Alice Springs?

[AnaNicole]

My husband, Chris, called tonight and said "what do you think of Alice Springs?" to which I replied, "haven't thought much about it, really," and my mother chimed in "Priscilla!"

Apparently one of Chris's co-workers just got a job down there and there's another opening. Chris wanted to know if he should consider submitting his resume and, well, I just don't know! It would be culture shock in many ways--I've always lived in the states, my whole family is here, the kids' dad is here.... It would not be a move we could make lightly, BUT it could also be temporary (the job is a 2-yr. contract position with the option of renewal). I absolutely heart the desert (SE Utah is some of my fave country!!) and from what I've seen of Alice it looks wonderful. Seems rather small (good thing) and it apparently has a university (would LOVE to finish my degree before I'm 40!).

I'd be concerned about the education (kids are 9, 7, 3 and EDD 6/04) and, if we moved before kid four popped into the picture, I'd want to know about homebirth options.

So can anyone share some impressions of the area? The culture? Thanks mucho!

[aussiemum]

Okay, this is my second try at replying- bloody technology!!! I live in North Queensland, which is reasonably similar to the Alice, way more so than Sydney or Melbourne. Not sure which Uni is there, but pretty much guaranteed its small & underfunded, & you will likely have to wait two years for your permanent residency before you don't have to pay overseas student tuition rates.

Alice Springs is small, very isolated, but I'm pretty sure the highway is two-lane paved the whole way to Darwin (coupla thousand kms, give or take) I've heard it can be tough to get fresh produce. The desert out there looks nothing like SE Utah, but i hear the Todd River is beautiful when it flows. Make certain you know what the score is about homebirth if you're keen, going it alone illegally is our only option at the moment in NQ, might be different in NT.

I've been in NQ for 5 years now. Speaking as an American ex-pat, I can tell you that the culture shock is huge. You will have to learn to deal with serious sexism & serious racism towards black people (but it is getting better.....slowly). I also love the place, & never want to go back to the States. It's freer here, & you can speak your mind & not be afraid. The police aren't as scary (unless you're black, of course). Black Americans seem to do okay, it's just the Aboriginals that cop a lot of shit. It's nowhere near as commercial. Christmas in the middle of summer is surreal. The sun really cooks your skin, pretty quick too, so buy shares in a suncream company....Okay that's my impressions......now you need someone who lives in AS to post in......