The reason for the delay was that my original chest x-ray, which is required for an Australian work visa, showed a minor 'spot' on it. The doctor and x-ray doctor here in Houston didn't think it was anything but still had to report it to the Australian authorities. So they came back with a request for a 2nd x-ray from a different angle, which delayed the process a few weeks (and is why I came to Houston to work for the last month). We sent this x-ray in on May 30th, and heard last Friday (June 9) that my visa would be approved, but I'd have to fill out one more form. This form was a "Health Undertaking", which basically states that I'll check in with the Australian Health Authority when I arrive, and notify them whenever my address changes in Australia so that they can contact me if needed. The reason on the form is that my x-ray showed signs of possible tubuculosis or other diseases... Even though the second set of x-rays came up 100% clean, but they still wanted me to do this... So I have, and they're approving the visa, and I'm off on Friday.
I'll be staying in a hotel downtown close to work while I search out a place to stay. I've basically decided that I'll find a place close to and walkable to work, and hence somewhere close to downtown... much like my place in Calgary. Reason being is that while living close to the beach would be sweet, it's not like I'd be swimming in the ocean every night after work... I can head to the beach on the weekends for day trips, etc. But there are more advantages to living near the CBD (central business district / downtown) like walking to work, not commuting, nightlife, younger population, shopping, etc. etc.... mostly the same reasons to live close to downtown Calgary.
So when people come to visit I'll just arrange a place to stay near or on a beach for a few days in order to get out of the city... or whatever people want really.
Now I have to decide on my living arrangments and look for a place. Basically there are a couple choices... do I get a furnished place on my own, or do I look for someone looking for a roommate? There are advantages to both I guess. Obviously having a place of your own has advantages... but sharing a place with a person or people of the same age group and interests, etc. would also have it's advantages.... just ask Jared! It would be an easy way to meet people in a city of 1.8 million. The drawback would be having room / privacy when people visited, but this could be worked around, and likely won't be that frequent of an issue...
Anyone have any comments? Help me out here.....
Here's a pic of the Hilton as I walked home today, notice the temperature on the sign, 98 degrees. That's 37 degrees centigrade for all us 'Nucks. Right before I took this pic it read 100 (38C), but I missed it...
Here's a 3D google earth pic of downtown Houston:
That's my update for now, send comments or emails.
Roommate or not, we're still comin' to visit. Will sleep on the floor! Have a good flight (if you can make 17 hours on a plane good).
ReplyDeletedido
ReplyDelete