Product Description

Didgeridoos and Didgeridon'ts is a collection of short, personal experiences Vicky Gray and her family encountered during the first year of their new life down under. In addition to entertaining diary entries, inspirational stories from other expats, top tips and vital resources, the book is crammed full of well-researched information on everything you need to know to survive and thrive during your first year in Australia. Inside you will learn: * How to get into Australia - step-by-step * Which occupations are in demand right now * What stuff you should definitely take with you * The ins-and-outs of taking your pets * All you need to know about Australia's banks * How the school system works from day care up * How to use Australia's healthcare system * What's involved in getting a job and paying tax * All about renting property in Australia * How to buy a house - and why it's easy in Oz * The little differences - from shopping to driving * much, much more...

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #15218 in Books
• Published on: 2009-03-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 208 pages

From the Author
I have come across this quote a couple of times since I started writing this book, I thought it so appropriate:
"No matter where you go, there you are."

If you found you were unhappy with certain situations in the UK, you'll probably find that you will still have matters arising in Oz that you aren't happy with. Somehow though, problems always seem to feel better in the sunshine, unless you have photosensitivity of course.

What I am trying to say, in a very English roundabout way; is be realistic about your Aussie adventure. Try not to start off by becoming a whinging Pom; by comparing everything to Back Home and try and embrace Australia for what it really is, Australia.

I'll leave you with this last story - it happened just a few months ago.

I had been walking along the beautiful coastal boardwalk, by the sea near our home. I got chatting to a fellow Brit along the way, who told me he had experienced many problems settling in when he first arrived several years ago. So I asked him the big question: had he ever seriously thought about moving back to the UK?

He paused for a moment with his head down; then breathed in a long, deep lungful of air, opened his arms wide as if to fully behold the glorious beach in front of us, and said, "I'd rather gnaw my own leg off."

I rest my case.

About the Author
Vicky Gray grew up in Merseyside until at the age of 13 when she moved with her family to Essex. Unbeknown to her, this relocation (although traumatic for a stroppy red-haired teenager) was to be the beginning of her passion for experiencing new places and understanding the subtle differences that makes somewhere unique.

Vicky has had two successful careers; Head nurse at dental surgeries in Essex and Harley Street then qualifying as a Podiatrist in 1999.

During this time, she took as much time as possible to go off adventuring; around Europe with an absurd budget of £7 a day; backpacking around America using airports as hotels and visiting Australia, where she knew immediately she wanted to settle.

It wasn't until finally emigrating to Australia in 2006 with her husband and three children, that the desire to write about the many bizarre and often unnerving encounters became a reality. After writing articles in Australia & New Zealand magazine (Merricks Media Ltd) Vicky got a publishing deal for her how-to book on the calamities of relocating and is now working on this exciting new career!

Customer Reviews

Humour and Useful Facts combined!
I read this book from cover to cover the day it arrived - I couldn't put it down! We are preparing our move to OZ and this has been the most useful guide I have read. It explains everything you need to know in a fun way so it is easy to learn about everyday life there. Very inspiring- can't wait to get there now!

Informative and fun!
If like me you are thinking of living in Australia and applying for a visa then I certainly recommend this book. It's fun and full of info and I loved in particular the last few pages full of other peoples experiences on moving to Oz. I can't wait for the the author's next book!

Entertining, informative and humane!
The best element about this book is how human it is! Vicky Gray has worked hard to ensure all chapters are informative whilst providing a little extra advice with hints and tips that she has experienced first hand, which helps to make it feel like it's actually a friend of yours offering advice.

Each chapter ends with resources on websites and addresses so you can be pointed in the right direction on conducting more research yourself. There are also scattered 'top tips' within chapters which are almost a 'ps - don't forget...' that provide additional sound bytes.

The humour throughout this book is both heartwarming and laugh out loud - especially how she describes her encounters with bugs and creepy crawlies! You have to smile!

If you are a Brit thinking of making the move this book will provide an entertaining read, laced with helpful hints and tit bits of advice. It will in no way tell you everything you need to know - nor does it claim to - but instead its a helpful collection of personal experiences and aspects you should consider. This was the reason I initially bought this book, not only do I enjoy reading Vicky's column in the Australia and NZ magazine but to read a book from someone who has been there got the tshirt and survived the flying cockroach is well worth considering!