The Journey

Hi Folks. Its taken a while to find the time to blog again, but we are now in Brisbane, having landed last Tuesday. This blog describes the journey, which probably wasn't as bad as I expected!

We left London on the evening of the 23rd June. Having spent the day at the Natural History and Science Museum's - Stanley did pretty well to make it till 9.30. He was pretty impressed with the array of vehicles outside the plane. I thought the A380 was pretty impressive too.

Stanley enjoyed the entertainment system on the A380 too. His pick of kids channels, films, games all at the push of a button was all a bit too much. After playing for an hour or so, he fell asleep and slept for around 8 of the 13 hours! I managed to watch 3 films I think, but can't really remember much of them as I tried to sleep. Eilidh managed to get a few hours too. Here is a picture of Stanley (still on the tarmac at Heathrow) watching intently.

We had a 24 hour stopover in Singapore staying in a nice hotel within Terminal 3 of the airport. The plan had been to head out into Singapore after we landed - around 7pm local time but we were all pretty pooped, so settled for a pizza in the hotel before heading to bed. We all slept for a bit, before I sneaked off to watch England's dismal performance against Italy (finishing around 5.30am local time). Stanley was a bit poorly, meaning we all slept in until early afternoon and didn't make it into Singapore (to the Zoo). We had another pizza in the airport, before checking in for our flight. Singapore Airport is the complete opposite of Heathrow - clean, uncluttered, plenty of seating whilst remaining busy. We even found some dinosaurs to keep us occupied!

The flight to Brisbane was overnight again, leaving Singapore at 9.15pm, and a lot shorter than the previous night, so only 7 hours. It was a shame it was dark nearly all the way, although I'm not allowed to sit by the window any more so wouldn't see anything anyway! We landed at around 6.30am Brisbane time. It took a while to get through passport control and then customs, but we were picked up and delivered to our apartment in the City by around 8.30am.

Eilidh then invoked a no sleeping rule on the 3 of us in a battle against jet lag. I lost, making it to around 2pm before I passed out, waking around 2am local time. Stanley and Eilidh made it until around 4 or 5pm before sleeping, so woke up a bit later. We've gradually adjusted timescale wise, but we're all pretty tired still. We've spent a bit of time out and about in Brisbane, but thats for another blog.

All the best, Chris

Today was officially my last day in the Swindon office before the move. My colleagues got me some nice gifts and a lovely card, so thanks to them for organising and being so generous. I also got a last visit to the Plough Inn in! It was a touch sad saying goodbye to a number of colleagues who I've worked with for the last 6 and a half years, but I guess I've got a lot to look forward to in the next chapter of life!

We're now just a week away from when we leave so things are starting to get very real. For example, rental properties we like are now becoming a "hope its available in 2 weeks" and I'm getting everything ready for the move. Not sure everything will go in the cases, so may have to have a final purge of some older clothes. We'll see.

Next week will be busy. Jenny (my sister) is getting married to Richard on Sunday. Then were heading to Legoland on Tuesday or Thursday (depending on the weather), and spending loads of time with family. Seonaid (Eilidh's sister) arrives from Australia (ironically) on Wednesday!

A quick shipping update, I've been tracking the wrong ship since it left Italy, so instead of Dubai (see last post) and Singapore, it appears the new ship (can't remember the name - I've given up) went south directly past Somalia and down the east coast of Africa before stopping over at Reunion Island in the south Indian Ocean - before turning east and heading towards Sydney. It arrives in Sydney on 22nd June - the day we start our long journey so I'm expecting it to land (as are the shipping co.) in Brisbane on 26th June - the same day as us. Should all work out!!!!

All the best,
Chris

Another boring shipping update

Ok. So after a week of no gps signal after last being sited (from a pc) in the Suez Canal, our container (assuming it is still on the same boat) has arrived in the next port - Dubai!

It's got about 3 weeks until we catch it up in Brisbane!



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Shipping update

Hi All. Just a quick update, it's now 15 days since our container left Swindon. It left Avonmouth (nr Bristol) on Friday 4th May, went to Dunkerque, then Antwerp, and then to Rotterdam. In Rotterdam it sat for a week or so before going onto another vessel - the MSC Gaia which left Rotterdam on 15th May.

It's headed for Italy before heading south to the Suez Canal and then the pirate ridden Somalian Coast!


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Location:Somewhere off the coast of Portugal

Relocation again!!!

So our goods shipped today. It was touch and go whether or not it would all go in the container, so I was please when it all squeezed in. I've added some photos below of the packing effort!











It is quite strange to wander around our empty house with lots of happy memories, mainly of Stanley and his development over the last 4 years or so. We've been at Foxglove Road for the last 4 years - time has really flown by!

We've moved back to my parents house in Blunsdon - so are now living out of suitcases until our stuff arrives in Brisbane. I'm reliably informed by the shippers that our container will leave the UK on Friday this week, arrive in Brisbane (pending Somali Pirate attacks) on 29th June and then take a few weeks to clear through customs. We arrive on 26th June, so we will be rushing around to find somewhere to live before customs clearance! Hopefully I've timed this impeccably!

I'll leave you with what could potentially be the last time we see our possessions!

Cheers
Chris

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Location:Front Ln,,United Kingdom

It's a Rollercoaster!

I cannot really explain how strange the last 3 days have been.

On Monday we had a call from the relocation agents giving us the option of shipping everything on Tuesday and Wednesday (this week!) or delaying it until after the upcoming Bank Holiday weekend.  Chris and I had made the decision early on that our plan was to ship our belongings sooner rather than later, so when we eventually get to Australia and rent out a house, we are not without our 'worldly possessions' for long.  This was mainly for Stanley's benefit.  I felt that whilst we were still in the UK and our belongings in transit Stanley would get along just fine without the majority his toys and things....I mean who doesn't like camping at their grandparents?!  I am convinced that having all his things delivered early on when we get our new house in Brisbane will help him settle in quicker, as I have no doubt that this will be a very unsettling experience for him.  My main aim over the next few months, in the UK and on arriving in Australia will be to support and help Stanley settle, I just hope my parenting is up to it and will do him justice, as I know in the early days this is going to be hard for all three of us.....

So back to that phone call on Monday, like I said we agreed sooner rather than later, so Tuesday and Wednesday (today) it was and I cannot really believe it.  Three nights ago we were sat at home thinking shipping would probably be delayed until next week, but here we are now, living with Chris' parents (but fear not, we will spend many a night with my parents in Bentham too!) until the day we fly to Brisbane, on Saturday 23rd June 2012.

The whole process has quickened up since the VISA's were granted - I mean they took all of 5 days to be processed and granted! Flights were booked soon after that by Chris' company.  We are flying via Singapore so have a 30 hour stopover there which I am really excited about - having never been further east than Rome before! I am hoping that 2 night flights with Stanley won't be too bad; I'm lucky, he sleeps pretty well in my arms, even at the grand old age of 3 and a half :o)

The emotions I am feeling about the move are so complex and confused.  I go from feeling very excited about the adventure we are embarking on, to feeling very guilty about the whole thing. I am so aware that as much as this is an amazing opportunity for us, our departure affects so many other peoples lives, namely our families.  It really is very hard.  This of course doesn't have to be forever, and in terms of life experience I still truly believe that for all three of us this is absolutely unbeatable, that however doesn't make this process any easier!

Thanks for reading, this post really has lived up to the blog name of 'Hamblings Ramblings'!

Lots of love, Eilidh xxx

Relocation relocation relocation

So today we had the relocation company in. They gave us a days notice!






Fortunately they did the packing for us!

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Location:Front Ln,,United Kingdom

Progress!

I have some progress to report. My 457 visa was granted last night, so we are now legally allowed to enter and work in Australia. I think I was confident that would be the case, but as we get closer, it definitely starts to hit home a lot more how big a deal this is. Not that we haven't been busy mind you......

Firstly, I've been arranging quotes for shipping companies. It's a bit of a pain really, as I have had to get 3 quotes. It appears there is a general consensus that the contents of our house might fit into a 20' container. There was some uncertainty over whether it will all fit in so I've been having a purge of some of the stuff we don't use! The loft it appears was full of empty boxes, and a few other bits and bobs that don't need to travel. Thanks to mum and dad for their loft space!

The house is now on the rental market. A shameless plug - follow the link to have a look, you might know someone who's on the lookout!

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/property-22719768.html?utm_source=rmrssfeed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=renting

We can honestly say that the house has never been tidier, certainly since Stanley has been mobile! We had a couple of viewings on Saturday (a day after the advert went live) so fingers crossed someone will meet our valuation soon enough! The plan is to move to mum and dads just before the shipment goes, which may be in the next few weeks (hopefully), so it's not too much of a stressful occasion for all of us, and Stanley isn't too disturbed. We've been stocking up on toys to soften the blow! The Fireman Sam Venus will be a winner I'm sure!

We've also been buying a few other things to take out. A trampoline has just arrived! Plus we couldn't take our wicker dining chairs, so if you want a bargain get yourself on eBay. You might also find my old sega mega drive on there!

I had a nice send off from the Hockey Club at the end of season do. We were celebrating promotion which was bittersweet for me as I won't get to play in a higher league. Eilidh, Stanley, mum and dad even showed up thanks to Alan Gough, and I got some keepsakes such as team photos! Stanley also got a brand new hockey stick and Eilidh got some flowers! It was a good night (from what I remember)!

Still feels like we have loads to do, but I think we're getting there! Once the shipping goes, and we let the house, I'll feel as though we're over the hump! Then it's just leaving do's, final packing and cleaning and were on our way. Planning wise, I want to start work on 2nd July in Brisbane, so we will be flying out on around 23rd June. I'm assuming England will be out of Euro 2012 by then!

All the best,
Chris

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Location:Foxglove Rd,Swindon,United Kingdom

Yes, we are moving to Brisbane!

So, what Eilidh says is true. It looks like we will be leaving Swindon to relocate to Brisbane, Australia as of June/July 2012. It's certainly very exciting. It's going to be difficult to say goodbye, albeit possibly in the shortish term to our wonderful family, my friends and team mates at SHC, and even some of my existing colleagues at work. Not forgetting that we have to leave our loyal and loving dog Fudgey behind, although I think we have found a great place for her to stay in Edinburgh. Stanley seems satisfied that she will be able to go walkies on Arthurs Seat, which is a former volcano. Not quite sure whether she will chase Dinosaurs though!

Although its still dependent on my Visa application but work sort this out. I have a massive long list of things to organise. Firstly, I need to arrange for shipping companies to come out to quote to ship our house out to Aus. So what do we need to take? Basically everything! Then I have to arrange for estate agents to come over and work out how much to rent the house out for. Oh, and I also need to learn a new guidance and legislation system so I can hit the ground running.

So the plan (according to my head) is to ship our goods out of the house towards the end of May, quick paint and clean and then tenants move straight in! Move to Blunsdon for a month or so before flying out (via Singapore maybe) at the end of June to start work at the beginning of July.

I'm quite excited about my new role. It sounds fairly similar to what I do here but perhaps with more responsibly and obviously within massively different environment. Brisbane looks great and hopefully I will get to see a bit more of Queensland and further afield with some work related travel.

So to this blog. It was Eilidhs' idea. In theory we will both contribute to it. My posts will almost certainly be whinging and moaning about something (usually money); Eilidh will blog about things that are interesting and funny!
Back soon (to the blog, not the UK),

Chris

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Location:Foxglove Rd,Swindon,United Kingdom

So, we're moving to Brisbane!

If someone had told us at Christmas that by July 2012 we would in all likelihood be living on the other side of the world, I think both Chris and I would not have believed them; however here we are!

Last week Chris received the formal offer to transfer from his UK office to
one in Brisbane, so subject to the approval of the 4 year Business Visa, we will be saying goodbye to life in Swindon.

Chris and I have spoken about moving to Australia for years. We would have had more than enough points to qualify for the Skilled Migration Visa, but I do not believe we would have ever got around to it, life here in Swindon was just to comfortable to risk it.

However in January this year Chris mentioned that there could be an opportunity to go and work in Brisbane, and it has snowballed from there. It is an opportunity for our little family that is just too good to pass up on. The thought of living in the 'Sunshine State' of Australia is so exciting.

Long hot sunny days, and being on the doorstep of some of Australia's most glorious beaches, is as you can imagine a big pull factor. I think the opportunities for Stanley could be wonderful, we can have the outdoors life and the thought of my little boy learning to surf is just brilliant!

Of course, however wonderful life does turn out to be in Australia, it does not change the fact that we will be leaving behind so many cherished family and friends. That is what makes the move bitter-sweet.

For Chris I think the job will be a refreshing, exciting change. I am so very proud of him for getting this offer, he deserves it so much. As for me, what will I do in Australia? For the beginning at least, I will focus on getting Stanley settled to life abroad and revel in the opportunity of being a stay at home mum. After that, who knows what the future holds; I am just going to enjoy the ride.

Lots of love, Eilidh xxx

Location:Foxglove Rd,Swindon,United Kingdom