Long shot but anyone here living in Perth that wants to offer their thoughts about Perth such as:
ability to get around
ability to get out of the city for weekends
surf lifesaving clubs
afordable neighbourhoods, perhaps near sea (I surf and surf ski)
kayaking clubs
mtn. biking

I already know about the Western Force (coached by NZlander Mitchell) so that would be a plus to make me feel at home.

I can't offer anything about Perth. But if I were you, I'd go for it. Take the chance. Sounds like a wonderful, exciting opportunity. An adventure with all the ups and downs for the next chapter in your life.
I bet when your, "old and gray and nodding by the fire, I'll take down that book, and slowy read." Though in this case, a chapter to read.
I envy your situation. Best of luck. Keep us posted.

Tom, I have a good friend who lives in Australia (I'm guessing your talkin about Perth, Australia). He knows his country like the back of his hand. If you're interested I can tell him that you'll contact him via email. If so, send me a pm & we'll take it from there.

Ray,
Do you know anyone who lives in Salvador,Buenos Aries because I want to go down there and meet this gentleman known as Danilo the King.

Danilo the King

Lol! Nah, I know Argentines here in the US however.

Darn! I was sure I could count on you,Ray!!!

Thanks for the offer, SCTrojan. I've done a lot of reading over the weekend to find that it is a very expensive city to buy or rent and has Australia's highest burglary rate. But, they do have warm enough water to swim and surf year round (that sounds so good) and the Waikato Chiefs (NZ) beat their Western Force this past weekend with a good turnout crowd.

You might ask your mate what he thinks but at present, it seems it would be an expensive experience.

As an aside, I don't see the Australians on this board much anymore and was hoping they'd perk up to comment. They must be engulfed in their Aussie Rules at present.

My question didn't generate any comments from people who lived in Perth and I said "no" to the job offer. But the company flew me over to reconsider. You can see my trip at http://homepages.inspire.net.nz/~tombrooks/photos.htm and you can also see Cottesloe Beach where Heath Ledger's family held his memorial service. And yes, I finally said "yes" to the move, in part because the water is warm, lots of surf clubs, and they have rugby union, rugby league, and Aussie Rules. And that is that.

Tom, good luck in your move to Australia!

This is my first time reading this thread, but even if I had read it before, I couldn't have added anything, other than "Go for it!" I just moved across the state six months ago. I know it isn't quite the same thing, but it's always exciting to make a move. Plus, you'll be moving from one area with sexy accents to another. I envy you!

It's been a year and a half since you moved, Tom -- how's life going in Perth? I know you loved where you lived in New Zealand (Napier, wasn't it?), and left a circle of friends behind. Having moved a lot as a kid, that was always the hardest part.

On your blog, btw, the detail isn't discernible, but that cap you're wearing looks awfully familiar. So I take it you're a member of Red Sox nation.

I'm a bit slow in the uptake because I don't visit the discussion board much anymore. First, that photo of me is a Dubai rugby 7s cap, not Red Socks but they do look similar.

It was difficult adjusting to the expense of living in Perth but the living standard here is better than New Zealand and U.S. Incomes are very good based on mining; we never had a economic downturn as did rest of world. I don't like the flatness of the state but I live on the beach and am active in my surf lifesaving club down the road so it has come to feel comfortable. I paddle the surf ski on the sea and my kayak on the wide Swan River. It is a very clean city, little crime and much less grafitti but it has way too many people to become a home. I live in a quiet town on the sea. For me, the key to feeling part of a place is cycling to work and generally getting about on my legs and bike rather than car. I do about one holiday every few months to see other parts of the state and next trip is March down to south coast. And that is that.

Almost forgot. Hard to follow rugby here and I find Aussie rules a bit too circus-like to yet invest myself in. I'd hope to see some good cricket but on moving here (not beause I moved here), what used to be the world powerhose in cricket is a bit adrift with changes. But still good to follow the test series and one dayers. Australia used to intimidate, now they are just one of the better international teams.