Cestrians living in Australia celebrated their newly adopted country’s national day yesterday (Sunday, January 26).
Former deputy headteacher of Our Lady Star of the Sea Primary School in Ellesmere Port, Nicki Grierson, settled in Melbourne just over four years ago with her husband Tommy and two children Maddie and Euan.
She said: “We came for a holiday in 2007 and on returning set about applying for our skilled migrant visa. After a long process we were issued with the visa in May 2009 and left the UK in December (via a week long holiday in Hong Kong) and arrived in Australia on January 4, 2010. “We have certainly grown much closer as a family as initially we only had each other until we started work and made friends. I am in my twentieth year of teaching and currently teach at an independent college, that both our children attend.”
Nicki gives the pros and cons of living in Oz.
Pros:
Weather - the climate in Melbourne is still four seasons (sometimes all in one day!)but summer is definitely summer from December- March.
Outdoor lifestyle - As a family we do much more outside - visiting the beach, surfing, swimming, walking, with the children participating in more and varied sports.
Slower pace of life - You get used to 'Aussie Time' with everything being more casual and geared towards families.
Opportunities - greater especially for the children and has given them a true sense of what living in a multi - cultural society is like. Melbourne also plays host to amazing events including: the Australian Open, Grand Prix, cricket at the MCG, AFL.
Fantastic food and coffee especially in the CBD (Central Business District).
Cons:
Missing family and friends, especially at times of celebration and when someone is sick.
Clothes shops - Next and M&S clothes are expensive here and not great quality.
Mosquitoes, cleaning the pool and 40 degree days due to fire risk.
Taxis and pubs - being able to order a taxi and it arriving on time, not just when they feel like turning up! Walking to a local pub and ordering 'a pint' instead of 'a pot!'
If you are a Cestrian, or are from Ellesmere Port, and celebrated Australia Day miles from home, use the form below to let us know what you miss about your home town. We would also like to hear from you if you have ever lived in Oz and returned to the UK.