie things, that look like floor length fleece blankets with arms in so you can walk around in them! Might just have to get one of those….. They are even selling electrically heated dog beds, now that is OTT!

Was watching the ‘water police’ at work the other day. They enforce the water restrictions that are in force. He was carrying a footstool and a trowel and was peeping over peoples fences to see how green their lawns were, and therefore whether they are watering them illegally. He was also digging the earth around the plants to see how moist the soil was, if they are very wet, then you have been over watering them! They have full rights of access and can issue huge fines. Cant even wash your car at home, only at designated car wash’s! Though the water levels are at their highest for 2 years, so this may be lifted soon. Trust me to have bought a black car that shows all the dirt!

Cant believe that it’s 4 weeks exactly that we arrived in Melbourne! It does seem a lot longer, we have got through so much, it has been a steep learning curve for us all. I do miss everyone and being able to pop in for a brew with people, but it is getting a little easier. Hopefully when we have a home there will be nice neighbours too, wouldn’t be surprised if some of them were English too!

The estate agent phoned last night and said the landlord wanted the full rent, but may negotiate if we were prepared to sign up for a longer period, but then if you don’t like it, you cant get out at 12 months! Decisions………, she was going to contact him again to see what he wants. The problem is that the houses are being snapped up as soon as they appear, they are so in demand,and i know when it is finished it will go for that rent and our alternative property has gone now!! Probably end up stumping up the full amount! Ah well, will definatley have to find work!

Had a nice day out with Maria yesterday, drove to costco, got in with my membership card as it is worldwide membership, just the same as the UK. Got a ‘cooked chuck’!  This makes me laugh every time I hear it,especially when they are promoted over the intercom in the supermarket! it means roast chicken. Met the husbands for lunch in Docklands, sat outside in the sun overlooking the Yarra river, very nice. As soon as we left the seagulls landed on the table to eat the leftovers, must enjoy oriental food!

Spent the next hour in the health insurance place, you have to buy health insurance, it ranges from very basic to covering everything, even dental, optical, physio etc. It is hard knowing what level to go for, I think I drove her a bit potty cos I kept asking-so if I got cancer, would that plan cover my treatment, radio/chemo etc! A hazard of being a nurse I suppose, but you have to cover worst case scenario! Haven’t sorted it yet, she’s ringing me back, probably after a lie down! Going to see Xena this afternoon,last visit before bringing her home.

Ellie is feeling a bit better, still got a very chesty cough but back at school now, she has exams on Thur and Fri, not impressed as she hasn’t really done what they are being tested on.They break up for 2 weeks June 25th, than start a new semester, so she will start new along with everyone else then.

Had to take Ellie to the doctors, she was a lot worse on Saturday. They have Medicare over here, it is a subsidised health system, but not free. Found out we could go to a walk in type doctors as we are not registered with a GP yet (dont know where we will be living yet!) It was a bit rough, but we didn’t have to pay any extra top up fees, he gave Ellie antibiotics,  but the prescription cost $16. Children don’t really get concessions, I will have to pay for her thyroxine. Maria’s son is diabetic and he has to pay for all of his insulin and glucometer etc! It makes you appreciate the NHS. Now she has just told me a piece of her tooth has fallen off, dear god!!

Went to take Steve to look at the house in Beaumaris, he too thinks it is lovely so we have put in an application, with a supporting letter about how the dog is a highly trained guide dog who doesn’t bark, and likes to sleep her day away – well that bit is true!!  The same house next door has just been sold for $1.2 million, don’t think I would let a dog in if it were me!

Didn’t go into the city today as Ellie wasn’t up to it. Went to look at different areas that may be an option to live in, and checked out the beaches to. It was a real autumn day today, blustery with the leaves blowing off the trees, not cold though. Went to Ricketts point also, which is on Beaumaris beach, It is a wild bird sanctuary and is really good for snorkeling in summer as there is a big rock formation in the sea, acting as a reef and attracting lots of different fish. Should be nice in summer, nice cafe on the beach too, cake and latte!

Going into the city with Maria tomorrow, going to costco then will meet Stuart and Ste for lunch, then will take my birth/marriage certificate to the nursing board.Not heard anything from the NMC yet, will have to try and phone them to see if they have done what I requested them to do! Only 5 more days til Xena is free!! Can collect her 9.00am Fri morning, have bought her some biscuits already!

TV is pretty lousy here, especially as not a great cable package in rental, watched toy story last night, riveting Saturday night  viewing eh? They are also showing 5 year old Diazel and pascoe, antiques roadshow and relocation, when the prices were so low! There is a lot of UK tv though, which is good, even have corrie, but i’m sure Alf Roberts was in it when I flicked past it!

Ellie has picked up Aussie germs, she is off school with a sore throat and heavy cold, not sleeping very well, hopefully will feel better soon.

Went to look at  4 houses yesterday, 2 were a bit dull inside, didn’t get much sun and the outdoor space was just a narrow strip around the house, not even space to put a table and chairs, and these are not cheap houses. Every agent gives us the same spiel, the Aussies like to be out and about at weekends and evenings, and just dont do gardening. The hot weather kills off grass in summer and plants have to be native to survive. There seems to be a lot of fruit trees, they have ones that have been grafted together and produce two different fruits on one tree! Saw one that produced lemons and limes, or oranges and lemons!

There was one house that we particularly liked, it is in Beaumaris  (knew it would be nice as there is no train station for Ste), it is just being finished off and is fantastic inside, 4 bed, one is a guest suite, and has a sunny aspect, deccking and a little bigger outside space, still not that big though! I am taking Steve on Saturday for a  viewing on Saturday, but the process is complicated and they may not accept the dog, so we’ll have to see how it goes, not getting my hopes up!

Went to the gym for my induction yesterday, I have a personal trainer! Should have cost me $90 but Chris gave it free as an incentive. He has already tortured me, doing loads of stretches etc, I have my first workout with him on Wednesday, will probably be on bed rest Thursday then!

Going to pick up the car today ( at last). asked about the LPG but the garage says that it voids the waranty on your car if you convert it,because if there is a problem with the engine, they wont know whether its because of the conversion or not, and the tank will have to go in the boot, taking up space.

Going to see Xena today, at least Ellie will get to see her, because there’s no visiting at weekends or evenings, so Ste or Ellie haven’t seen her since the first week. She will be out next Friday though!

Lots of coverage over here following the ‘socceroos!’ The Aussie soccer team (football) have left for South Africa, presume the world cup thing? When you say ‘football’ here, it means Aussie rules football, soccer is football and rugby league is…… rugby league!

This place has no qualms about discussing anything on the TV or radio. The breakfast show presenters are discussing the benefits of ‘spermax’, for the man to take if you are trying to get pregnant! apparently increases the quality of the seminal fluid!!!!!! Whatever!