Just over 2 months to go!

Jenny here: just to say that this blog will really get going once we actually depart the UK sometime in early March 2008. We will spend a couple of weeks in Thailand, lounging on shady verandahs and trying to decide where to eat next, before going on to Nimbin in Northern NSW, to start what can only be described as our 'new life'!

And so much to do!

After much umming and aahing about whether we should risk taking our slightly hyper spaniel to a tick infested area (our paddock) we decided that she is so much a part of our family that she simply has to come, and we will deal with deadly insects when and as they arise (ulp!). Now we just have to face another mountain of paperwork (the first having been my visa) and devise a strict timeline for her that everything hinges on.

Firstly we had to re-microchip her (a hideous experience involving far more doggy blood than I was expecting) because her chip from '99 would not be compatible with the Aussie Chip reader. We have now applied for an import permit from AQIS and are waiting (10 days or so) for that to be granted before applying for a place in Sydney Quarantine and arranging her "travel agent". We also want to get her the travel container well in advance of the flight so that she's familiar with it as a comfortable place to hang out in (24 hours in the hold with no-inflight entertainment, free drinks, food or pretty stewardesses to look at...)

Moving to Aus early 2008

We are moving from Lewes, East Sussex, UK to the Dar es Salaam community in Northern NSW, Australia. We bought the house nearly 4 years ago and are moving in early 2008. The house sits amongst 5 acres of beautiful gardens and forest at the foot of the Nightcap Range National Park.

Our plan is to renovate our house, develop our 5 acres of land into a productive small-holding and enjoy the abundance of wild flora and fauna surrounding us. We aim to create a sustainable home and garden with minimal impact upon the surrounding environment.

So many plans and ideas, but the first stage is to emigrate - which seems rather daunting just now!

Here's to stepping out of the rat race and getting off the grid!