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Well the day has come ! Off to the land of the long white cloud. It seems a long time ago that I accepted a job and booked my ticket to head out. I didn't really think it would involve me getting up at 2 am to travel all day till I get to Napier but sure I will get some sleep on the flight.
This is a different feeling to the one I had when flying to Melbourne . Then I had been there before before and was staying with Jamie and Nicola. There was some familiarity to it and I was catching up with people from home - Dennise and glassy.
This is far more weird and eerily unsettling ! While I have been to Napier previously I was there for 2 days and stayed in a camper can on the edge of town. This time I am going there to live and work!!! I am sure that I will settle in and adapt to life there but at the moment it is like looking at kilamanjaro and thinking - how do I tackle this . I would much rather be climbing it already as then you don't have time to worry or be scared!
That is one thing I have always know is that I am impatient . This has been highlighted more so to me in oz with the sometimes laid back attitude. Don't get me wrong I am sure I can adapt to that but in Scotland service and promptness Is far better. Another observation is the cost of things out here! Last time I was here it was 2 dollars to the pound. Now it is 1.5 to the pound and with inflation in the last few years it means a massive gap. I bought 2 whiskys the other day - 28 dollars = approx 22 quid. And this is not bottles but single shots! It's approx 8 to ten dollars a pint = 6 pound !!
Apart from that though melbourne has been great. Jamie and Nicola have been great hosts, I had a great time down the great ocean road, explored the city, went to the museums, the beach, the pubs, and generally relaxed. It was really good to catch up with Dennise and also Neil. Good banter and good laugh. Melbourne is a great city and while sad to leave do think I will be back at least to visit and maybe more!
NZ is next though and I am going with an open mind. What is in your mind you will he in your hand!
One really big thing I realised on my visit to the immigration museum here in Melbourne is that so many people have taken the leap of faith. Some were forced into it like the British children / orphans sent here in the 50s and 60s. Some were sent like the convicts . Others choose for family, freedom, work and s new life. Some came because of war. Some came with nothing others came with only hope. Every single person would have arrived with excitement, fear and apprehension of what lay ahead but that is the journey they choose and it was up to them to write their own story.
It's now up to me to write mine and I am going to give it my best shot and enjoy it. Face new challenges like they are an old friend and take the rough with the smooth. I am under no illusions there will be hard times but they are attest and will make the good times that much better. I have the choice though unlike others who were sent agsinst their wishes and I am going to make the most of it.
Waffle over hope it makes sense.
Goodbye Melbourne , good morning NZ!
- comments
Marianne Beer Welcome to New Zealand Gillon! Good luck in your new job and hopefully we will catch up with you soon :)