Same difference

I HAD a text from one of my close friends in the UK this week. He asked me what I thought the main differences were between my new Aussie life and the UK one I've left behind...

My reply was one that focussed on the basic stuff - like weather and lifestyle and exchange rates.... but really, when you look at the facts all up close, there isn't THAT much to compare.
The price of spaghetti hoops and Old El Paso taco dinner kits are the same, as are loose onions, peppers and tomatoes.

I confessed that I'd slipped into life Down Under with relative ease - same language, same monarchy, same side of the road to drive on - but I have a bit of a problem in the property department.

We've just had approval to rent ... YIPPEE! So my newfound friend and her reference worked absolute wonders and we're now on the ladder. We've viewed a handful of properties to rent but they've been ... how can I say ... "different".

Yes. Different. That's just it. I can't adjust to the fact that there can be a fantastic home on offer for an equally fantastic price. But its neighbours' "estate" replicates something from Onslow's front yard in Keeping Up Appearances. Do you know where I'm coming from?

So, come mid-March, we'll be moving out of our beautiful beach house and into a four-bedroomed, two reception and bathroomed gaff in Mornington, just around the corner from a primary school.

From hereon in, I'll be able to put down some roots and get a real feel for the area we've chosen from a great many on offer.

Let's hope we've put our map pin in the right place...