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We've been in Australia for a total of three months now; one quarter of the year gone and three more quarters to go. We've experienced and seen a great deal.
We've been asked the same questions over and over the past three months:
Why are you in Australia? How do you like it? Can you stay longer than the one year? Fergus, do you like teaching here? Karen, do you miss work? Margot, do you like school in Australia or in Canada?
We've also been asking ourselves some similar questions:
Do we like it here? What's better about Australia than in Canada? Could we live here permanently?
It has been a very easy adjustment and because the lifestyle is so similar to home, it would be very easy to live here. However, of course, we miss our family and friends dearly and unless they were ALL to move here with us, without a doubt we will be returning to Vancouver after Christmas!
Two things that make life in Australia much better for us is the weather and the slowed down pace of life. Although we've seen our fair share of rain, the sun shines most days and it's bright and cheerful. That has been a huge change from the dreary wet grey skies of Vancouver. Don't get me wrong, we love the good days in Vancouver but they are few and far between. We've only seen a few days of consecutive rain and not rain for weeks on end. The sun is gooood for our soul! We'll be able to make a better assessment at the end of the year after an experience of the full autumn and winter seasons.
We do not recall how we managed to hold down two full time jobs, have two homestay students where we provided three meals / day, have both kids at daycare, before and after school care, etc. back in Vancouver. What a nightmare just thinking about it!!? Life is much simplier here. As for the slowed down pace of life, it has been good for the family. Usually everyone is home by 4 or 4:30 pm. We may have to run out for swimming lessons but dinner is early and there is plenty of time for homework, stories, sometimes tv or a movie etc. The girls are in bed by 8 or 8:30 pm. We don't have to rush for EVERYTHING as we do at home. It is just way less stress.
Having said that, Karen does miss work! - thinking and interacting with adults and not just hanging out only with parents. It would be ideal if she could have a part-time job - 3 days/wk or something where she could drop off and pick up from school 9:30am to 2:30pm....ha! Does that dream world really exist? For the remainder of the year, Karen will not likely look for work and be a stay at home Mom, getting the kids to school and activities.
Both girls have adjusted to life here with very little trouble. They've made lots of friends and are learning lots. Margot does prefer Nootka over OLOL but that is changing as time goes on and she's adapting to how things are done here. Fiona being Ms. Chatty Kathy is having no problems meeting people and winning the hearts of all those she comes in contact with. Her swimming teacher Corrine a-doooores her and gives her special treatment (treats, cuddles, time behind the counter, etc.). Fiona does not stop talking during her entire lesson!
