Category: Pippa And Akira

Living The Quiet Life Down Under - Nearly two years since we left the UK!

27/8/2024

Wow, how time has flown! It has been nearly two years since we left the UK, and what a productive 24 months we have had. This time two years ago, I was busy saying my farewells to family, friends, and colleagues. It was an emotional time for me, especially since I had made some wonderful connections during my time living in Portsmouth. These were the people that got me through the tough times, when Darrell was locked down in Australia and the pandemic was raging across the World. Without these people, life would have been harder than it already was. As my World got even tougher, during our final few months in Britain, all of these people became the family I had lost.

Darrell and I have managed to stay in contact with family and friends from across the globe. We both owe them a great debt of gratitude for all they did for us, making our final weeks happy and memorable. I miss them every day; a photo on a wall cannot make up for physical contact, but both of us have memories that resonate every single day, and thankfully we have social media and video calls, to keep those friendships alive.

My oldest, dearest friend, Ramona, celebrated a milestone Birthday recently, and we spoke to each other for over an hour. Chatting about the old times, shared friends, and memorable times spent together over 32 years. Those important milestones, that we both share, have been instrumental in keeping me firmly in Australia. Ramona knows where Darrell and I are better off, and she has always been honest about where she believes the best place for us is. Ramona and I have always had an honest and open friendship, we have shared so much over the years, her advice is invaluable; she is actually one of the few people I listen to!

We also managed to speak to one of our closest friends in Portsmouth, Zerina. Not only did I volunteer for Zerina at Cancer Research in Portsmouth, but Darrell also worked for her as her Assistant Manager. She was one of the most influential people in my life, when I lived in Britain, and she is always, without exception, a joy to be around. We had some hilarious, fabulous times working together, and she has become a very close friend. She is the big sister I never had, and was a sounding board for all my anxieties. In many respects we were like chalk and cheese, but like Ramona, she always gave wonderful advice, which I listened to without exception.

These are just two people I think about daily; there are just too many others to mention, but all of them lifted me up at times when I needed it most. Unfortunately, we don't have the same friendships here, but that is a conscious choice we both made, in order to forge a successful start to our life in Australia. It has been essential to establish ourselves, and work hard in order to succeed in this new venture. The time for friendships may or may not come, but Darrell and I have each other, and that is all that matters… For now!

Of course, we do have our two cats to keep us company — Pippa and Akira. Darrell and I have always had cats in our life, for as long as I can remember, when living in the UK and Spain. Sadly, we lost our last two companions when we lived in Gran Alacant; if I am honest, I was reluctant to get any more animals — not because I don't like them, but because of the travelling life we have always led.

Both of us have travelled so much over the years, we never knew where we would be from one day to the next. My life is now firmly rooted in Australia, but it isn't a country I necessarily want to live in forever. I would like to retire to Spain or Asia at some point, and having animals will make that move more difficult. In the end, however, I agreed that we couldn't live without pets, because of what may or may not happen in the future. Our two cats really do make our home, and if the opportunity to move abroad comes, then both of them will make the journey with us. These two are our children, and wherever we are, they will be too!

Darrell and I have rewarding, successful jobs that we love. We have managed to find the perfect careers, that we both enjoy. If I am honest, I never believed I would find a secure, well-paid position this quickly. The employment market in Western Australia is rather volatile at the moment, but we have both persevered, and settled into a positive routine, that allows us to enjoy the lifestyle we have now become accustomed to. Wages are significantly higher here, compared to the UK, and five times higher than they are in Spain — I am well aware of how lucky we are!

Approaching my mid-fifties, I never believed I would be where I am today. I have worked in many jobs, and have always been able to adapt to my changing circumstances quickly. Today I am back doing what I love best, in a retail management capacity, working with some amazing people, who have become important to my success and wellbeing in Perth.

In time, I hope to restart volunteering as well, rather like I did in the UK. It has always been essential for me to give something back to the community in which I live, whether through writing in local magazines or dedicating time helping others who may be going through a difficult time. For now, with changes on the horizon, I am looking forward to the new adventures to come. There are plenty more years ahead to dedicate to all the passions I have in life, including my blogging today. Until the right voluntary opportunity arises, I am happy to do the best I can, in an industry I love.

First and foremost, I will always be English, it is part of who I am, and I am proud of my heritage. In many respects, my home in Perth is a homage to all things British. The memories I bought with me, are a reminder of home, and the pictures and photo's that adorn my walls are distinctly European in feel.

Darrell and I have travelled extensively, especially in Europe, and both of us are fond of the European continent. Despite loving the UK, its politics, eccentricities, culture and society, I am also a Europhile. Both of us lived in Spain, have family in Croatia, owned a house in France, and fell in love with Sorrento in Italy. We will always be Europeans at heart and if it hadn't had been for Brexit, we would probably still be living in Spain. Having lost my Spanish residencia during the pandemic, both Darrell and I made the conscious choice to build a life away from the UK.

With that said, I pride myself on the Britishness I hold dear, even my bad teeth. I have a painting of the late Queen on my wall, photo's of our travels around the UK on display, and of course, British staples in the pantry. I always try to buy British food in the supermarkets when I can, rather like I did in Spain, and always make a beeline for the international food isle in Coles. From Marmite, English Cheddar and Scottish Oat Cakes, to Branson Pickle, HP Sauce and Eccles Cakes, they are all there. Thankfully Aussie culture is very similar to back home, and food wise, I fit in quite well… apart that is, from the overload of Chicken Parmi in restaurants, and the fact that Australians can not cook a British Roast.

There are many aspects of the UK I miss, but I can live the English life right here if I so chose. I have been known to watch UK TV all day and then, in the height of the Aussie summer, pop down the beach and enjoy a lifestyle most Brits could only dream of — living the best of both Worlds!

... And finally, I still manage to keep fit and healthy, something I have been doing since 2019. Then I weighed a staggering 110 kg, smoked cigarettes (Up to 80 a day at one stage) and drank like a fish (a hangover from my days living in Spain and the 1 euro pints of Mahou.) After a brush with health anxiety, which I still suffer with today, I made a decision to change my lifestyle. Today I weigh 74 kg, although I have weighed as low as 70 kg, and I am not as strict as I once was. I have my good and bad days, but on average I have managed to maintain a healthy weight for five years now and have no intention of giving up.

This week we took a walk to the John Forrest National Park for a 6 km walk. The weather was rather grey and overcast, which made me feel quite at home and was ideal weather for walking. This park reminds me of El Clot De Galvany in Spain where we used to go walking, and The New Forest back in The UK. These are the places that keep my fitness regime on track and allows me to explore the local area.

I still walk every day in Australia, far more than I ever did in Spain and on a par with the miles I walked when I lived in Portsmouth. I don't drive a car, nor have I ever wanted to, so walking is my main means of transport if you like. My two legs take me everywhere, and I am actually really proud of that fact. If I did drive, I believe I would be in worse physical shape today than I am — definitely overweight and most certainly a heart attack waiting to happen. Walking is somewhat of a passion now, and a pastime I intend to keep up, wherever I live.

If these last two years in Australia have taught me anything, it's the resilience and determination I have to survive. I have had so many ups and downs in life, that a little thing, like moving to the other side of the World, wasn't going to stop me from achieving my true ambitions. I have grown to love this country, simply because it has given me everything I ever wanted, and that is important. Without Australia, I would probably still be underachieving in Portsmouth, in a country that has quite simply had its day. For the first time in a long time, I feel optimistic for the future, and can finally see light at the end of the tunnel… Life is indeed what you make it, and we are both giving it one hundred percent — things can only get better!

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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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No Blogging, Doctors Orders!

21/1/2024

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Arm still in pain, so another Vlog this week!

14/1/2024

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Year In Review 2023!

31/12/2023

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I'm not too sure how long this blog will be today, since for the last week, I've been suffering from a bad wrist. I've been to the Doctors, as you would expect from me, and have an X-ray and ultrasound booked for 8 January. This kind of thing always happens at the most inconvenient time, so I just have to wait until Christmas is over. For now, I will just persevere and do as much as I can.

Looking back over this past year has for once been a pleasure. Darrell and I have achieved so much here in Australia, in such a short space of time. I started my new job, as Manager of a busy outlet shop, in the middle of January and have been working there ever since. Getting this job, after only being in Australia for a few months, was an amazing achievement. I had no idea I would be working so soon after receiving my Permanent Resident status, just a few weeks before. However, so far I seem to have fitted in well at this high-end shop, just a fifteen-minute walk from where we currently live.

Of course, I have worked in retail most of my life and my customer service skills are exceptional, but I still have to pinch myself sometimes, when I realise just how far I have come, since leaving the UK. Compared to previous jobs, this position is extremely well paid and has allowed me to afford a lifestyle, I could have only dreamt of in the UK. I am no longer just surviving day by day, I now have the money to do the things I want, and I am well aware of how lucky I am to be in such a fortunate position. I never thought I would be working for such a respected Australian brand, in an industry I initially knew very little about. Furthermore, I am, however, proud to say I have adapted to my somewhat challenging circumstances and become a respected member of the Management team!

Early in the year, we also exchanged contracts on our new home in Australia. With a lot of luck and encouragement from a wonderful financial advisor, we bought a three-bedroom villa, our first home together since living in Spain. The house is everything we could have dreamt of, offering us a home in a country I am now proud to call home. Thankfully, I was able to save a substantial deposit, whilst living in the UK, during COVID. For the first time in a long time, I was able to do the right thing financially and invest in mine and Darrell's future.

The villa needs a lot of work doing to it, and it isn't something we will finish overnight. Gradually, we are doing what we can, when finances allow. Unlike the past, I am paying for everything cash and not on credit, which means the renovations will take a little longer to complete. That's fine by me, I am in no rush to get everything done, and I'm not going anywhere soon.

We have managed to upgrade the electrics, replace the garden fence and fully furnish the property, without borrowing money. It's only because we earn a decent wage that we have been able to do this, if I was back in the UK, it just wouldn't have happened.

2023 has been about turning over a new leaf and part of that desire, includes financial independence and stability. With frugal living and careful money management, I have managed to pay double the mortgage payments over the last year, reducing my mortgage term from 30 to 12 years, and I'm not stopping there. I am determined to pay off this house in record time and most importantly, buy another investment property, to supplement mine and Darrell's pension as we approach retirement. This isn't something we can do straight away, especially with interest rates so high, but it is top of my list of priorities as we approach 2024.

With my Permanent Residency secured, I was finally given permission to leave Australia; after such a difficult few months, I decided to arrange a holiday for me and Darrell, back to Thailand. This was a place both of us fell in love with, when we travelled there in 2022 and like my other half, I wanted to see more of this amazing Country. In August, we flew to Bangkok, where we began a ten-day unforgettable holiday.

This was a two centre holiday, and we started our time in Bangkok, staying once again at the Nuovo City Hotel, opposite our favourite Bangkok restaurant 'So Samsen' on Samen Road. This beautiful restaurant is owned Aom, who made us feel so at home, the first time we arrived in Thailand, a year before. Aom offered a safe haven, where we could sit and relax, finally free from the bitterness we left behind. In many respects, 'So Samsen' provided us with a homely, friendly environment, which we had craved for so long. We agreed we would return, and here we were in 2023, back in a place, so special, so full of happy memories, 'So Samen' on Samsen Road!

From Bangkok, we flew to the northern Thai province of Chiang Mai, where we spent six amazing days exploring this truly awe-inspiring place. We spent time at an Elephant sanctuary, visited the jungle, climbed a waterfall and visited the famous Long Neck Karen People, who I had only ever read about in books. It was an incredible adventure of a lifetime and a trip I will never forget. This was what living life was all about, and we had finally found happiness far away from the UK.

A house is of course never a home without a cat, and finally we were able to adopt two cats and make them a part of our life. First came Pippa, a beautiful tabby, who has Hyperreflexier, and the sweetest little girl, who has many issues to deal with. She was a rescue cat, who still remains nervous, but over time, we hope she will settle down and finally relax around us. Then there is Akira, a rescue kitten, who quite honestly is a little terror, but a loving one at that. Both of them have a way to go, before they are settled together, but as time moves on, they are becoming closer and closer and most importantly integrating into our life in Western Australia.

As 2023 draws to a close, it is important for Darrell and I to spend our first Christmas together, down under, in our new home, surrounded by family and friends. For the first and last time, I cooked a proper British Christmas Dinner, in sweltering 35 degree heat. Luckily, we have aircon in every room and the raging temperature wasn't too much of an issue.

It does feel good to have a home again and invite guests over, as we used to, back in the good old days. You can go weeks without seeing people here, so it does make a pleasant change to entertain like we did in the past. Both Darrell and I are homebodies and our house is very important to us, so we are particularly choosy about whom we have over. We have been bitten too many times by bad people, and this isn't something we want again.

As we move into 2024, we hope to continue very much in the same vein as before. My job is now secure and after a large pay rise, I hope to invest more money into our villa. We also plan to travel extensively next year, returning to the UK when we can and visiting Vietnam and Japan. This has indeed been one of our most successful years ever, but we are aware of just what could go wrong. It is essential both of us look towards the future, but never forget the past that is responsible, for where we are today. Learning from our mistakes, is the only thing that will give us the future we both deserve and a successful if challenging life, even if it is twenty years too late!

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The Perfect Birthday Present.

3/12/2023

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Last Sunday, Darrell celebrated his 52nd Birthday. The weather was in the high thirties, unlike previous years, when he spent his Birthday celebrating in the UK. This year, we spent the day together in the city, toasting the day, with a few pints of Stella and a Sunday roast at Durty Nellys!

Both of us have passed so many milestones over the last few years, that we have really lost count of, the number of important dates that have made us the people we are today. With Darrell reaching the grand old age of 51, it is clear, neither of us are getting any younger, and as we both settle into Australian life, memories of Birthdays past were on my mind.

In our younger years, both of us would have celebrated for days on end, usually with a fancy dress party in our home. The house would be full to bursting with friends and family, and we would party the years away in the company of those who were closest. A little bit of me remains firmly rooted in the traditions of our past, and I do miss our old life, especially the people who used to be in it. Today everything seems rather laid back and ordinary, but in truth, that's all either of us wants. Our life is so far removed from the way it was, it is barely recognisable. Darrell and I have become old, set in our ways, and happy to lead a more tranquil existence.

After a few pints in the Belgian Beer Café, we headed to our favourite Irish pub for a delicious roast. Durty Nelly's is slap bang in the middle of the city, just off Murray Street, surrounded by tall skyscrapers, His Majesties Theatre, shops, café's and historic buildings. Inside it is a world away from the neighbourhood of which it is a part. Its traditional ambience offers a welcome break from the busy commuter traffic outside, and it is a joy to just sit, relax, and remember similar occasions back home in the UK. If we weren't ten thousand miles away, you could almost imagine you were in the heart of the English or indeed Irish countryside.

After a delicious meal, we headed to London Court for an Ice Cream in the now searing heat. London Court is a pastiche of the many medieval streets and lanes in the UK. Of course, it is rather different in reality, but for a homesick Brit like me, it is a great place to visit from time to time; it does evoke memories of my life in Britain and the narrow lane, does offer respite from the hot Australian sun. It really is worth a visit, the next time you are here.

In the evening of Darrell's Birthday, we received a message from Jo, the lady who has been fostering and rearing little Akira. After a two-week wait, he was now ready to come to us. Happily, Jo wanted to drop Akira off in the evening, after we finished our Chicken Treat takeaway with Mother Mary and friend Beth. I told you, our life has changed; this Birthday couldn't be more different from the ones we enjoyed in Britain. To be honest, we couldn't wait to get Akira home and welcome him as part of our family.

He was a little nervous at first, but soon enough became the terror we know today. Akira is full of life, and has a huge personality for a little kitten. Pippa is less than impressed by her new house mate, but as I write this blog today, she is finally coming round to her new companion. Thankfully, the trauma she suffered in the past hasn't caused too many long term issues. She is still very timid and anxious around Akira, lashing out on occasion, but that is really just part of the course. When you introduce a new kitten to an established household, you do expect a few problems at the beginning, so everything is crossed for a long term bond that will last the test of time.

Presently, we are locking Akira in one of the spare back bedrooms while we are at work, just to give Pippa some space. I am also a bit concerned about Akira being around the Christmas tree. I have already caught her in the middle of it, after climbing up the trunk, early one morning. After reading horror stories of cats becoming tangled in fairy lights, sometimes causing fatal injuries, I am mindful of the accidents that could happen. For now, we are just keeping a close eye on him, trying to teach him what's right and what's wrong: difficult when you are dealing with a small, inquisitive kitten!

As we approach Christmas, the temperature is rising here in Perth. Looking at the news, I can see the snow falling in the UK, a feature of the British winter I miss. However, I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the weather wherever you are. You may well wish you were in the heat down under, but for me, a small dose of frost wouldn't go a miss: we always want what we can't have!

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Meet Akira!

25/11/2023

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On Monday, Darrell and I went to see a new addition to our family, a male cat called Roger (newly named Akira). He is nearly ready to be rehomed, after being looked after by Perth Animal Rescue. Now if I am honest, I really didn't want another cat, after what happened with Picante and Marigold, but after talking to Kerrie, who we got Pippa from, she reassured me it was a good thing to do and not to worry so much.

Our cat, Pippa, is particularly timid and anxious, and she really does find other cats difficult to bond with. She isn't adverse to other felines herself, but, as in the case of Picante and Marigold, they took an immediate dislike to her, and she suffered from constant attacks and bullying while they were with us.

I am of the opinion, that she will be much better off with a kitten in her life, a companion she can bond with from a much earlier age, before learnt behaviour sets in. All the photographs I saw of Pippa before she arrived at our house, were of her content, happy, and in the company of other kittens. One has to remember that when Pippa was rescued, she had only recently given birth, so hopefully there is still a Mother cat instinct inside, just waiting for a small kitten to bring it out.

Akira has been looked after by Joanne at her home in Ginginup, in the hills around Perth. We drove forty minutes from our house in Midland, through typically rugged Australian countryside, to be met by Jo at her home, full of fostered cats. These animals are well cared for and so loving and friendly. You can see Jo spends a lot of time with them, and they want for nothing.

As soon as we saw Akira, we both fell in love. He is absolutely adorable. We are just hoping he will bond with Pippa in a relatively short space of time. Of course nothing is for certain, but we know Pippa is fine with other cats, so that is half the battle won.

We should have Akira in just over a week, and I will of course let all of you know how he progresses. As we both open the door to a new addition to our family, it seems our life in Australia becomes more established each day that passes. It is true to say our direction has changed out of all proportion, but at our age we are happy to live quietly on the other side of the World. This first year in Perth has been a success in every respect, let's hope it continues, very much in the same vein.

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

Living The Quiet Life Down Under - Nearly two years since we left the UK!

Weekly Blog — Finally able to type!

No Blogging, Doctors Orders!

Arm still in pain, so another Vlog this week!

Year In Review 2023!

The Perfect Birthday Present.

Meet Akira!

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