Week three in Gero

Not much has happened since Monday. Rob is fully integrated withfull time work - a lot of meetings, long hours and not enough time to have fun. On the other hand, he says that he really likes his job and can see a lot of interesting projects coming up in next few years or so.

The Internet connection remains a problem, however, we've managed to find some local public premises where we can get reasonable speed. Therefore, we're online regularly but with some re-ocurring issues when on Skype--basically, it doesn't work. It's unbelievable to see how a reasonable internet connection can change your life including what you can do.

Next week will be busy for me as I've got a few meetings lined up with local Heartmoves trainers which are working in conjunction with the local Council on a recent initiative Go Gero. This program is aimed at supporting community members and agencies, helping local residents to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I hope to get some work with these guys -- fingers crossed. In addition, on Thursday, I'm commencing early morning Hatha Yoga classes on the Foreshore. I can't wait to get back to regular exercise. Today (Sunday), I did my first Pilates - stretch class since we left Sydney, and I must admit that it felt like a balm for my body.

Yesterday, Rob went kiting to Point More Lighthouse, and didn't really enjoy the session much due to the strong wind and a big kit -- these two apparently don't go together well. On Sunday, he's gone to Coronation beach which is considered to be one of the most attractive and popular beaches along the Mid West Coast. Apparently, it's the finest windsurfing location in the world. Let's find out how was it next week ...

Dongara/Port Denison

Our second week, starting on Thursday 13th February is almost over. Rob is fully indulged in his work duties including meeting his new colleagues and attending a lot of meetings. 

I'm still looking for a house. We've now expended our search into Wandina, which is an outer  southern suburb for Geraldton and extends south-east from Mount Tarcoola, along the eastern side of Brand Highway. So, our house hunting is now covering both ends of town .. let's see which of these two suburbs will be the chosen one.

Since last Wednesday, the Internet connection at home is a little better and still not anything like what we're used to in Sydney. Therefore, Rob organised for me a private office at the Geraldton airport which I can use on ad hoc basis. Right now, it's is a perfect solution for me as my travel time is around 15mins in no traffic. I'm not sure how much longer I can keep coming back and I reckon until somebody says something I'll be returning back. 

Last weekend, we made our first trip out of the town. We drove to Dongara/Port Denison for the annual Kitestock 2013 event (similar and much bigger than Merimbula Classic). Dongara is located at the mouth of the Irwin River and has been recently marketed as the "Rock lobster capital of Australia" ... no, we didn't have any lobsters yet. 

While Rob was kiting, I decided to visit our old friend John, a local wine producer from Irwin River Winery. Rob and I agreed that this winery produces one of the bet port liquors that we've ever had. The winery is open Fri-Sun from 12-5pm so, we'll take you there when you pop in ... of course, only those of you who like port.

Our first week in Geraldton

It's all happening -- we've now fully relocated from the East to the West Coast of Australia -- to the City of Greater Geraldton.

Our flight from Sydney was the most enjoyable travel experience ever. Qantas crew was treating us way beyond our expectations -- since we walked into the Terminal 2 until we landed at the Geraldton airport. Everybody was treating us like we're some Royals -- not kidding. In addition, they provided us with some great goodies to take to our new homeland.

On 6th February at 5.30pm, we landed in Geraldton (Gero). Our taxi driver was already waiting for us -- no hassle with anything. He took us straight to our new temporarily accommodation in James st (10km from the airport and about 1km to CBD). This place is just fine for what we need right now.

Last week, we started getting on with setting in into our new home town, catching up with people we (Rob) had known for many years and also networking with local residents.

We're planning to settle in Drummond Cove (15km up North - on the coast). So far, we've seen one property which would suit to our lifestyle and still have a few more to see before we make our final decision.

Last Saturday, we met Rob's new CEO Tony, who is very highly regarded by local people. After spending some time with him, we realised that Gero has so much more to offer than we had known before we came in. To name a few places to put in your diary -- Abrolhos Islands, Dongara and Port Denison, Ellendale Pool and many other interesting places.

On Monday, 11th February -- Rob went to his new office in CBD and met all of his team (35 people) -- he says, they are great bunch of people. Luckily, he'll have only five people reporting to him directly.

I've been doing my marketing contract work, looking for Pilates teaching opportunities and also looking for our new home so, we can really settle in.