Basic Info on Oz

I said “Supa Centa!” Where to find storage solutions in Australia.

Date: October 29th, 2006 | No Comments

When I first arrived into Sydney I had a very humbling exercise in race relations while trying to find storage solutions for my bathroom. I have already written about the variety stores which can be found in almost every strip shopping center in OZ- most of what I needed could have been found there- [read more]

Coffee in Australia- a land of extremes.

Date: October 18th, 2006 | 1 comment

Ahhh the endless search to find a great cup off coffee and a great place to enjoy it. Funny- enough- that is my theory on travel-(and in fact the migration of people around the globe)- the search for new food… or in this case- beverage.
Australia is a land of extremes- lush [read more]

Chips, Crisps, Chilli and Chicken?

Date: October 12th, 2006 | 1 comment

One thing I have always enjoyed when travelling to far and distant lands is checking out the local junk food. Even with different states in the US- there is regional variation. I do have to say- awards go to Texas for some of the most inventive corn chip flavours. ANYWAY… back [read more]

Cell phones are for Texting! A Must have.

Date: October 10th, 2006 | No Comments

If you are moving to or even just visiting Australia for more than 2 weeks, a mobile phone is basically a must have. You will end up meeting people you want to contact, making hotel reservations, needing to send a message home. these little babies are a fully integrated piece of Australian culture. [read more]

Australia- Moving in on the Cheap!

Date: October 8th, 2006 | No Comments

As one person has wisely pointed out- Sydney is a very expensive place to live… to help battle that, here are a couple more suggestions for moving to Australia and setting up house on the cheap. Council Clean Up and Garage sales baby! On the North Shore of Sydney and in several on [read more]

I am sorry Ma’am- I’m going to have to check those Peaches! Domestic Quarantine!

Date: October 25th, 2006 | No Comments

If you are travelling between Australian States- believe it or not- there are still yet more Quarantine laws! Domestic Quarantine Laws are designed to prevent the spread of disease, insects, and invading plant species. They are mostly aimed at fruit and food products. You should be aware that they do apply, [read more]

Cheap Stuff- Pub Meals

Date: October 12th, 2006 | No Comments

One other way to save a bit of dosh on your nosh- is to eat at a pub. You will have to scout your pubs carefully, some are tragically expensive. Then there are the few local beauties that offer $5 steak day, Free steak with the purchase of a beverage (oh darn), Trivia [read more]

Daily Dose- Useful Surf Stuff, Zoos, and Community Radio!

Date: October 11th, 2006 | No Comments

Surf Forecasting- check out those waves before you get out of bed.
http://www.surforecasts.com/australasiaeast/index.htm
Brilliant site- full of good site specific info, history, and gear links!
http://www.surfinfo.com.au/pages/surfzones.htm1.
Three Great Zoos - Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo
http://www.zoo.org.au/
Three D Radio - 93.7fm - Adelaide Community Radio
http://www.threedr [read more]

Moving to Australia- General info

Date: October 8th, 2006 | No Comments

Be aware- most of the buildings in Australia do not have AC, central heat- or for that matter screens on the windows. This means you will need to purchase a heater, fan and a mosquito net depending on the season you are here.
The weather is glorious most of the time and 95% [read more]

Finding an Apartment in Sydney…Ready.. Set.. Go!

Date: October 5th, 2006 | 1 comment

This will more than likely be the most horrifying experience of arriving in Australia. Customs, quarantine, and visa officials have got nothin’ on the apartment-hungry-maddened-hordes and indifferent real estate agents.
In Sydney- the housing market is extremely competitive- if you are moving from overseas- bring along past landlord contact information and [read more]