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

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On 31st January 2016, my partner and I left Southampton to start a new life as Expats in Gran Alacant, on the Costa Blanca. This blog will document our journey, as we navigate the Spanish system, travelling a path untried and untested. With Brexit looming, political turmoil in Europe, and an unpredictable future, harsh decisions must be made. Illness, family bonds, and a Change of heart all make for challenging times in the life of a 'Roaming Brit!'
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Death of Pope Francis - A lurch to the right?

26/4/2025

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Currently, I am sat at home watching the funeral of Pope Francis, thousands of miles from Europe, and The Vatican City, where the late Pontiff is being laid to rest. This is a place Darrell and I have visited twice before; it is a city that left a lasting impression on me, and not for the reasons you may expect.

Darrell and I were staying in Rome for a few days, near to the Colosseum.  Just being in this ancient capital was a dream come true. Around every Roman corner, along every cobbled street and colourful piazza, this is indeed a city I love with all my heart. Italy itself is the most glorious Country I have ever visited, so steeped in history. Each Italian city we have stayed in hasn't failed to impress, but by far the most majestic, was The Vatican itself.

We walked through a busy St Peter's square; the sun shone brightly, illuminating our way towards the awe-inspiring Basilica — the Church of St Peter. This was a pilgrimage in all but name, for an art lover like me. I wanted to see every inch of this ancient wonder — every statue, fresco, painting, and tomb. As I entered the building, I wasn't disappointed; everywhere I looked, took my breath away; this church was there to impress people like me, The house of the eternal Father, on this mortal, fallible Earth. 

Darrell had walked on ahead, and I was left gingerly walking through the holiest place on the planet, when all of a sudden, I felt quite overcome — almost faint. I put my hand against a pillar, to steady my gaze. I was sweating profusely and experienced emotions, that I can't really describe. At this moment, a priest approached me and took my arm. I remember, he asked me if I was Italian, by uttering the word 'Italiano'. I shook my head and replied, 'Inglese'. He began speaking to me in broken English, assuring me, I would be OK, and helped me make my way outside.

I'm not really sure what happened that day, whether I had a panic attack, or a spiritual moment of enlightenment, but I did fall in love with The Vatican. After a breath of fresh air, I thanked the priest and after a few moments, made my way inside once more, where I finally caught up with Darrell. Together we continued our tour, and ended by rubbing the foot of St Peter, as thousands have done before, standing in wonderment at this magnificent building, just consuming the divine mysteries inside. 

As I grow older, I may well discover the reasons behind my 'experience' in St Peter's Basilica, or I just may put it down to a rather hot day in Rome, taking its toll. Whatever happened, I am well aware of the significance of the church in my life, no matter how small, and more importantly, I respect any man who has dedicated his life in the service of others. The Pope will indeed be remembered for his humbleness, wisdom, and ability to connect with the young, but for me, he will be the one Pope who very nearly brought me to his door. Now that is an achievement in my book. My Grandfather converted to Catholicism on his deathbed, like so many before him; it is a reminder of just how much we all change as we get older and discover faith we never knew we had!
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Planning Our 30th Anniversary Trip!

16/2/2025

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Jack Whitehall at The Riverside Theatre!

11/2/2025

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Yesterday, we spent Sunday in Perth. I had booked tickets to see Jack Whitehall, at The Riverside Theatre. Currently, Jack, and his Mother and Father are on a World tour, and as part of this, they are in Perth on Monday and Tuesday of this week. Like most things in Australia, the price of these tickets weren't cheap, but I can tell you now, it was well worth it; this was definitely a must-see show!
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We arrived in the city at just after 2 pm — the sky was cloudy and temperatures were significantly lower than they had been. There was a cool breeze blowing across Elizabeth Quay, and it was a beautiful day, perfect for a walk around the city!

We made our way to Murray street, where we had a few pints of Stella in The Belgian Beer Café and lunch at Durty Nelly's. This was just bog-standard food — nothing fancy, just something to fill a hole before the theatre. My biggest bug bear with Western Australia, has always been the lack of decent eating establishments, and it still annoys me, two years after arriving in Australia. Today I have just accepted that eating out will never be the experience it was in Europe, and put up with lower standards. A friend did tell me recently, that over in the Eastern States, there is a far better choice of World cuisine; it just feels like Perth is so far behind the rest of the World, and that does make me feel quite isolated at times.

As we walked around the World's most isolated capital city, the streets were empty, almost like a ghost town. This is always a constant source of bemusement for me, that a major city in Australia is so empty and at times devoid of life, that you could be in a tiny village deep in the English countryside. We may well have a wonderful life here in Perth, but no matter how comfortable we are, it just doesn't have the culture and soul that Europe, Asia, or Britain have.

When you make the transition and move to Australia, you just have to accept that things are very different. In truth, there are times I could have walked away and gone home, but I am glad I stayed; in nine years we will have paid off what's left of the mortgage we have, and can then decided where our future lies!
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After a few hours wondering around Perth, we made our way to the Theatre, situated on Elizabeth Quay. The huge venue in the heart of the city was already filling with people, and we were an hour and a half early.

To quote Michael Whitehall during the show, “nothing much happens in Perth!" Well he's right, nothing happens in this part of Australia at all, so when major stars turn up in the capital, it is a rather big event. Tickets sold out particularly quickly, so I was lucky to get seats at all. Thankfully, I was online just at the right time, and was able to get the best tickets I could.

The show itself was hilarious. Jack Whitehall is an astounding comedian, who certainly made Darrell and I laugh from beginning to end. His distinctly British humour was just what we both needed, and for me at least it was an amazing reminder of home.

Jacks Parents were also on stage, which made for a great few hours of entertainment. Some jokes may well have been too much for some audience members, certainly near the mark at times, but dark comedy, especially at a time of international turmoil, is a great tonic. I literally haven't laughed so much in many years.

It's not often you leave an event or show smiling, smirking quietly to yourself, but this production just left me feeling happy, satisfied and, understandably, wanting more. When celebrities tour down under, they typically forget Western Australia, let alone put on two shows. This was a special occasion for us, close to Valentine's Day, but it was more than that, It was also a link to the past we had left behind. It allowed both of us to relax a little, after such a busy time in both our lives, unwinding after a full on few months of work. Memories were made on Monday, and that helps both of us, as we continue to adjust to our new life in Australia! With both of us feeling suitably refreshed, it's time to face another important week ahead, and a date with destiny at Midland Hospital on Friday...

...I'll keep you posted!
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The Last Drop Elizabethan Pub!

12/1/2025

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Both Darrell and I, are suitably stuffed after a huge Sunday lunch, at a place I have never been to before. A colleague at work recommended 'The Last Drop, Elizabethan Pub' in Befordale, here in Perth, and I wasn't disappointed!

To be quite honest, I had no desire to go out this weekend, but after seeing the photographs of this truly unique venue, I was hooked, and decided we had to visit, and I wasn't disappointed.

Situated in beautiful countryside, the building looked every inch British, as we drove up the drive to the car park. This large, imposing house almost stuck out like a sore thumb, in the hills around Armadale. However, with the sun shining, and temperatures in the 30s, the beer garden beckoned, and I was looking forward to a relaxing few hours away from Midland!
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As I walked inside the pub, I was immediately transported back to the UK, and places I had visited over the years. From The New Forest, the village of Titchfield where I grew up, and my ancestral home of Whiteparish, the feeling of history was everywhere. The difference being, this was a mock Elizabethan/Tudor house in the middle of Western Australia; the location couldn't really be any different.

There were beer mats attached to the beamed ceiling, a large open inglenook fireplace and antique furniture. This place felt like a home from home, and I instantly felt relaxed, sat in this atmospheric country pub.

After Christmas, we both just wanted something light for lunch, so ordered a pizza each. Now, judging on previous experience, we believed it would be just enough to fill a hole. The portion sizes over here are a lot smaller than Britain; so you can imagine, my horror, when these two massive pizzas, stacked high with topping, were brought to the table. The portion sizes at The Elizabethan, are huge. They were so big, Darrell and I could only manage half a pizza each, and even then we were absolutely stuffed.

I thanked the lovely waitress for the food, apologised for not eating it all, and politely refused a doggy bag. Neither Darrell nor I wanted to eat anymore; as magnificent as lunch was, it was just far too much food for us!

Today was my perfect Sunday, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I haven't felt so connected to home, since arriving in Australia, as I did today. Apparently, there is a large Expat community living in Armadale, and this makes it particularly interesting for me. I do meet a lot of Brits in my job; only this week a lady from Liverpool, where my Gran was born — for me, building a tangible connection to my past is important and helps me settle into Australian life. In reality, I will always be a little Englander, and my roots run deep through my psyche. A simple day out is a reminder of where I came from, and today, just where I'm heading; for that I was truly grateful!
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Click above to visit The Elizabthan Pub Website!
In this week's YouTube video, I am sounding off about the aggressive society we are living in. From Elon Musk to Donald Trump, the World really does feel like a horrible place at the moment. Talking about my own experiences, dealing with some truly awful characters, I am really trying to put the pieces together, to discover, just why these awful people exist, and what we can do to live our lives better. After all, there are some good people in the World, even though it just doesn't seem like it at the moment!
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Looking Towards 2025!

4/1/2025

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Just after Christmas, all of us at work went out for a meal at the Bailey Brewing Company, in Swan Valley. This isn't a place I have been to before, but the large family friendly venue offers something for everyone, and we all had a wonderful time. 

Working in retail, during the Christmas period, can be testing, but this year, everything went like clockwork. This was our first Christmas working in the new outlet store, and it has been busy, unlike anything I have seen before. Mind you, having said that, Tesco, back in the good old UK, was probably the nearest equivalent, and equally I enjoyed the cut, thrust and throng then too. I relish a thriving, busy, retail environment; yes all of us have worked hard, but the rewards are showing —  the business has grown from strength to strength and that is important. As Manager, I am delighted with its progress, just as the rest of the company is as well.

I have accepted praise from my superiors, on behalf of the outlet, and I am so happy the team are motivated, focused and suitably inspired. I am of course lucky, to be working with some wonderful characters, but I am also content being employed by a company, whose inclusive, empowering culture, is streets above any I have experienced before!

With Christmas now at an end, it's time to look forward to 2025 and the challenges that lie ahead. In a little over a year, I will be applying for Australian citizenship, so I have started the process of researching the exams I will have to take, to show commitment to my new home.

Despite ongoing health issues, I am optimistic enough to look forward, to a bright, new, industrious future. It looks like we will be seeing friends from the UK this year as well, who are planning visits in a few months, and that has lifted my spirits. I haven't been feeling myself for quite a while now, so anything that gives me reason to celebrate is welcome.
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This Sunday we spent the day at Scarborough Beach. The weather was a scorching 34 degrees, but with the cooler sea breeze, it was lovely sitting down the front having a few beers, while Darrell swam in the ocean — not something I would do myself, of course.

Lunch was spent at the Galway Hooker with a superb Sunday Roast, and a pint of Swan Draught on a hot sunny day. I may well be living in Australia, but I still like a good traditional Sunday lunch from time to time, it really does remind me of home.

I have had a roast at the Galway Hooker before and didn't go much on it if I am honest, so I was in two minds about going back. However, this time, it was nearly perfect. I say nearly, because, like every place I have been to in Australia, they just can't cook roast potatoes, the way the British do. They definitely need me to give them a lesson or two, on how to do it, just like my Granny did!
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After an early lunch, we headed to Karrinyup for a spot of Sunday shopping, except I didn't buy a thing — my shopaholic days are well and truly over now. In the past, I spent a fortune on stuff I didn't need, but these days, I am very choosy about what I buy. These days, Darrell and I don't want for anything, so we just try to live our life a little more frugally.

Karrinyup is rather overpriced, situated in one of the most affluent suburbs in Western Australia. The shops are expensive, and like most of Australia, the choice is still rather limited. Looking around, there was nothing that I felt compelled to buy, and for me that's a good thing. I would rather have a good rummage around an OP Shop (Charity Shop for the Brits), where you are always guaranteed to find a bargain. No matter where I live in the World, I will always be a fan of second hand shops — which are hugely underrated!

This evening I spoke to my Father back in the UK for nearly two hours. We always have a good chat, especially since we haven't spoken since before Christmas. Life in the UK seems as bad as ever — the NHS is at breaking point, political drama, freezing cold weather, and Dad and I, chatting about are respective health issues.

I do miss my Father as you would expect; I hope to travel back to Britain in the next few years to see him, but for me, life is very much in Australia now, no matter how much I miss home. I do especially miss the friends I have there, but, I know I'm far better off here, living life successfully, unlike years gone by. Building a new life down under hasn't been easy, but it has been worth the pain, to finally be in a good and successful place — let's hope 2025 brings more of the same!
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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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34-Year-Old Friendship Rekindled — The spectre of growing old!

5/10/2024

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Age came rushing head long into my life this week, and, thankfully, not for the wrong reasons. A friend from the UK who I haven't seen in 34 years was in Perth, and I knew I had to see him.

Back in the dim and distant past, Wayne and I had a very close friendship, established during our time working together in the Civil Service. Despite losing touch for many years, I was determined to reconnect, and rekindle what is an important relationship. After not seeing each other for so long, I was worried by what could happen. Would he still be the same person? Would we still have a connection? And can you really rebuild a friendship after a decade and a half apart!

Wayne and I met in 1990, at a time of great change for me. I was evolving from being a shy teenager, into a deeply sentimental young man, with the weight of the World on my shoulders. Wayne was someone who taught me much about life, and for a period of time we were inseparable. Of course, a lot has happened between then and now, but when someone leaves significant footprints on your heart, you know you have to make the effort!

Back in the early 1990s, I had a small group of friends from college. After the odd afternoon out at The Jolly Sailor, our local hostelry of choice, they would drop me off at Wayne's house in Gosport, where I would try to sober up, before heading home. Wayne looked after me in some terrible states. He made sure I was fed and watered, and we formed a close bond. Our friendship was brief on the scale of things, but it was also very important. Sadly, we lost contact, as Wayne moved away, and my life took me to University in Southampton.

Of course, a lot happened in the intervening years; I met Darrell and settled down, and With the birth of social media, I tried my luck, to see if I could find Wayne, initially on 'Friends Reunited.' I successfully found him, after a long time searching, and we finally got in touch once again.

Now comes the weird bit — during the time when Wayne and I weren't in touch, like me, he had relationships, different jobs, and oddly, he was living in Spain, at exactly the same time I was. Even more mind-blowing, is he was in a relationship with one of Darrell's best friends from school. Of all the people in the World, this was an unexpected connection, that fate appeared to be responsible for. You have to remember, during this period, Wayne and I were not in touch, and we only found out this mutual link relatively recently… Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs, just to keep you on your toes.

This was a bizarre twist of fate, that on the surface at least, appeared to be just too much of a coincidence. However, it was, and here we were, 34 years later, chatting about it, sat outside The Belgian Beer Café, in Murray street, ten thousand kilometres from home, where I first met him, just after leaving school…

​This brings me nicely on to my vlog this week. After seeing Wayne, I realised just how old I was. Wayne was still the same person I knew all those years ago, I could tell instantly from his smile; our conversation was just like picking up from where we last left off, but we were both older, much, much older, and different in so many ways. Age, for me, is quite a traumatic thing — it is a sore subject, that I do my best to avoid. I never want to admit my age to myself, but, seeing someone from your past, allows you to reevaluate just what growing old means.

Those 34 years have gone so fast, yet It really does feel just like yesterday and in many respects, it scares me that I am now in my mid-fifties. In another 34 years, in all likelihood, I'll be dead… We really are on this planet, for such a brief period of time, just the blink of an eye!

Despite my own feelings on age, It was nice to see someone from my past. I guess that is the point you realise just how far you have come in life. The 1990s were great years for me personally, and I look back with fondness at a time that allowed me to finally come out and be the person I was always destined to be. I am not in contact with many friends from that period, so it was even more important to cement a bond that would otherwise have been lost — Social media really does have a lot to answer for. It can be responsible for conflict, abuse, bullying and resentment, but it can also bring people together in a rewarding and tangible way. It's good to have Wayne back in my life, even if it has made me question for fast approaching, inevitable and challenging old age. Furthermore, it is the reopening of a story that I had believed was over, and the beginning of another chapter, and a second chance at a friendship that I had thought had gone away!
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Neutral Voltage Surge!

16/6/2024

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Destination Perth!

23/3/2024

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The last seven days have been busy, certainly the busiest for me, since I arrived in Australia. I have had determination in my eyes, as I sought so secure a new job. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the job I have, but I am well aware that it is time to move on. Of course, these days I have no fear of the unknown; after traversing the World for a number of years, I have no qualms about leaving my current circumstances behind, and heading forwards, towards adventures.

Over the last week or so, I have literally blitzed the job market here in Perth. There are many positions on offer, and I have been inundated with interviews, and indeed, offers of employment. Trying to juggle interviews, conducted on Zoom from Sydney, has probably been my biggest challenge. Attending an appointment at seven o'clock in the morning isn't ideal, but luckily for me, I am an extremely early riser, and these days at least, I am at my best in the early hours.

With several firm job offers under my belt, I believe I have made the right decision for me, at this juncture. I have decided to accept an offer of more money and allowances, in a business closer to home. It will also allow me to continue with a lifestyle, I have become accustomed to. This wasn't the position paying the most, but taking travel and commuting into account, this option affords me the best opportunity at my time of life.

I can't stress enough, just how different the pay rates are between the Britain and here. We are paid substantially more down under, meaning I earn well over and above the average wage in the UK and Australia. This is probably the first time in my life, that I have absolutely no financial worries; so despite my moans and groans about this place, I am well aware where I am better off.
With employment top of my list of priorities, you would think I haven't had time to do anything else, but both Darrell and I have found the time to relax and enjoy everything Perth has to offer.

Last Sunday we travelled into the city for a meal, and show at the Perth Concert Hall. I had booked a table at The Italian Street Kitchen, in Raine Square, Perth. I have been past this restaurant many times before, but never had the pleasure of eating there. From the outside it is just an ordinary building, but inside, the ambience, feel, and atmosphere is uniquely Italian, in every respect. This was not another pastiche of Italian culinary delights, this is as authentic as it gets down under, and for me, it was a delight. I was transported back to my time in Naples and Sorrento, and I was impressed by the staff, standard of service and the quality of the food.

The Italian Street Kitchen is a little more expensive than other places we have eaten, but that was only to be expected. Nothing is cheap in Australia anyway, so if you have to pay $60 more for a meal, then I can live with that. You do get what you pay for, and I was not disappointed and will certainly be back.

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From The Italian Street Kitchen, we walked the short distance to Perth Concert Hall. This homage to Brutalist architecture, is not a place I have been to before; as I entered the building, I was impressed by the sheer size of the building. The atrium was light, bright and airy — here I bought a few books signed by Mariam Margolyes, the Australian/British national treasure we were there to see. This was a show I had been looking forward to, and I wasn't disappointed.

Darrell and I had seats very close to the stage and a great view of Miriam. This was a one woman show, with a female journalist host — for all intents and purposes, interviewing Miriam, or at least asking her questions. This was not a set-up I was used to, but it worked well, and I was impressed by Miriam's candour and frank conversation.

Miss Margolyes spoke about everything, from her life to politics, and even gave several readings from Charles Dickens.  As usual there was no holing back, as she spoke in raw, uncensored language, in her own unique way. She has a voice you just can't forget; it is a voice I have known for many years, growing up with her on the television, in films and of course the theatre. She was an absolute joy to listen to, and I was glad I had booked the tickets, despite Darrell's initial reluctance.
The bush fires have been engulfing the area around Midvale this week, showing just how vulnerable the area around our home is. You could see the smoke rising behind the houses on the opposite side of the road, and it was quite scary to observe. The people in the hills around Midvale really do suffer more than most, and with high winds, the flames were well and truly being fanned.

Luckily we are far enough away to feel protected, but nevertheless we do get a lot of smoke settling in the suburb. This can cause major throat issues for me — sore throat, coughing and wheezing are just some of the symptoms all of us suffer from. For those who have asthma, the difficulties are even worse. This is one of the major downsides to living in Perth, but one that I'm sure I will get used to over time.
This weekend we were once again back in Perth CBD for the annual Japanese festival. Both Darrell and I love all things Asian, so this was a must-see for us. If I am honest, it was rather disappointing. There wasn't mush to see or do, so we left after an hour, walking back into the city for lunch at The Shoe, in Yagan Square. This is a place we used to frequent often in the past, but we haven't been there in a while. The food is bog-standard Australian fodder, but the staff are lovely, and it is always a joy sitting on the balcony looking out over the city — even with all the construction work going on at the moment.

Perth is the most isolated capital city in the World, and at times it really does feel that way. There are things to do in the city, but not on the same scale as London, New York or Sydney. I do find the lack of amenities here frustrating at times, especially when the city closes down at such an early hour. It does feel like I am living in a time warp, back in the 1990s, with similar shops, businesses, and restaurants also shutting prematurely.

When you move to Perth, you must be prepared for the difference in lifestyle. This is a very quiet state in all respects, especially when you consider its vast size, in comparison to its population. When events and occasions happen in the city, it is important for me to grab those with open arms. Listening to Mariam Margolyes is a positive connection to my childhood and life back in the UK; being able to dip in and out, whilst living the quiet life, is a blessing. It allows me to return to my rather routine, mundane lifestyle, happy that I have at least been reminded of happy times back home.

Perth, as a capital city, probably needs to do more for the people who live and work here. They need to encourage big name acts to come more often, and they need to rethink some of the more archaic laws that seem to hold this state back. I am happy to call this place home, but I would also like to play an active role in this diverse part of Australia, in the same way I would in Sydney or Brisbane, for example. This city and state has much to offer, and much more to give, so please give us a reason to celebrate, a reason to feel satisfied and a reason to feel alive!

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Weekly Blog — Finally able to type!

28/1/2024

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So here goes, after a month break I'm finally going to do some typing. To be quite honest, my fingers are feeling a little stiff, but that can only be expected after so long. I have lost a lot of muscle mass in my left hand as well, which initially was cause for concern, until I spoke to my hand specialist this week. She explained that that was just part of the course. When your hand has been in a splint for so long, the muscles will become significantly weaker. With time and hand exercises, the hope is, I can build up the muscles once again and return to normal.


This week I have had a wonderful four-day weekend. With Christmas well and truly over, I am back to having a Saturday off from work, once a month, and with Australia Day falling on Friday, I was able to take some well deserved time for myself. These extra few days have been much needed, especially after Christmas, and with my hand in a splint, it just feels good to relax, unwind and just take it easy for a change.

Yesterday we travelled to Scarborough beach, here in Australia. Now, this Scarborough is as far removed from its British namesake as you can get — the pure white sandy coastline was a joy and there wasn't a fairground, donkey, or stick of rock in sight. This was the first time Darrell and I have been to the beach, since we arrived in Australia in 2022. Both of us just haven't stopped working, and haven't had a chance to spend any time on the coast. That isn't too much of an issue for me, since I have never really enjoyed getting covered in sand, but for Darrell, it is a great source of annoyance. I think if I am honest, we would both love to live near the coast again, as we always have, but the costs involved in Australia are astronomical, and certainly not something we would consider right now.

Darrell and I had lunch at a lovely restaurant called Bay Bay's; the food was delicious and actually reasonably priced for Australia. The weather was decidedly cooler down on the coast compared to inland Midland and as I sat there drinking a few pints and eating my lamb shank, I really was transported back to our many times in Croatia. I have missed that European feel, and Scarborough was as near to that continental ambience as it gets in Australia. For a country with such a beautiful coastline, you would think they would make more of it — more bars and restaurants, please!

Today, I have just got back from a rather long walk —  about six miles in total. I thought it was about time, I got back to doing what I do best, since I started my weight loss campaign in 2019. Losing weight has always been difficult for me, and this is the longest period I have managed to keep the kilo's off. Today, my weight hovers between 73–75 kg, up from a low of 71 kg. With this in mind, I believe it's important to get back to a level I feel comfortable with. I am aiming for 68-69 kg, so have about five or six kilos to lose.

People keep telling me I am fine as I am, but I know my own body and want to get to a weight I personally feel happy with. It is a bit of a tall order, but I hope to do it by the time I go on to Vietnam in April. Planning for a holiday is always a great excuse for me to get fit, especially because of all the food and drink I will be consuming, while I am away. The only thing I need is motivation, that has always been my stumbling block, but unlike the past, I am surrounded by positivity, which makes the task that much easier.


With my arms starting to ache, I think it's about time I stopped typing now. My Doctor has told me to limit the time I spend on the keyboard, so I don't cause any more damage. It really has felt good to be typing again, and I hope to eventually be blogging with gusto, as I did in the past. Until then, this was a great first step, and I am personally happy with what I have achieved today!
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    51-year-old Author and professional blogger. Expat formerly living in Gran Alacant on the Costa Blanca! Currently, residing in my adopted home of Perth, Western Australia.

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