Rugby

Offload
Originally uploaded by brettm8

Rugby is to Australia and NZ like Football and Baseball is to America. I really would love to figure this sport out and venture out for some games while I am there. I think it would be a great time, and
they take this soo serious there. I don't think it is as intense as Soccer in England though.

Pictured are the Aussie Kangaroos vs. the NZ team..unsure name might be the al blacks. I think I would have to root for Australia while there.

Sassy Sally's Re-opening Party

The Walking Path
Originally uploaded by ::Topher::

I was invited by my friend Michele to attend a local Indie clothing design stores grand re-opening party. Sassy Sally's is a cute botique of local designs and supports living wage work. The reception was relaxing with music, wine, and free food. My friend is all about free food. We had a great time and met some really cool people from Ventura.

Sassy Sally's is in the El Jardin patio (pictured) in Downtown Ventura, and recently doubled the size of the shop. If you are in the area I would recommend checking it out.

Kurrawa Beach Lifesavers

Surf Lifesaving Club Lifesavers
Originally uploaded by BadJohnnyBGood

I am thinking about joining one of these clubs when I relocate. I heard there are a lot of perks when joining, like not only competing in watersports, but there is a semi-private cafe and pub on the beach. You can usually store your surfboard there as well.

Plus hey, lets be honest wouldn't anyone want to hang out with these guys? They seem like fun. =)

Country 4x4 Ambo

Country Ambulance
Originally uploaded by tahitianlime

Check out the snorkel on this ambulance to traverse waterways in the outback.....awesome. These are rigs that service remote/rural areas of queensland.

The Gold Coast

First sunrise of 2007-Miami Beach Gold Coast AU.
Originally uploaded by mikevi80

This is an image from flickr looking towards Surfer's Paradise and Broadbeach. This is a major australian vaca spot. I am argeting this as my region to relocate to. More pics coming

Australia

I am thinking about "Pulling the pin and moving to Queensland".....to borrow the cheesy quote from the Oz Government Website. I know, WTF? I have never left the VTA. But I think if I am ever going to see the world and travel, now is the time. What an experience it would be. I already live by the "No Worries Mate" way of life anyway.

Why Australia?

It is gorgeous, great surfing, lots of kayaking opportunities, and a great culture to explore. Yet, more importantly, there is a great opportunity to work as a Paramedic there. Apparently there is a PM shortage and they are offering permanent work visas and 5K moving expenses to qualified Paramedics. Paramedics are second only to lifesavers in Australia as the most respected professions. The scope of practice for PMs there is also very broad and the pay is a lot better as a NHS/ Govt. employee. Also, the cost of living is cheaper than VTA.

I have been doing a lot of research, and have been pondering the move since December. Everything I have read or seen, is reassuring my decision to relocate.

I am currently gathering all the information required for the extensive application. I hope to send it off within a week. My next move is to visit this fall or winter. I have a place to stay whn I go out there to visit, so that will help.

I will keep everyone updated and plan to post pics of where I am thinking of going in Queensland.

Wish me luck.