Thursday, February 21, 2008

An Aussie Update...

Hey All,

Just thought that maybe we should give a general update on things. It has been tough with the very limited internet...sorry if we haven't made many calls/emails...but, once we have our own place this will change.

We're all adjusting nicely. Darryl really likes the new company - Pandemic. And the kids and I are enjoying the warm weather. We had our first play date today. We went to South Bank with a little boy name Tyco and his Mom Felicity. We met them at the park last week and the boys hit it off. And luckily so did the Moms!! So, we really enjoyed the beach (in South Bank) as it was about 30degrees today. It's suppose to be 33 tomorrow and 36 on Saturday. So, I guess this is the Brisbane weather that everyone has been talking about!! Pretty hot so the beach is nice and refreshing. And there is a park beside it so it's perfect for the kids and I.

I also started looking into daycares. But, they are really pricey and have waitlists. So, it may be a while before we can get both kids in. Shamus seems to be easier as he is older. We'll see how it goes. I need to made some serious $ to cover the daycare costs!!!

And Darryl put the word out at work that we were looking to meet other families like us -with young kids but still like to get out and do things - so, we're suppose to go to the park this weekend with another family. But, if it's 36 degrees we may cancel and spend the day in the water. Not sure yet.

Overall we really like it. It's just tough to keep in touch with home so I hate that part. But, it's only for a few more weeks. We're getting used to the accents and the slang here. And everyone is really friendly. Super friendly.

And I was worried about the shopping...but seems good to me!!! I haven't seen all the shops yet but working on it. Some things are more pricey here, like some grocery stuff and makeup, but overall it's pretty good. The only thing that kind of bugs me is that everything is closed really early. Except the grocery stores. All clothing stores, hair salons, spas....that kind of stuff....closes at 6pm. Except on Friday. Even Walmart!!! (it's called Big W here) So, you really only have Friday night or the weekend to buy stuff. And we need everything so that's tricky!!

And that's it for now. Sorry if it's too long but we keep getting asked for updates so this is it!!!

3 comments:

Clotilde said...

Hey Stace!

Some malls are open on Thursday night instead of Friday (but not both). They are more "suburb malls" so you need to drive there. I can do a trip with you sometime if you want. My favourite "surburban mall" is Chermside.

Also, beware that some grocery stores close earlier on Sunday night (Coles New Farm closes at 6). We got caught several times!

On a positive note, a lot of hairdressers are open after supper on various nights. Orb Hair in New Farm (across from RSPCA store) is open every week night. It's about $80 for a cut (including shampoo, brushing, tea, etc..). www.orbhair.com.au

See you soon!

Anonymous said...

Good post.

Matteo was telling me about the different phases people experience when they move to another country. I think your in Phase 1.

But to me sounds like your gonna have a great time, as you already know so many people already.

I say 'so many', as to me 4 people equal a big group, anything over 4 is many.

All the best, things are cool in Montreal.

Jolyne dyed her hair dark blue, it looks great.

Paul.

Kelly said...
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