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Year in Review 2024!

27/12/2024

This Christmas, like all of those we have had since leaving the UK, has been quiet and relaxing, if a little short. I only have one day off during the festive season and to be honest that suits me. I am extremely well paid for working on Boxing Day, and with little family here to speak of, there is absolutely no need to have another day off. Instead, I can channel those extra wages into paying more money off the mortgage, further reducing the interest I pay.

On the 23rd of December, a few days before Christmas, Darrell and I took some time out and visited Lake Leschenaultia, near the country town of Mundaring. Both of us just needed to get away, from the hustle and bustle of suburban life for a few hours. With Christmas shopping reaching boiling point, and people's tempers beginning to fray, it was the perfect time for a quick break. Exploring the beauty of the lake and surrounding bush, offered a brief respite from all the madness, just a few kilometres down the road in Midland. Yes, I am a person who loves Christmas, but even I was feeling the stress — peace, quiet, and time to think, was the perfect tonic we both needed to prepare for the next few days.

Christmas Day was spent with my Mother-in-Law, her neighbour, and close friends. Unlike last year, when I cooked a full-on British Christmas Dinner, Joy, Mum's neighbour, organised a rather traditional Aussie affair — cold meats, seafood, and salad, followed by pavlova, and for me — Christmas pudding.

The last thing you want to be doing on a hot Australian Christmas Day is cooking. As it happens, temperatures were well down on last year, and instead of the normal 40 degrees, the mercury peaked at a more agreeable 29, making the day a lot more bearable than usual.

With me working the next day, I had a couple of glasses of wine and some homemade Snowballs. Back in 1970s Britain, my first taste of alcohol, around my Grans house at Christmas, circa 1976, was a bottle of Snowball — Advocaat, Lime, Lemonade, and glacé cherry to garnish.

This is my go-to drink when I just want to have something light, but a little alcoholic. It went down very nicely and actually tasted far more alcoholic than I remember (maybe that was just the large measures I was serving.) Whatever it was, it instantly transported me back to Christmases past, and time spent with family in the UK. Along with Babycham, these two iconic retro drinks, are so comforting, especially at difficult times. I'm certainly not going through testing times at the moment, but reconnecting with old memories is no bad thing, especially when you live thousands of miles away from home.

Christmas is always a time to contact friends and family. In Portsmouth, we made some lifelong friends, who we are still very much in contact with. Zerina and the team at Cancer Research, who I volunteered alongside, for three years, sent a wonderful Christmas card, which always pulls at the heartstrings. Equally, on Christmas Day I spoke with Jules, who I worked with at Tesco, chatting about the past year, friendships, and travel.

I do make a point of sending cards, phoning, and video calling, all the incredible characters I have known over the years, and I have had some fantastic cards back. Today, Christmas is more about memories, than tangible gifts. I always use the time to recall events over the year, and of course all those unorthodox Christmas Days I have experienced in the past — a far cry from the more muted affairs I enjoy today. I may well have got older and thankfully wiser, but I still have a great fondness for all those who have played a part in my life over the years. Reflection, at this time is what Christmas should be about!

With Christmas at an end, it's time for me to look back at 2024, reflecting on the past year. Remembering the last twelve months has been particularly cathartic for me today, because it does give me a new perspective on issues, that I have had to deal with, especially during the latter half of this problematic year.

Darrell and I managed to travel to Vietnam, and also Taiwan. These two distinctly different destinations, offer a very contrasting Asian experience. Vietnam was a country neither of us would travel to again — It didn't live up to expectations! Although we had fun exploring Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Hoi An at length, the sheer volume of tourists, especially in Hoi An, was a distraction and continued annoyance, as we walked through the historic streets.

Vietnam was also particularly unhygienic, which certainly isn't an aspect of the country I will look back on, with undiluted fondness. Despite eating some street food, in the main we chose to eat at more reputable restaurants and café's. Despite this, eating out was relatively cheap, and at least offered a more pleasant dining experience.

Getting around Ho Chi Minh City was difficult, due to the lack of public transport. The new rapid transit system has only just opened, well behind schedule, which was over six months too late for our visit. Hoi An, on the other hand, was compact and straightforward to navigate. Da Nang, being a coastal resort, was both relaxing and easy to traverse. This city is one that I would gladly revisit in a heartbeat.

Vietnam wouldn't be top of my holiday destination list in the future, but I would return given the right circumstances. I would, however, avoid Ho Chi Minh City, but would return to Hanoi, a place I travelled to in 2018. I think major attractions should be avoided or travelled to during low season, when there are fewer tourists about. Nevertheless, Vietnamese people are welcoming and helpful, leaving both of us with fantastic memories.

Taiwan was an altogether different experience. This modern, technologically advanced Island was everything Vietnam wasn't. It is a place that few western tourists visit, and was extremely troublesome to decipher at times. Only a small percentage of people speak English, so everyday activities can be a chore — ordering food, asking for directions and reading signs can be a struggle. Despite this, the public transport system and high speed train network, is all clearly translated in English as well as Taiwanese, which did make getting around easier.

We visited Taipei, and Kaohsiung in the south of the island; both of these unique destinations offered a distinctly different insight, into this beautiful place. If I am honest, I think we both enjoyed Taipei more, but it is a substantially bigger city, that caters to westerners needs. Yes it is true to say Darrell and I are not backpackers, and due to time constraints, we just want easier, less complicated destinations to visit. After our experiences in Taiwan, we have both decided to put off our trip to Japan for a few more years, visiting other South East Asian countries first. Both of us feel, the language barrier and cultural differences would be just too difficult to adjust to, without more thorough research!

On both occasions I've travelled abroad this year, I have returned with health issues, which is causing concern for me going forward. After each holiday, I have come back with a Staph infection, in exactly the same place — my right elbow. These weren't any normal infections; they were also resistant to penicillin, and I had to undergo intensive treatment each time it flared up.

The first infection took me on an impromptu trip to A&E, where I was quickly taken down to theatre and had a lump removed from under my arm. The area of infection on my elbow was also treated. For the next week I was visited by Silver Chain, who are a home care organisation, who dressed and cared for my wounds on a daily basis.

After Taiwan, I returned with a similar infection, once again on my elbow, which was significantly more serious. This time I was treated with IV antibiotics for a week in hospital, as I fought a cellulitis infection, which had travelled from the site of infection, down my arm, towards my wrist. Once again, this was penicillin resistant staphylococcus Aureus.

I am at a loss as to why these infections are occurring after travelling abroad, but they are a concern for my future travel plans, which I have put on hold. I have had no real answers as to why they are developing, but for someone who has suffers from health anxiety, particularly this year, it has left me rather shell shocked. Of course, I have, and I am still, thinking the worst, especially with rather vague explanations from doctors.

However, I have had extensive testing done, and they so far haven't found anything seriously wrong. The only sign something isn't quite right, is low creatinine levels discovered through a blood test. Apparently this isn't a common result, and could have transpired for any number of reasons. For now, I am parking my fears and moving on with life.

Additionally, I have undergone a procedure to remove several small tumours, which was completed successfully. With a follow-up hospital appointment in the New Year, I am hoping this will be the beginning of the end of this saga. But as anyone with health anxiety can testify, that isn't necessarily going to be the case.

This has been a very testing year for my health issues if I am honest, and I will just be glad to see the back of it. Sadly, I am expecting 2025 to be more of the same, although my wish is just to be able to manage it better. I do have options, but none of them are ideal, and not something I want to contemplate right now!

The rest of the year has been as productive as any other, since I moved to Australia. I am now in charge of a much larger outlet shop, and my position in Australia seems to be secure. I have worked in my current role for two years now, and I am enjoying the new challenges thrust my way. This is a job I have excelled in, especially being able to move from one brand to another, whilst still working for the same parent company.

I am fortunate to have been offered opportunities in Australia, that I wasn't afforded in the UK. This is an expensive place to live, but with both Darrell and I working full-time, with are living very comfortably, compared to life in Britain. Both of us have worked extremely hard and the results are beginning to bear fruit.

We can travel whenever we like and just don't have the financial worries we had when living in the UK or indeed Spain. I have managed to reduce a 30-year mortgage to an 8-year repayment, and we are also building up savings for the future — all in a country that, on paper, at least, appears astronomically expensive. The secret to success, in my opinion, is not overstretching our budgets, which we haven't done. We could have bought a far more expensive property, but chose to remain frugal, which has proven to be the best decision we ever made.

As we look forward to 2025, both of us hope for similar success. Of course, we are aware, that all of us are just one paycheck away from homelessness, but continuing to save hard, we hope to continue making progress. We expect to buy a new property to rent out when circumstances allow. Hopefully, interest rates will fall soon, and the sluggish Australian economy will pick up. Until that happens, we will continue to pay down the mortgage, and invest in our growing pensions. Security is important to us now, more than ever, so anything that allows us to strive for a better future is welcome.

Equally, health is my foremost priority. I will continue to look after my wellbeing — mental and physical health. I will do all I can, to remain as healthy as I can, for as long as I can. Furthermore, I am under no illusion, that time isn't on my side, but I can at least try to make up for the indiscretions of the past. My health anxiety, will inevitably have its role to play, but learning to cope with this frustrating side of my nature, is also something I need to do — focusing on the positive, not the negative aspects of me!

I would like to end this post by wishing you all a Happy New Year and success in 2025. Thank you for choosing to support my blog, and I look forward to continuing this journey of self-expression, honesty and speaking out on issues I hold dear. With war raging throughout the World, Donald Trump about to assume power in the USA and the cost of living rising ever higher; I hope the next twelve months will be peaceful, prosperous and as far removed from this year, as it possibly can be!

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Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

21/12/2024

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Since moving to Australia in 2022, my outlook on Christmas has changed — dramatically! All my life I have loved celebrating the festive season; surrounded by family, or in most cases friends, I enjoyed every aspect of Christmas, more than anyone I know — the sparkling lights, big tinsel-clad tree, Christmas dinner, and of course presents — lots, and lots of presents! However, times have changed and so have I.

Christmas down under is a million miles away from Christmas in the UK. The biggest difference is of course the temperature. Currently, we are sweltering in over 40-degree heat, and it is set to get hotter by December 25th. The last thing you want to do is stand in a hot kitchen, cooking a 'posh Sunday roast,' even in an air-conditioned villa.

Last year I cooked for everyone, a proper Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings, and I won't be doing it again. Despite loving a good old roast, it's just too hot to bother — cold meat and salad are far more preferable. Top tip in Australia: just keep it simple, that way you save time and money. You can still enjoy Christmas without a full on banquet!

I have certainly become more canny with money, living in Perth, it's a case of having to be. Darrell and I are relatively well off, but the cost of living is extremely high here. Despite not having to worry about where the next dollar is coming from, I have still learnt to be frugal, especially where Christmas is concerned.

I am a member of several loyalty schemes and collect flybuy points from Coles Supermarket, where I do my weekly shop, and other retailers who take the same loyalty card. The points I save, pay for Christmas in its entirety — presents and food, leaving me with more money for holidays and going out. Today I am more aware of money, and no longer frivolous, as I was in the past. In all honesty, my years living in Portsmouth taught me how to save and work hard; since 2015 I have changed a lot. Enjoying life is now my biggest priority; life is about me and Darrell and not wasting our time or money on hangers-on!

Don't go mad at Christmas if you can't afford it, save your money, or like me — loyalty points, throughout the year and only spend what you can afford. Of course, I am more lucky than most, I no longer have a family to buy for and without kids of my own, I don't have to shell out too much cash at this time of year. Even so, I will always keep my purse closed, until I absolutely have to open it. God, I really do sound like Scrooge don't I, but when you are as old as me, you have learnt a lot over the years, most of it the hard way.

However you spend Christmas this year, have a good one! Send cards to family and friends; none of this nonsense about not sending them, and giving the money to charity instead, because you and I both know, you won't be giving that money to good causes. It's just a lazy excuse not to send any. Receiving cards is such a wonderful thing, it means someone is thinking about you wherever you are, and that is the most important feeling in the World, better than any expensive present you receive!.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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Christmas Thoughts 2024 - Joanne Donaldson!

19/12/2024

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I don’t send cards, I donate the money to charity instead. I also use one big box that all the family put presents in for each other, to save time and money on wrapping paper, that will only end up in the bin!

Joanne

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It's been a bloody difficult few weeks if I am honest!

15/12/2024

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Darrell and I have just returned from the city, after spending a lazy Sunday, Christmas shopping and having lunch. This is the first time we have travelled to Perth in about two months; we have been so busy that we just haven't had the time. Of course, the CBD is now adorned with festive decorations, lights, and a large Christmas tree opposite the railway station; despite the sweltering summer heat, even I am starting to feel a little bit Christmassy!

Temperatures have been particularly hot, compared to 2023, and I am told this year's summer will be even hotter than the last — that suits me perfectly. However, I am all too aware, of the difficulties of living in Australia, in such a severe climate.

Darrell has just given up vaping. This has been hard for him since he has smoked or vaped for many years, but this time it is a case of having to!

Darrell has been diagnosed with Macular Degeneration, which in part is to do with his smoking and vaping, but also the weather here in Western Australia. With the sun incredibly bright, and without 400 UV protective sunglasses over many years, he has paid the ultimate price. Both of us are staying positive and hoping the rate of deterioration can be stemmed for now. Of course, only time will tell — weekly monitoring and regular eye tests will help — changing old habits will help a hell of a lot more!

With Christmas just two weeks away, the last Christmas card I received from Mum when she was alive is on display. I always think of my Mother at this time of year. Speaking to my Father, back home in the UK tonight, we reminisced about Christmasses past, and how much we used to enjoy them, unlike today.

Things have changed dramatically over the years, and although I still love this time of year, it just isn't the same. Living in the Southern Hemisphere has changed my concept of Christmas. Oh, I still put up a few decorations and a tree, enjoy sending Christmas cards to friends and family, and buy presents for our nearest and dearest — that's something that will never change. However, I am aware, that for the most part, it will just be me and Darrell celebrating together — so different to years gone by.

There won't be a large Christmas roast, just cold meats, and salad around a neighbour's house. Nobody wants to be cooking a three-course British Christmas Dinner on the 25th, least of all me. This year, I will be putting my feet up, and letting someone else do all the work. This will make a pleasant change, since I am the one who usually does it all.

Both Darrell and I remarked, earlier, how much we miss Christmas with friends in Southampton. We truly had some memorable times, with some remarkable characters; not traditional celebrations, but rather unconventional in nature, partying with like-minded individuals and enjoying the festive cheer.

Things are very different now and that can be hard to come to terms with!

The past two weeks have been somewhat difficult if I am honest. After Darrell's news about his eyesight, I was due in hospital for a procedure, that had been planned for several months. This wasn't something I was looking forward to, but an absolute necessity, especially at my age. Thankfully, living in Australia, I didn't have to wait too long, and it was carried out quickly, without incident. Nevertheless, the procedure did throw up some concern, after two small tumours were removed.

This was completely unexpected, but after a follow-up meeting with my GP, to discuss the histology report, I was hopeful it wasn't anything to worry about, at least in the short term. I will have to have a follow-up hospital appointment in February, but for now, I am putting it to the back of my mind, along with the anxiety I suffer from, on a daily basis.

None of us are getting any younger, and I am more aware than most of impending old age creeping up on me, faster every day. In truth, I don't like being 53, and I am not enjoying middle age. I have, however, worked hard to stay fit and healthy over the last four years, and I am doing everything I can to keep my weight under control. I understand the damage I have done to my body over the years, and although I can not reverse it, I am hopeful I can at least stop the rot in its tracks.

This week I heard from a friend back in the UK, Julie, who I used to work with at The Newcome Arms in Fratton. Sadly, her long-term partner had passed away; naturally, she was devastated. I didn't know Bill very well, but he was a wonderful character, who was always kind, and courteous towards me, and an absolute pleasure to know.

I felt so upset for her and her family, losing a loved one, especially at this time of year. Bill wasn't an old man, but his sudden passing made me realise, just how fragile all our lives are.

There are times I feel down and depressed, but I am so grateful for the life I now lead. It may well be quiet and uneventful, like most people's lives in Australia, but it is successful, fruitful, and extremely productive, who could possibly ask for more.

When someone dies, you often think about your own mortality. I was close to Julie at work and have frequently thought about her. The death of Bill will affect many of those I knew in Portsmouth, and I am just glad I got to know him, and all those from The Newcome Arms. With Christmas just around the corner, it is so important to remember the good times, because those were the occasions that got me through my worst days. People like Bill were the fabric of a neighbourhood that welcomed me with open arms, and that is an aspect of life I miss, living in Australia,

Hopefully, the next few weeks will be better than the last, and Darrell and I can look forward to another happy Christmas together. Putting personal issues to the back of my mind, it's time to look positively towards the future, and put the last few weeks behind us! I will be glad to see the back of 2024, as I'm sure most of you will. This has not been the happiest of years, so lets hope 2025 surprises all of us and is the start of something better!

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Christmas Thoughts 2024 — Geraldine Roberts!

10/12/2024

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My memories of Christmas are having all the family round on Boxing Day, and me making sure everyone had enough food and drink. I love making plenty of food for everyone and doing little special portions, so they all feel it’s just for them!

Geraldine

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Christmas Thoughts 2024 — Sandra Crook!

4/12/2024

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I do the grocery shop, the day before Christmas Eve, and prepare the veg the night before. Sometimes I cook the meat the night before as well, but wrapping presents, I'm sh*t at, so my daughter helps to do that. If I see a bargain, I'll get it! I've already got tubs of chocolates, 2 for £5 with the Asda app! It's my daughter's Birthday on Christmas day as well, so we get a Birthday cake instead of a Christmas cake!

Sandra

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Spain, Britain, or Australia — Which Healthcare System is the best?

4/12/2024

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Christmas Thoughts 2024 — Sean Reed

1/12/2024

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Usually, I would do my shopping in advance for all the family presents, for both mine and my partner’s side. As for buying food, we try to avoid shopping at least 3 days before Christmas (you and I both experienced the chaos in supermarkets at that time of year). Typically, everything, in every detail, is planned well in advance, to ensure a smooth and relaxing Christmas for all!

Sean

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From a new life in spain, to an old life in britain, 'roaming brit' documents uncertain times!

Year in Review 2024!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Christmas Thoughts 2024 - Joanne Donaldson!

It's been a bloody difficult few weeks if I am honest!

Christmas Thoughts 2024 — Geraldine Roberts!

Christmas Thoughts 2024 — Sandra Crook!

Spain, Britain, or Australia — Which Healthcare System is the best?

Christmas Thoughts 2024 — Sean Reed

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