An apology regarding Australia

As a result of feeling I genuinely upset some members out there with regards to my post on trading a home for a boat...that became somewhat of a dissuasion on bashing the Aussies...which I truly did not intend to do....I want to extend an apology to anyone that took offense. I now have friends we met in Queensland that we intend on having for a very long term.....The Aussies were for the most part always friendly and willing to assist....which is exactly what we expected we would find there. In reality, we are the same way and I truly believe most people throughout the world are genuinely good and willing to assist visitors in need....Its the human way! In times of need, we tend to gather and act as one! Its sad sometime it takes a natural disaster to bring out this incredibly trait.....

No one asked me to apologize at all yet I,m sure there are those that felt I should......so I am. I did not intend on causing any anxiety to anyone......and soon found it was happening and escalating..... I may have not chosen my words as well as I could have as what I was truly attempting to do was merely tell of our travels there....which came as a result of finally selling our home and heading for Australia to see if it was a good fit for us to relocate to. We simply had grown out of California.... that is all. We have always loved the water and knew we needed to get our 9 year old daughter on it soon....before it was too late....in a place where we could find a slower paced society that was more boating oriented than what exists in Southern California.

We simply found Australia to be a bit different from our expectations......that is all. Everyplace in the world has pros and cons .....Australia and the USA included. After 3 months in Queensland, we simply decided to come back and pursue a different place here in the US instead of leaving and returning to satisfy their maximum 90 day stay at a time visiting under a " visitors visa " which was the easiest option for us to travel there to see what we could find. The challenges there simply were not worth pursuing to us..... We could have earned working visas eventually but until you have one under your belt, you simply cannot work legally in any way..... We learned a lot about the immigration process there and found some things we were told prior to traveling there were a bit different in reality. After almost 90 days, we made the decision to come back where we could at least work legally...where our hard earned credentials and licenses were recognized.......and we are full citizens...

Our visa allows us to return for another 90 days which would most likely result in a position offer to my wife......because of the new school year upcoming the first of the year....very different from the US school year. There was interest in her credentials but as mentioned by some other members, the construction demand is very low right now in the areas we were interested in relocating to. My plan was to pursue a business opportunity there once she had her working visa ( 457 )....which would have been 100 % legal to do as only one of us needed a working visa ( sponsored or not ) for the other one to pursue almost anything they chose. Rather than go back, we chose to simply relocate here in hopes of finding a better place to raise our daughter....that is all. We simply feel we will not be happy there overall. Some could find a great life there...some would not!

Again, I,m sorry for offending anyone....it wasn't intended!

We actually ended up in NE Florida and have found a place that has a tremendous number of very content and happy people living here. No place is right for everyone but so far, it seems we have found a place certainly worth staying for a while and seeing if it fits long term. Renting for now and bought a 3370 Pursuit. The little one is beyond excited finally having a boat to go out fishing and exploring on. Its all we wanted....a grounded area with great schools and a society that embraces life on the water.....It reminds me a lot of The SE North Carolina where I met so many incredibly warm and content people as well. My dearest friend lived in Myrtle Beach S.C. you mentioned but sadly passed away last year before we could come visit as neighbors....almost! They posted bill boards in town honoring him as he was loved by everyone there. When you go there next, look at the billboards and see if Edward Fanjoy is still honored....He was someone we truly looked up to...........everyone did...... I promised him a boat ride when we got out his way but sadly was a year short......

Regarding Australia, we almost sent our 40 ft container just prior to flying out! Thank god we listened to the Aussie immigration office and held off sending it until we had positions.......Another lesson learned as your buddy on the cruise ship most likely learned.....things are not always as they seem.....

We will probably VISIT Australia again someday and will visit the Sydney area as well as Melborne when we do.....We have friends in the Blue Mountains area West of Sydney and we haven't heard from them regarding the fire storm that raged through there recently. The recent fire season was terrible and occurred just after our departure. Hoping they are OK...but no word as yet.

Put Australia on your bucket list as a place one should definitely visit........as we experienced some very cool areas and things there.

For now, we are fine here in NE Florida enjoying some anticipated Southern hospitality...that we anticipated...and found! What a concept!

Best to your travels ...........

You first! If you find its everything you imagined......share it with the forum. Just don't bash the Cubans though in doing so.

We did not buy a boat in Australia but considered buying a 3370 if we had stayed. We had planned on keeping it in Airlie had we stayed. WE are not upset with the immigration process there as we understand it needs to be that way. Its that way here as well as you know. Its all good as we are settling in NE Fla.

Re Brisbane, we witnessed the most incredible fireworks show there before we left marking the end of the Brisbane fair I think. Low F 15 fly bys....over the river and through Brisbane.....and then the fireworks display from almost every building top, bridge, barge, etc ........to music....for 30 minutes.....AMAZING!