Australia

I now live in AUSTRALIA... 

Words I've waited years to be able to say are now very true. It's beautiful here. The weather is warm with a constant ocean breeze. There are Palm trees and Eucalyptus trees everywhere with a colourful variety of birds on display. While the people are just as warm and friendly as the weather. Though I could do without the Cockatoos waking me up every morning at 5am.

My favorite Aussie bird, the Pink Gala.

From previous post you know this journey has taken it’s time and we’ve not been without our struggles to get here...but we’re here now.

Our two precious Alaskan Malamutes are currently being held prisoner in Quarantine. A standard procedure as all animals entering the country require a minimum 30 days Quarantine. I know they are being well looked after and the staff has been exceptionally wonderful in dealing with my worrisome calls regarding their well being and if their eating, along with all the normal (well I think so) Mommy concerns I have for our beloved family pets. 

Our darling girls Myshka & Willow

There is a long list of things to do once one arrives in Australia. The Department of Immigration even sends you this list once you’ve been granted a Visa, though I think they forgot a few things like the REAL first thing to do is to establish some kind of an address, so that you can then get your mail or post delivered. There are also the basic communications such as a mobile phone. Opening a bank account (because EVERYTHING here is direct deposit, I’ll touch on that in a few), registering for Medicare (Australia’s free/low cost health care system) as well as Centrelink and of course applying for one’s Tax File Number. Oh and of course let the State of South Australia know that yes we’re here and where we are, since they were kind enough to sponsor us...it’s also mandatory for the next two years lol.

We are currently awaiting Tax File Numbers so we can go to work, it could take a few weeks as the Dept of Taxation here will verify that we’re legal with DIAC. If we start work prior to receiving our number or fail to give it to our employer then they can take 46% of our income and put us in the highest tax bracket...ouch! So in the mean time we’re camping at a Caravan park soaking up the sun, enjoying the local beaches and exploring the vineyards and hills and otherwise getting a good feel for our new surroundings.

So as I mentioned, everything here, as far as the money you get, goes through the bank. When you open an account the bank automatically gives you credit slips to give to your new employer with all of your direct deposit information on it, as far as we’ve learned everyone’s check/salary gets direct deposited. Medicare also likes this information in case you overpay for any service that may or may not be covered initially, then they can reimburse you. Centrelink, which is a very broad ranged system that covers many different services from Social Security payments, to the Baby bonus also wants your bank info because, you guessed it, they will direct deposit any and all payments. I guess all in all it really does make sense but it’s weird for me to give out such (what I consider) private information. Guess that just means it's time to adjust.

It's a little funny, since we were here four years ago (almost to the day), our youngest child Liam who was only 18 months old our first trip, has no memory of the beach. So when we finally stopped to play at the first beach we saw, it was like his very first time. He loves the beach now and it's so funny to watch him have all of his "first" experiences over again. Almost as if it's cheating for us getting to do it all over again with him :)

The kids surprisingly don't miss Alaska at all, well except for Liam as it's really the only home he's ever known. But he said he does prefer the sand over the snow, so I suppose he'll adjust in time. But while we don't miss Alaska, we do miss our friends. That was the hardest thing I think I've ever done was saying a very tearful goodbye to my beloved Best friend Aimee and her beautiful family. Though I know we will see each other again for visits and Skype, I still miss her terribly.

Anyway we’ve really enjoyed our journey so far, and we know it’s only beginning... 


And remember

I generally don't look this bummy but when a Mom of 6 travels 1,000km down the Great Ocean Rd in 2 days, the beauty routine goes right out the window!!