| Welcome to Yanks Down Under! You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customising your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free. Join our community! If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features: |
| Hardest thing to adapt to here.... | |
|---|---|
| Topic Started: Apr 2 2011, 05:14:29 PM (4,458 Views) | |
| NorCalRJ | Apr 2 2011, 05:14:29 PM Post #1 |
|
Anklebiter
|
#1 For me, everything closing at 5pm. or sometimes earlier. I moved here directly from Brooklyn NYC, and prior to that i was in SF. Moving here was like stepping on the brake pedal. Slow down partner. Apparently people think i have a desire to do too much in one day. #2 Lack of selection of wines. I know the wine industry here is very good, but overall its a completely insular industry in this country. Finding a Napa valley wine is close to impossible. I was so accustomed to my Beverages and More & Cost plus stores back home... name a country they have their wine/beer. #3 Oh and Citylink... it's terrible. The website is worse. And the workers are morons. Besides that everythings quite peachy. |
 |
 
|
| sheowahya | Apr 2 2011, 05:39:47 PM Post #2 |
|
True Blue Mate
|
I hear you loud and clear about "doing too much in one day" during each of my 3 performance reviews at work so far I was specifically told to slow down. I asked if it was because of the quality of my work, I was assured that my work is well above standards. I was being asked to slow down because I am making the performance numbers of co-workers look bad. tough shit... this is how I was taught and I will NOT slow down because you look bad!!! step up your game if you don't want to look bad!! Hardest thing to adjust to... NOT being able to go grocery shopping at 3am being able to go to the mall at 8pm and STILL have a few hours to shop!!!! I get out of work at 530 and EVERYTHING is closed (except for Coles, Woolies, & Aldi) but who wants to go grocery shopping after working all day!!! GRRRRRRRRRRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr cheers, Marilyn |
|
My Timeline ========= Category 136 BN - Skilled Independent. Skills Assessment: Applied ICAA: 13May05 Approved as Accountant 2211-11: 26Feb07 Main Visa Application: Sent to ASPC: 12Mar07 VISA Approved: 07Nov07 Main move to Australia: 17Apr08 Citizenship Application: Applied: 17Apr12 Appointment: 7May12 | |
|
|
|
| AmbroseChick | Apr 2 2011, 07:17:57 PM Post #3 |
True Blue Mate
|
I just want to say publicly that I'm so glad that I found this site. Every time I think I'm mental - I come here and realize that its not just me that other people also find Australia slightly crazy. My key word this year is acceptance and letting go. I'm here for a reason yet sometimes the thought that 'home' is only a short 15 hour flight away makes me yearn for an airport. But then something wonderful happens and it just feels right. |
| Check it out! Facebook page: Americans Living in Queensland | |
|
|
|
| MrsHippo | Apr 3 2011, 09:23:17 AM Post #4 |
|
True Blue Mate
|
As someone who has been here nearly 4 years now, I have to say that posts like this make me chuckle in amazement now. I am sure I may have posted or complained about the same things when I first got here, but I swear, I barely notice them now. I don't compare prices in my head anymore. I don't think about shopping after work anymore. I found ways at work to be ME, and everyone else just has to deal with it. I even found myself teaching a time management class to a group of co-workers lately - telling them how they too can fit more work into a day!  When people say "you'll get used to it" - it's very true. You will stop noticing and comparing and eventually, you will just get used to it. You'll find alternatives, and you'll start embracing things you enjoy. And eventually, the other stuff wil just become "the way it is." |
|
Val Dual US / Canadian citizen from Toronto, ON Sydney Dec 2007 - Aug 2011 | |
|
|
|
| Kuningan | Apr 3 2011, 01:29:43 PM Post #5 |
|
True Blue Mate
|
NorCal - funny you mention the wines. When I was back in the US a year ago I specifically went looking for some of the great Australian wines I'd tried so I could share them with friends. Sadly, the selection was crap. I did find a couple of decent ones at the huge major downtown Specs in Houston but in general the representation of Australian wines I could find in CA, FL, and TX was lousy. I think it's protectionist on both sides of the Pacific - or else in both countries we're so spoiled for choice there's not much demand for other wines? I will NEVER get used to the prices MrsHippo. Our last trip to Melbourne from Perth brought home how shockingly overpriced everything is in WA, and then I went to Cambodia last month and couldn't bring myself to buy anything for about a week after I got back here! 
|
|
|
|
| Pothole | Apr 3 2011, 02:40:39 PM Post #6 |
True Blue Mate
|
NorCal, Napa Valley wines are not uncommon here in Restaurants and wine bars and for taking home. I guess it is like a few other things, they won't be at your local bottle o, as fourex or viloet crumbles etc are not common shelf items overseas, but they are around. Try: Newmarket Hotel in St. Kilda as a kind of bounus the menu there is "Californian influenced Hispanic grill" according to a review South Melbourne Nappa Valley - Australian Seller of There were a lot more but those couple of links will give you a quick overview of a few places in Melbourne. Pothole |
|
Those Who Lose Dreaming are Lost. Aboriginal Proverb A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour Anon | |
|
|
|
| incognito | Apr 3 2011, 08:07:37 PM Post #7 |
|
Chatterbox
|
I have been here almost 5 years, and I still have a hard time with the cost of everything, especially since prices have just gone up and up and up and up since we got here. I don't compare in my head any more, I'm just bummed out that it costs an arm and a leg for everything. That has been, and continues to be, the hardest thing. It took me a while to get used to things closing earlier, and while it still annoys me a tiny bit, I have gotten used to it. Now that we are moving back to the States, I think it'll be hard to get used to things being open so much later. |
|
|
|
| yaussievi | Apr 4 2011, 10:34:18 AM Post #8 |
True Blue Mate
|
I think the hardest thing for me would have to be 'food'. When I look at a recipe that has ingredients you can't get here or just go out and get a 'real pizza' or stromboli or cannoli's. I miss Bisquick and Velveeta and of course the really good Mexican food. On the other hand after 9 yrs I know if I went back to the states I'd miss fish n chips and a wine or 2 sitting on the beach and really good Thai food so I guess you can't have it all. I sometimes feel like I'm stuck in the middle...Vi |
| Yaussie-Vi | |
|
|
|
| shylady | Apr 4 2011, 10:34:18 AM Post #9 |
oldYank
|
 with Val.Going on 6 years here, and it seems I've fully adapted. I can't think of a single thing to bitch about. Sure, prices are high, especially on this side of the island, but "Such is Life." It's the price I pay to live in Paradise.  I LOVE IT HERE! It's truly HOME. 
|
|
"I could’ve turned a different corner, I could’ve gone another place... " ku,'09 | |
|
|
|
| mamkai | Apr 4 2011, 11:36:22 AM Post #10 |
|
True Blue Mate
|
I've been here 9 months now and the prices are the only thing that REALLY drive me crazy. I will admit that I am a maximizer when it comes to money, so adjusting to the prices has been terrible. I hate walking into a mall and feeling like there is not one thing I can afford. Realistically, I can afford things, but my mind will simply not allow me to pay that much. Groceries are highly annoying too, but we do have to eat Ooops, continuing... so I'm not so crazy over those. I am also bothered by the early closings. I really want to get out of my house in the evenings and go shopping without the kids which is nearly impossible. I also despise the grocery carts : ) If I felt like I lived in Paradise, the prices might be worth it. Although I like it here, I wouldn't go nearly that far, but so glad that you love it so much shylady! Edited by mamkai, Apr 4 2011, 11:38:43 AM.
|
|
|
|
| shylady | Apr 4 2011, 01:08:03 PM Post #11 |
|
oldYank
|
 mamkai! I'm sure it has something to do with having my kids raised into decent responsible adults, being retired, and having the freedom to become a grey nomad and explore every inch of this gorgeous country with a man I love with all my heart.
|
|
"I could’ve turned a different corner, I could’ve gone another place... " ku,'09 | |
|
|
|
| AmbroseChick | Apr 4 2011, 03:53:32 PM Post #12 |
|
True Blue Mate
|
I feel like I live in Paradise as well and I don't have to live in California or Florida - BONUS!
|
| Check it out! Facebook page: Americans Living in Queensland | |
|
|
|
| yaussievi | Apr 4 2011, 04:03:16 PM Post #13 |
|
True Blue Mate
|
It is paradise here..and I can't wait to hook up the wagon and see it all too! ... Vi |
| Yaussie-Vi | |
|
|
|
| shylady | Apr 4 2011, 05:18:42 PM Post #14 |
|
oldYank
|
 and  for Indy and Vi!
|
|
"I could’ve turned a different corner, I could’ve gone another place... " ku,'09 | |
|
|
|
| CheekyOne | Apr 4 2011, 05:39:19 PM Post #15 |
True Blue Mate
|
I've been here almost 5 years and still have issues with the prices and the stores hours.I used to compare prices but it's been so long now that I don't remember what alot of things in America even cost anymore,I just know that we have very little compared to what I had in the U.S. even though the yearly income is alot higher I don't feel like I can afford to pamper myself the way I once did. I like it here.I don't want to leave the country or anything but I think i'm in paradise either although I am happy for those who do
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| AmbroseChick | Apr 4 2011, 05:47:19 PM Post #16 |
|
True Blue Mate
|
You'll get there someday Mich! I know you will!!
|
| Check it out! Facebook page: Americans Living in Queensland | |
|
|
|
| CheekyOne | Apr 4 2011, 07:02:25 PM Post #17 |
|
True Blue Mate
|
thanks Indy!
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| Toriaballet | Apr 6 2011, 11:49:54 PM Post #18 |
|
True Blue Mate
|
If I wasn't spending so much time with logistics (car, housing, insurance, my stuff arriving) and my job and my Ph.D I may feel like I am in paradise. What is frustrating for me is all that I ever do is work and plan for some aspect of settling in and I have been here 10 weeks! I wanted to be in a groove by now! Everytime I sign up for a meet up to do something fun, or try to make plans with people either a work or "settling in" committment gets in the way or I am so exhausted from working late that I don't even feel like having fun. I just want to lay around the house, veg out on tv (bad tv I might add) eat badly and gain weight....ok I don't WANT to do those things but I find myself doing those things because they are easy and mindless If I didn't have this damn Ph.D deadline looming ahead of me like a huge red light, I probably wouldn't even mind the time it takes me to settle in....heck I would be fine with 6 months....but I don't have that luxury because it will just slice time off the PhD clock..... I so hate that I haven't gone on a single hike, been in the water only ONCE (and I work on the GC!!!) and now its becoming winter....:( I also find myself living between two worlds and I want it to stop!!!! but it can't for now. My dearest friends are living in CA and I don't want to let the closeness fade so I end up spending a couple hours on the phone every couple weeks with each one. Which I love, but then I have even less time for investing in new relationships.... And I feel like I am doing both really half-heartedly most weeks....there's always friends that I have neglected to speak with in CA because I don't have 2 hours for each person!!!!!!! ...it is a real juggling act I would never encourage anyone to arrive and begin work and ph.d two weeks after arrival (duh...in retrospect)....even if you have family to help (thank goodness that my mum lives here)....but even then, it is sooooooo mentally draining. So folks who haven't yet arrived...negotiate more time if you can even if you don't think you will need it! Don't try to be superwoman!!! I really could use a month off on a deserted beach and ironically I would just have to drive one hour to get to one of the world's most beautiful ......but have no time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I feel like I am being cheated out of paradise...:( |
|
|
|
| Pothole | Apr 7 2011, 08:13:56 AM Post #19 |
|
True Blue Mate
|
I usually stay out of these threads because as an old bushie I could not add anything substantial to the conversation......... but after that last entry I just wanted to say
|
|
Those Who Lose Dreaming are Lost. Aboriginal Proverb A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour Anon | |
|
|
|
| staylor8383 | Apr 7 2011, 05:06:06 PM Post #20 |
|
True Blue Mate
|
In July we will have lived here 2 years. I still compare prices but not as much. I just bite the bullet and pay the riduclous price! Our grocery stores are open late so that is great when I want to do some shopping without the kids. All the other shops shut early except kmart. I really do love living here even though at times I get a bit annoyed. One of the other things that has been hard to get used to is the how the healthcare system works and the lack of information. Or rather the people who are not willing to share much information with you. |
|
|
|
| Go to Next Page | |
| « Previous Topic · General Chit-Chat · Next Topic » |
6:04 PM May 22