We lived in Canberra from 2002 - 2007, then moved to Seattle (where I am from) and have been here since. My poor husband got the short end of the stick when it comes to being near family. Skype helps. When I was in Aus there was no Skype or Facebook or instagram. Just a lot of long distance phone calls. For all the detractors of social media, it helps a ton for keeping in touch with loved ones who are way too far away.