Interesting point about the lack of choice with ready meals. It might also be due to the fact that takeaways are that much cheaper in Aus. Of course, it might just be a symptom of the generally smaller range of food in Aussie supermarkets!

Just wanted to comment on how difficult shopping can be when you first arrive here.

Simple things such as clothes, electric toothbrush, even food - you know where to head to in the UK and the brands you like but you have to learn it all again here. Even furniture - the shops are very much more ‘local’ so all takes a bit of getting used to.

I do miss Waitrose and M&S when I’m looking for a ‘gourmet’ ready meal on the nights I can’t be bothered to cook. Which leads me on… The selection of ‘ready meals’ that the supermarkets offer isn’t a patch on UK supermarkets and I’m thinking the reason for this is because Aussies will throw something on the barbie as a quick fix meal instead of piercing the film lid and putting in the microwave.

Just a few of my observations.