Evaluation

Righto, after a couple of months in Australia, time for an evaluation.

Nature:
Well, nothing on earth quite compares to Australia, from lush green forests, to ultra dry deserts, to rich seas teaming with fish and dolphins. Australia is also very close to the least explored land in the World: Papua New Guinea. I'm sure I'll visit that country soon.

Groceries:
They have everything and more, the stores resemble American stores where the is choice o galore, however the portions seem more European. (No gallon sized bottles of ketchup, or garbage bag sized bag of chips).
One thing really sucks: they don't sell paprika flavored chips. So bring me some when you're visiting :o)

People:
Very friendly, easygoing and real. Most people are immigrants or 2nd generation of immigrants, people who came to Australia to live a better life, not to fuck up. I have seen some racism against the original inhabitants of Australia.

Work:
You work harder here than in the Netherlands (I think most of the world works harder than in the Netherlands). Everybody can, and does, work from home. Work is very social (BBQ, Beers) and everybody flies at least a thousand times per year for work around Australia.

Family:
The city of Brisbane now boasts the highest concentration of grand children in the World. Just kidding: actually the family is quite far away, and yes it's a hell of a trip to visit the rello's.

Housing:
Far more expensive than Europe. A mortgage runs at 8.7%

Politics:
The biggest political things that happened in Australia in the pas few months are:
1. A politician got in trouble because he sniffed the seat of a female colleague after she had left.
2. The prime minister organized a thinking group (1000 Australians from all walks of life) to 'design the Australia of the future'. Although the results so far are a bit weak, I liked the idea.

Money:
Ridiculous salaries are being paid here in Australia (Truck drivers earn up to 140K AUD and Teachers demand 100K salaries) this combined with an AUD that's getting stronger against all major currencies and an inflation rate that's quite low makes Australia one on the wealthiest countries in the world.

Conclusion:
Work and visa permitting, I'm staying in this country. The lifestyle is better, the beer is better and world politics and trouble do not excite us very much.