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Nope still Dubai for me.... LOL
Bath, Vila is great, but a hell of a lot more basic that somewhere like Suva. I think I'd feel a bit isolated there as once you drive beyond Vila (which doesn't take long) there is bugger all else on Efate (the island) in terms of infrastructure. It's still beautiful though.
By the way, in case you haven't noticed, it's the artist formerly known as Rols here. New username
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LOL I noticed the change the day you made it Rols
Yeah Fiji comes up now and again but not in DH's area I don't think. I think I'd be a bit nervous about the political sitch there too... DH's bank actually featured on the news last time there was a significant riot.... not sure it if was looted but it was in the thick of the turmoil.
DH has been to Vanuatu, specifically PV and agrees with you but he is still keen. He has glowing memories but that was about 20 years ago. We've been doing a bit of reasearch and there are so many extreme positives and negatives. A positive would be that we would pay no income tax, like Dubai. A negative is the cost of living is very high. The International school doesn't look that crash hot but it's very small (roughly 300 students from Kindergarten to year 12) and it uses the Australian curriculum. But it is cheap compared to my DD's current school... not that price is a factor. But what she misses out on facility wise I'm sure she will gain in other ways... life experience being the best opportunity for her.
We've been sussing out other things like internet connection: seems to be very slow and very expensive... like 10 times slower than what we are using ATM so I'm wondering if Skype will work (telephone calls to Aus. are also incredibly expensive). But all these things don't really matter I guess if the cultural experience is going to be positive. I've heard the locals are very friendly.
I've read the other thread Kelly started on the Cook Islands and Vanuatu and it all sounds good
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Bath I think the sense of community would be strong somewhere like PV. I found the people very friendly and helpful and they love kids. I think culturally you would all gain a great experience and there are some beautiful places to go and see in the area.
But as you have said, things like internet are not good, and also food is very expensive. Then again, if you're not paying tax it's probably all relative!! Truly I think you will find positives and negatives everywhere, and where-ever you end up you will enjoy.
What Melanie said is very true.
As for food, I didn't think it was too bad, but if you're living tax free then it's not a concern at all. Health care is pretty basic I believe.
PV is great, I just think it would be easy to become isolated. I'm not quite sure why I say that because I loved it. Probably the fact it's an island (I'm all for island living) and/but has little else beyond its boundaries. I just felt like I'd stepped back in time 30-40 years. But I'm sure you'd get used to it pretty quick.
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When ppl ask us about schooling for the kids when we return to Bali... I believe the cultural & life experience is much greater than what they could learn in a classroom...!???
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Apparently the hospital is up to Australian standards from what i have read but yes, that was a concern. I deal with isolation pretty well as long as I feel safe. And as for going back 30/40 years that is also an attractive concept but with the internet
Still, it's up to DH to get the job... trouble is... if it's too easy you kinda get suspicious LOL
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I agree totally Trace... however we've invested a small fortune in our DDs education, upward of 50K and we'd hate her to fall too far behind. So basically we want BOTH for her: life experience of diversity AND a good education.... and of course the same for our boys but we have a few years before we have to worry too much about them that's why the focus on doing the expat thing is now!
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