Reply to: Bgg

[SandyDown]

Originally Posted by SandyDown
my country of origin does not exist any longer

Sandy is from Atlantis. She has webbed feet.

very good - not so dim after all

[DimPrawn]

Originally Posted by SandyDown
my country of origin does not exist any longer

Sandy is from Atlantis. She has webbed feet.

[SandyDown]

Did someone steal it?

don't start Z !!


The lady who is immigrating to OZ is obsessed with spider fear - she said she's only been there a few days and already saw 4 spiders ..so what??

[expat]

jenever, are you thinking of upping sticks and heading off to NZ like BGG as well, or is this just a bit of mid-winter blues?

It's a nice place, have to admit, but as I've posted before, don't think some people realise how far away it can feel from the rest of the world at times. A few years back I think the figures were 50% return to the UK from Aus/NZ within 5 years if I remember correctly.

AIUI some of those then remember why they left in the first place!

[SandyDown]

There is a programme on TV now re families immigrating to OZ - average house price in Sidney is £370 K

[jenever]

jenever, are you thinking of upping sticks and heading off to NZ like BGG as well, or is this just a bit of mid-winter blues?

It's a nice place, have to admit, but as I've posted before, don't think some people realise how far away it can feel from the rest of the world at times. A few years back I think the figures were 50% return to the UK from Aus/NZ within 5 years if I remember correctly.

I've got relatives out there and have been out to visit a few times over the years, so I'm willing to give it a go. Besides, if the isolation or culture shock are too much after a few years, I have no problem moving back to Europe.

[Joe Black]

jenever, are you thinking of upping sticks and heading off to NZ like BGG as well, or is this just a bit of mid-winter blues?

It's a nice place, have to admit, but as I've posted before, don't think some people realise how far away it can feel from the rest of the world at times. A few years back I think the figures were 50% return to the UK from Aus/NZ within 5 years if I remember correctly.

[DimPrawn]

I was looking at the house prices in Wellington last night ... nice places, but the prices are like Europe - I have no idea how people afford it on local pay scales.

They come here on holiday visas, dodge all taxes, earn good money contracting, and then after 5 or 10 years buy a place back home cash.

HTH

[jenever]

Well, the plans are still there, having been somewhat refined.

I found out that my MS certifications are not considered when being assessed for points.

If I had a degree in some computer science, like robotics, then they'd welcome me with open arms.

However, having real work experience of how to set up a complete IT solution for a global business is not important. They want the theory, not the real world skills.

However, it now looks like Mrs BGG will be the main applicant, since she is studying to be a Chartered Quantity Surveyor, and that is one of the priority occupations needed in NZ for the long term future.

So, another 5 years here I guess before we go.

Sorry to hear the move is so far out, but it's good to have something to work towards. I'm looking at 3 years maybe.

I was looking at the house prices in Wellington last night ... nice places, but the prices are like Europe - I have no idea how people afford it on local pay scales.

[jenever]

Jenever - when your say expat culture, do you mean the expat boozers or other clubs/sports stuff?

I've ended up probably knowing more locals (mixed blessing!) as I don't hit the xpat bars so much. Total contrast to 3.5 yrs in Bermuda in the 90's where I became a complete xpat steamer with loads of equally pished-up british mates.

For us, we live on the edge of the forest, 14k from town centre in a big massive place that I could never afford in britain. Generally services (health, pre-school and other grown up stuff) are good plus food. Downside is my wee guy is starting to speak dutch and we can only manage french and the utter mind-numbing awfulness of the bureaucracy. Oh, and there is nowhere decent to go diving.

I also need to talk to some more anglophones, starting to think in business english and stunted french.

Yes I'm mainly thinking of the pubs etc, but in Brussels that means expat in the loosest sense as you also meet a lot of locals and non-Anglo foreigners. The downside is that my French is stagnant as I work and socialise in English.

[Rantor]

What happened to your plans to go to NZ? I'm having my annual lifestyle versus money crisis and would be interested in what you are up to.

And to everyone else, where do you think is the best place to live?

I can recommend Brussels for its food, beer, expat culture, and generally laid back work atmosphere, but the weather sucks ....

Jenever - when your say expat culture, do you mean the expat boozers or other clubs/sports stuff?

I've ended up probably knowing more locals (mixed blessing!) as I don't hit the xpat bars so much. Total contrast to 3.5 yrs in Bermuda in the 90's where I became a complete xpat steamer with loads of equally pished-up british mates.

For us, we live on the edge of the forest, 14k from town centre in a big massive place that I could never afford in britain. Generally services (health, pre-school and other grown up stuff) are good plus food. Downside is my wee guy is starting to speak dutch and we can only manage french and the utter mind-numbing awfulness of the bureaucracy. Oh, and there is nowhere decent to go diving.

I also need to talk to some more anglophones, starting to think in business english and stunted french.

[SandyDown]

"do we require special applications etc?"I think the 'we' does not include you....hopefully you will find that Oz is less welcoming to whiney ethnics with chips on their shoulders....why don't you try returning to your country of origin....oh sorry forgot - it's a third world tulip-hole isn't it
HTH

my country of origin does not exist any longer - I am British so we does apply to me whatever racist people like you say. I will always speak up agains racism if you don't like it then tough

[Troll]

Has anyone worked on a contract in Australia? do we require special applications etc?
I've never been there - but thinking of applying to try out the lifestyle, also which towns are best for IT related work + having a good beach close?

"do we require special applications etc?"I think the 'we' does not include you....hopefully you will find that Oz is less welcoming to whiney ethnics with chips on their shoulders....why don't you try returning to your country of origin....oh sorry forgot - it's a third world tulip-hole isn't it
HTH

[SandyDown]

Has anyone worked on a contract in Australia? do we require special applications etc?
I've never been there - but thinking of applying to try out the lifestyle, also which towns are best for IT related work + having a good beach close?

[Board Game Geek]

Well, the plans are still there, having been somewhat refined.

I found out that my MS certifications are not considered when being assessed for points.

If I had a degree in some computer science, like robotics, then they'd welcome me with open arms.

However, having real work experience of how to set up a complete IT solution for a global business is not important. They want the theory, not the real world skills.

However, it now looks like Mrs BGG will be the main applicant, since she is studying to be a Chartered Quantity Surveyor, and that is one of the priority occupations needed in NZ for the long term future.

So, another 5 years here I guess before we go.