Arriving back in Aus

Eight weeks ago I moved back to Australia and arrived in Brisbane.

Being here has been an unexpected culture shock and a stressful, anxiety-ridden time. I felt the full weight of saying goodbye to the city I loved, my flat, my friends and my relationship. I still feel torn about the decision but am slowly getting my head into it.

It's been a busy time setting up a new life here. Job hunting was the priority. I flew to Melbourne twice and Sydney once for interviews, and after an offer both in Sydney and in Melbourne, I chose the latter on the basis of lifestyle and networks.

While in Melbourne, Pauline showed me around some neighbourhoods and took me to some great little places to eat.

In Sydney, I visited my Aunt and spent the rest of the weekend with Dunja and Marcus. We had a great time with drinks at Coogee Pavilion, walked along the coastal boardwalk, had dinner in Bondi, and drinks at the Rose Bay yacht club. 

Using a rental search agency, house hunting also started and I now have a new place in South Melbourne that I’m happy with. It will be the first time I live on my own which will be an experience I think I’ll enjoy. Not looking forward to paying the bills on my own though!

Rob and I also spent a week going through David’s and my belongings which had been in storage for the last several years. It took days to unpack all the boxes, decide what to keep, throw or sell (keeping Marie Kondo in mind!). Going to the tip 3 times to dispose of 400kg from the 'throw' pile turned out to be fun and therapeutic. Fortunately, it seems when I originally moved to the UK I was reasonably ruthless so didn’t have too much to throw away. Although I now have two of everything for the kitchen. I'm becoming an expert seller on Gumtree & Ebay.

I spent Australia Day weekend at Sunshine Beach with Dunja and Marcus which was a great early escape when I arrived.

Dunja & I at the Surf Club

Delicious brunch at Bistro C as always

Post-swim gelati

The real treat of the last 2 months has been a two-week holiday in Noosa. Mum, Rob & I stayed in Little Cove. It was as relaxing as it could be with a number of things still up in the air. As ever, I loved walking in the national park every morning, swimming every day weather permitting, and indulging in a Massimo gelati a day regardless of the weather!

Main Beach

One of my favourite lunches, crab spaghetti & a glass of rose, with Mum at Bistro C

Stunning water at Noosa

Tea Tree Bay

Rob, Mum & I at Ricky's for Mum's early birthday lunch

Out walking

By Noosa River

  

Dog surfing was one of the highlights of the Noosa Surfing Festival

When I’d previously imagined taking 3 months off work, I pictured travelling, writing a book in Paris, starting a new business or doing a florist course but it hasn’t been like that at all. The admin of setting up of life here has been all consuming. When I had some down time, I spent time in Toowoomba with Mum, I caught up with Belinda, Alana & Jules, Lou & AJ, Rhi and John in Brisbane and Lisa and her kids in Toowoomba. I did a short drawing course, went to the Easton Pearson exhibition at the Museum of Brisbane, saw the Qld Symphony Orchestra play the music live to Blue Planet II, and squeezed in a couple of pilates classes.

My sea freight arrived from the UK this week and today the movers collected all 20m³ of my belongings to take south. In a week’s time, I fly to Melbourne, collect the keys for my new house, and move in. In two weeks, I start my new job.

It’s felt like a hard and slow 8 weeks, but I guess I’ve done well to get everything set up in that time. I’m looking forward to getting settled in Melbourne and the new beginnings there.