It's late at night, very early morning of the fourth day. I'm wide awake. I've been fast asleep all afternoon and yawning most of the evening until around 12 when my sun came up and the sleep went away. I think I'm slightly lagged, and obviously not used to it!
Much has happened: we had a wonderful flight to Dubai, and then to Perth, and landed exactly on time at 2:25 on Thursday morning (thank you, Emirates!). Arno (who works with me) picked us up at the airport, and took us to their place where we slept a few hours, had breakfast whereafter we went to the Intelligent Life offices. We got a car and gps and checked in at the rental house where we're staying currently. We slept some more!
Friday morning was bank morning, opening accounts, whereafter we went driving around and did some shopping (needless to say that we ended up at the opposite side of the city buying a few things at a shop we discovered later was also around the block from us - 'was a good trip, though!) At around 20:30 we went to the beach to take a last minute sunset photo and to feel the water! (...whereafter we got home in time for the last few overs of that super game!!)
Today we spent some time looking around for possible rental areas, as well as maybe a vehicle. We're still undecided about both. Tonight we went for a barbie at Arno and Mariet's - we had prawn kebabs and steak with cheese sauce and green figs .... mmmmwah! We also met Clint and Jackie - they're from Durban. (Arno and Mariet are also from SA.)
I'll post some photos later. Even though it's all very exciting and grand in its newness, we miss our family and friends very much! The scribblings on our wall and quick skype sessions really mean a lot - thanks, guys!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
Last day!
Today's our last day! Tomorrow we're flying.
Anchen has gone for a touch-up on her hair, and I've gone to say goodbye to the guys in the office. Later on we're going to Tyger Valley to have my hair cut. At 18:00 we'll try and do an online check-in.
I'm feeling a little sad after having said goodbye to all those wonderful people who've been sharing my life over the past 7 odd years. 'will miss everybody.
Anchen has gone for a touch-up on her hair, and I've gone to say goodbye to the guys in the office. Later on we're going to Tyger Valley to have my hair cut. At 18:00 we'll try and do an online check-in.
I'm feeling a little sad after having said goodbye to all those wonderful people who've been sharing my life over the past 7 odd years. 'will miss everybody.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Booked flights!
It has finally come to a date!
We've collected our passports with the fixed visa labels and booked flights with Flight Special in Mossel Bay (Tel:0446954113 Fax:044695289 eMail: lelanie@flightspecial.co.za). I can add that of all the websites and agents we've approached for quotes, they were the best by about R800!
The plan is to leave with Emirates airlines from Cape Town to Dubai on Tuesday (13 Jan) at around 18:00 and to arrive in Perth on 15 Jan at around 2am - all bright and shiny! (Note: it's better to rent a car from Budget Car Rentals for the entire period that you'll need it than to rent for a week here, a day there, 2 here, etc. Of all the places we've been renting cars, I can honestly vouch for Budget to be the best, and also very competitive with their pricing. Imperial is second with a short step, but steer clear of unknown names and brands - we've had some horrendous experiences!)
Some things still need to be done: get Aussie $'s cash, pack suitcases for final trip, hair cuts (he-he), etc.
At this stage we're beginning to really do the going away blues. We've decided to trip around Cape Town today to see some spots and take photos. Till later, mate.
We've collected our passports with the fixed visa labels and booked flights with Flight Special in Mossel Bay (Tel:0446954113 Fax:044695289 eMail: lelanie@flightspecial.co.za). I can add that of all the websites and agents we've approached for quotes, they were the best by about R800!
The plan is to leave with Emirates airlines from Cape Town to Dubai on Tuesday (13 Jan) at around 18:00 and to arrive in Perth on 15 Jan at around 2am - all bright and shiny! (Note: it's better to rent a car from Budget Car Rentals for the entire period that you'll need it than to rent for a week here, a day there, 2 here, etc. Of all the places we've been renting cars, I can honestly vouch for Budget to be the best, and also very competitive with their pricing. Imperial is second with a short step, but steer clear of unknown names and brands - we've had some horrendous experiences!)
Some things still need to be done: get Aussie $'s cash, pack suitcases for final trip, hair cuts (he-he), etc.
At this stage we're beginning to really do the going away blues. We've decided to trip around Cape Town today to see some spots and take photos. Till later, mate.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Shameful! (Overview)
I've just been reminded (dankie, Sarie!) that I've incorrectly assumed probably the most crucial part until now! I did not only assume most people knew, I also, to be honest, never thought about writing it here!
Our plan for us in Australia: I've been offered a position with a company called Advantage Air / Intelligent Life. (It's a company concerned with Air Conditioning.) The plan is to spend around a year in training at the head office in Perth, and then to move to the Intelligent Life offices in Brisbane, Queensland. This plan is open to change at any stage.
Anchen feels like finding a temporary job in Perth, and will be looking at something more permanent once we're in Brisbane.
To recap: we're renting our house in South Africa to a lovely couple, have sold our cars and other technical appliances, and are moving abroad with only some furniture and some of the more sentimental things (those that you can't easily replace, or not at all).
There you have it! Please don't hesitate to comment / query anything that comes to mind - I'm trying to keep the posts shorter rather than longer, and would welcome any and all input where I leave out things.
Our plan for us in Australia: I've been offered a position with a company called Advantage Air / Intelligent Life. (It's a company concerned with Air Conditioning.) The plan is to spend around a year in training at the head office in Perth, and then to move to the Intelligent Life offices in Brisbane, Queensland. This plan is open to change at any stage.
Anchen feels like finding a temporary job in Perth, and will be looking at something more permanent once we're in Brisbane.
To recap: we're renting our house in South Africa to a lovely couple, have sold our cars and other technical appliances, and are moving abroad with only some furniture and some of the more sentimental things (those that you can't easily replace, or not at all).
There you have it! Please don't hesitate to comment / query anything that comes to mind - I'm trying to keep the posts shorter rather than longer, and would welcome any and all input where I leave out things.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Extended holidays
Since loading all our earthly belongings onto the Stuttaford truck and moving out of the house two days after that, we've been on one long extended holiday, living from our suitcases and bumming with family. (Thank you to everyone who was willing to put up with us!)
Now, after a whole month of hanging around I can honestly admit that it's getting to be enough.
We've received an early morning call on Anchen's birthday, 6:00am, from Sydney to say that our visa has been approved. What good news! We then called the Australian Embassy in Pretoria who informed us that they'll be closed until 30 December 08. We shipped our passports nevertheless in order to get the visa fixed. Now we're waiting, hopefully the final wait, on the call from the courier.
Now, after a whole month of hanging around I can honestly admit that it's getting to be enough.
We've received an early morning call on Anchen's birthday, 6:00am, from Sydney to say that our visa has been approved. What good news! We then called the Australian Embassy in Pretoria who informed us that they'll be closed until 30 December 08. We shipped our passports nevertheless in order to get the visa fixed. Now we're waiting, hopefully the final wait, on the call from the courier.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Loading the truck
Stuttaford Van Lines estimated two days: one for wrapping and getting everything into boxes, and another to get it on the truck. Fortunately Anchen had already done a large amount of the work and eventually it took them only one day to get everything on the truck.
Might I add that we were extremely impressed with the job! The guys came on time, kept us updated to their progress, didn't bump into any walls once, and were extremely friendly to top it all. I can really recommend them! (http://www.stuttafordvanlines.com/)
We spent two more days getting the house cleaned (mostly Anchen's labour) and we were out by 29 November for the people who will be renting to move in the same day.
Might I add that we were extremely impressed with the job! The guys came on time, kept us updated to their progress, didn't bump into any walls once, and were extremely friendly to top it all. I can really recommend them! (http://www.stuttafordvanlines.com/)
We spent two more days getting the house cleaned (mostly Anchen's labour) and we were out by 29 November for the people who will be renting to move in the same day.
Final touches
The day before the loading of everything was going to take place, I got onto the roof for a few final touch ups. I painted around the chimney with water sealant, and then did the cowl with a rust resistant paint.
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