05.09 WANTED: Bisto Gravy!

Expats take stock, and eat stock!

When we last saw Sam & Dan, they gave us some lovely gifts, one of which was a jar of Bisto Gravy. We couldn't believe our luck when we were given this very rare commodity! Unfortunately, we loved it so much that we've almost run out. The gravy here in oz is very different to the stuff you can get at home, it doesn't thicken! Not even the BrandPower lady has an answer!! And its not even in the 'english' section of the supermarket either :(

08.07 WANTED: Rough 'n' Ready Clay

Hair products have been a bit of an issue. None of the major brands here do a '2 in 1' shampoo, not even Pantene, or 'pan-teen' as its pronounced here!? This could be one of the reasons why there is such a serious water shortage problem, although the recent rainfall has eased the situation and stage four restrictions may not be implemented. There is one company that a 2 in 1 shampoo, but its called Pert or Peet, which is a little too close to Veet and we know what happens if you accidentially apply that!

09.06 WANTED: Marmite

Actually this request is a lie as we have now found a reputable dealer for Marmite, although it has been renamed to 'Our Mate'. That almost threw us I can tell you! We have also received a couple of 'official' jars from the very generous Lynn!

10.04 Joanna's April Observations!

I thought I would take the time to let you know my thoughts and observations of our time here so far, about a few things near and dear to me and other random stuff!

Chocolate - as those who have visited the antipodes the chocolate, noticeably Cadbury's, has a very distinct taste and it's still the same but I do think I may be getting used to it. Twix taste the same, Maltesers don't. Kit Kats only seem to come in chunky and there are lots of different versions of these cookie dough, honeycomb etc. Will keep you posted on this issue.

Food in general - you can eat absolutely ANYTHING you want from ANYWHERE in the world here and pretty much at any time you want! Just around us we have Cambodian, Greek, Indian, Turkish and that's the 4 closest - crazy! To many of your surprise we haven't actually eaten out much at all. But now I'm working lets hope things will change.....

Coffee - yes there is Starbuck's here, there's one very near to our home. But there are also tons of independent coffee bars which all do a great latte for about $2.50. The coffee culture is fantastic here - loads of pavement cafes and there is a place near us that just does hot chocolate and puddings what a place!

Girl stuff, make up, barbie dolls and such like - Melbourne is a great place for girls there are so many places to shop, from bargain factory outlet places (whole streets in fact) to high class Gucci, Prada etc. For those of you who know me well will know I will be frequenting the former. No primark but there is Big W, Kmart and Target oh yes!

TV & Neighbours - the TV is pants! There are 5 standard channels (free) then you can get pay tv we have the standard. There's LOTS of US shows - CSI, CSI NY, House, and all the other shows you see on channel 5 at home. There are a few ones we've got into 'The Biggest Loser' (fat people losing weight), Deal or No Deal just SO not like Noel and Big Brother starts soon!

Neighbours, yes we are quite ahead but I won't give out any spoilers unless anyone wants some! And we thought we'd see lots of random actors but only seen Darren Stark (Libby's boyfriend) at a comedy show - Nathan spotted him and he's very short!

And I think that's if for now! If anyone wants to know any other stuff about life here let me know!
On a more general note I am now working (as of today) I started temping with a State Government Department, it's fine, so far easy admin work and the people I'm working with seem nice - food seems to feature very highly in the team, cakes etc - bonus!

And thanks to everyone who had sent good wishes, cards, phoned, emailed and generally kept in touch it REALLY does mean a lot to us! And we do miss you all lots and wish you could be here too - but we will try and convey life through pics!

lol
Joanna x