"Forrin parts" dwellers - anyone around for a chat?

[Thumbwitch]

We've had these chat threads before for people who live overseas and post at odd hours but they tend to peter out so I thought I'd have another go!

I am in Australia, 1.5h north of Sydney, been here almost exactly 2 years (tomorrow) and have an Aussie DH and a DS who is 3.8.

And currently I have a cold and am Not Happy. :(

[ComradeJing]

God sorry, book people only do delivery to BPFO

[Thumbwitch]

the book depository do free worldwide delivery though... :)

[tadjennyp]

Seriously, $30 for a paperback? I presume the lending libraries are amazing then?

[ComradeJing]

That's who I was thinking of thumb!

I think it's because all books have to be printed in Australia and small Indipendents have a lot of protection from the giants. Lots of people have lost jobs as the giants have almost all closed now.

Its still a joke though.

[Thumbwitch]

We have a local library which is pretty good - it doesn't hold much itself but it can get anything in from the other libraries in the same Council, much like in the UK - except that they charge you 90c to do it. Borrowing is free and there are no late charges; just the charge to get it from elsewhere. However, it may be different council to council, state to state - lots of things are.

[mountaingirl]

Thumbwitch & Bonza
I used to live on the Cental Coast 25 years ago! Went to work at Gosford Hospital and lived at Copacabana Beach and North Avoca. Beautiful area though I'm sure I'd appreciate it more now. Back then I was p'd off that the hospital I got sent to was not in Sydney (had just finished working in London- definitely a bit quieter where you are!). Met some wonderful people whilst I was there.
Is the little cinema in Avoca still in use? There used to be a pause in the middle of the film and refreshments/tea would be brought out. So quaint.
Fantastic beaches......
I wonder how much more it is built up now.
Do you both like living there & ? Newcastle. Fantastic places for bringing up a family.

[BonzaBlue]

I love living here ! I am going to give birth at Gosford hospital ! I am ashamed to say I have not been to Avoca - mental note to go and visit there soon.

I love the drive from where I live to Woy Woy - the water is beautiful and I love seeing pelicans on the street lights.

I am very happy here.

[Thumbwitch]

I am just above Central Coast but did look into working at Wyong or N. Gosford hospitals when I first came here - didn't really follow it up though as still SAHM with DS at the mo.

There has been a lot of new building in the last 25y - my DH was born and brought up on the Central Coast so is very aware of it.
Haven't been to Avoca, or much of the Central Coast really (apart from Tuggerah and Wyong, oh and Lake Haven for DS's football) - we tend to go north more into the Hunter Valley/Newcastle area, or down to Sydney.

I'd rather live here than in Sydney, that much I do know!

[ComradeJing]

Very jealous of you all in Aus and can't wait for the October holidays as I'll have a good 2 and a half weeks over there. We're in a villa now which makes Beijing more bearable but the Air quality is still horrible and it's definitely the definition of a concrete jungle. I'm really ready to leave but I think we probably have another 5 years here. At least that will mean an Ayi for when Dc2 hopefully comes along.

Sitting in the dark in Dds room trying to extend her naps. I wouldn't change her for the world but I do wish she would bloody nap for longer than 30 minutes!