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Zane
It's dreary, it's cold, it's dark... guess I must be back in London! Nah it's not all that bad; it's just that the winter weather here doesn't really cut the mustard after a taste of an Australian summer. I won't lie, it was beautiful and I didn't want to leave. Maybe it was the weather, maybe it was seeing so many old faces, or maybe it was being on holiday - but I can say that that my brief whirlwind tous was brilliant!
I some how managed to catch up with almost everyone. My mates were pretty much the same as before, just with different lifestyles. Kids, buying houses, getting married (not in that order). From all reports I hadn't changed much either. I didn't even get bashed for sounding like a pom! (isn't that right Sime)
Seeing my family was a bit of a shock. I didn't remember there being quite so many children running about at the occasional family gathering, but then it has been a while since I've been to one and the last time a few of them would have been a little more subdued being babies and all. My brothers had changed more than I expected too. Dion, my next eldest brother is 13 and wants to be a rock god. I didn't have the opportunity of hearing him playe, but he looks and acts the part... very cool. The younger ones - Jordan and Justin - have grown in to their personalities a bit more. Jordan is cheeky but very charming and as my mum points out, much like me at his age. I'll take that as complement. Justin is becoming the little comedian and has a wicked sense of humour; always grinning and beaming with excitement. Seeing mum was a very moving moment. She started shaking and crying with joy when I knocked on the glass door. I don't think she's ever hugged me that tighly before. It was as if she never wanted to let me go again, for fear that if she did, I may leave and never return. No need to worry mum, Melbourne is a beatiful place and I will call it home again one day.
For now, however, my time in London is not up. By good fortune, and some might say by a little miracle, I have a new working visa that doesn't expire until 2011, one year before the London Olympic Games. That's five years from now! And no, I can't see myself staying that long. Although if I do stick it out I'm eligable for a UK passport which means I can live and work anywhere in Europe. A very nice bonus, but those goal posts are so distant that it's not even worth contemplating. For now I'm happy this chapter in my life can continue. In a way, all I wanted was to be able to leave on my own terms. I didn't want to have to go home just yet. The clock ticking on my old visa gave me a sense that there was some unfinished business here for me. I have no idea what that business is, but this additional time has given me the freedom of choice. Life is a journey and you can never be sure exactly where it will take you, I hope it takes me to loads of exciting places and in all it's good to know that I can give it a hand once in a while.
I wish I'd taken more photos while I was in Melbourne. I only took a few and I'm really regretting it now. Sorry about that guys. I'll try to me a little more vigilant with the news and photos this season.
Hope everyone back home in Aussie land is happy and well. Send me some of that wonderful weather because my little ears are at risk of snapping off when I walk to the station and the beanie that saves them from doing so makes me look like a bean head. Thanks to everyone who went out of their way to see me in Melbourne. I miss you so many of you already. Guess it's your turn to come and see me, aye? :)
Cheers!
Zane
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