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Settling into Expat life, in Gran Alacant!

5/1/2023

Walking down Heart Attack Hill!

We had a house full of furniture and two cats to bring from the UK, to our new home in Gran Alacant. The easiest option for us, was for Jamie and me to fly from Southampton Airport and for Darrell and close friend Dale to drive from Britain, down through France, into Spain and onto the Costa Blanca; two days in a van with me, Darrell and the cats, was likely to end in bloodshed otherwise.

This was a journey that took Dale and Darrell several days to complete. In France, halfway through the journey, they stopped at a cat friendly hotel and rested as long as they could, before completing the journey. When they arrived, it was a frantic few days of unpacking, before Darrell dropped off the van in Alicante, and we could finally start to live our lives, far away from the troubles of the past.

Sitting in the tiny lounge, surrounded by boxes, slightly shivering on a cold February day, I remember how happy I was to finally be away from Britain. Our last few months there were not the best, and Spain was just the new start all of us needed. None of us knew the area at all, so once Dale had left for the UK, the three of us began to explore our new home of Gran Alacant.

The 'Rehab,' or 'Recovery train,' (recovering from life in The UK) was our first venture into this quiet urbanisation. This miniature train, on wheels, would circumnavigate Gran Alacant several times a day, and we could hop on and off as and when we liked. After a particularly wobbly walk down Heart Attack Hill, to Molly Malone's Irish Pub, the first pub we visited in GA and one of our favourite haunts, We caught the train, just outside the bar and travelled the short distance to the Centro Commercial. This modern town had everything you could need, including several supermarkets, Mercadona and Lidl, the obligatory tobacconist, where I would by my Mojito flavoured cigarettes at 4.35€ a packet, half the price they were in the UK, and of course plenty of bars and restaurants.

Barloko, as it was named then, was situated at the top of the main shopping centre and during our first few weeks we went there several times. We hadn't yet found our own neighbourhood local, Sierra Mar, which was actually hidden away in a small gated community, down the bottom of a rather steep incline, a few minutes from our house in Calle Canarias.

At Barloko, or Roger's bar as we liked to call it, we met many of the locals at this popular venue and of course the amazing Roger himself, who was always a friendly face, even when things weren't going our way. He would often sit and chat with us, explain a bit about Gran Alacant and help us find our way around. Roger is one of those characters you just can't forget, and it was always lovely to see him.

We also spent a lot of time in Alicante itself, just a forty-five-minute bus journey away. This cultured city, full to bursting with architectural wonders, a beautiful castle and our favourite part, the marina, was just what we needed to get over the UK. It was a World away from the drudgery of Britain and even in winter, we could sit in our preferred venue of choice, 'Soho Mar,' just passing the time of day, forgetting our worries and feeling every bit like we were on holiday.

Of course, we weren't on vacation, we were there to start a new life in the sun and by the beginning of March, it was time to start building a future, and looking for work in Gran Alacant.

Out of the three of us, I was the first person to find a job in GA, at 'The Easy Horse Care' Charity shop in Plaza Mayor, at the bottom of Heart Attack Hill, a fifteen-minute walk from Carabassi. I worked several days a week and was paid a small wage to keep me going while I looked for something more permanent. The charity did what it said on the tin, rescuing horses and donkeys in the local area; this magnificent shop, consisting of furniture on one level and clothing above, was my first real foray into the neighbourhood of Gran Alacant. At first, I was a bit dubious about taking on the position, after my bad experience working for a charity in the UK, but my reluctance soon passed, as I made friends, worked hard and began to integrate into a community that welcomed me with open arms.

The Charity shop opened my eyes to the well established Expat community, and it wasn't long before I began to venture out more and more. Sierra Mar, was a short walk from my house on the hill, so I wandered down to this friendly square whenever I had the chance. It wasn't long before 'Zest,' a newly opened bar, became my second home. Lee and Brett were the perfect hosts and always welcoming, as were Steve and Paul behind the bar. Along with Aunty Pam, who cooked the best comfort food and was always free for a hug or two, they soon became akin to family in Spain; these were familiar faces in an unfamiliar World. When confronted with a new beginning, it is important to find your niche, somewhere to feel relaxed and at home and for me at least, Zest was it.

It wasn't long before I got to know the locals and when Darrell was called away to Australia, a few months after we arrived, these were the people that got me through. Darrell's Mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2016, and although we didn't know it then, our time would be cut short in Spain because of her illness. With Darrell travelling back and forth to Perth, I made the best of a bad situation. Settling into life in Gran Alacant was the most important factor, in me staying there for as long as I did. Had it not been for my Mother in law's illness, in all probability we would still be there now.

Of course, part of settling into a new neighbourhood is establishing lasting friendships. Luckily I met long term friends Andy and Katie, who lived just around the corner from me and then there was Paul and Michelle, who were instrumental in making me feel a part of their lives, especially when Darrell wasn't there. It is true to say I went into myself a lot more and became very withdrawn at times, but when you see your dream ebbing away, it is all you can do to cope with the changing landscape.

Gran Alacant was an easy place to settle down, it had everything I ever wanted and more - people I cared about, a community of like-minded individuals, helpful friends and local residents, and the perfect location on the Costa Blanca that worked for us. It wasn't in the throng of Benidorm, it offered a more relaxed place to live, but with a busy social scene that came into its own, especially at night, making you feel you were actually somewhere bigger. With so many nationalities living in one place, it was the best choice for us, and I am so glad we lived there, even if it was for only a few years. The memories I made, and the friends I still have today, are a tribute to the place I was honoured to call home, and a fitting homage to the Expat community who looked out for me, in a way nobody had done before!

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Talking Trains, Midland, Western Australia!

4/1/2023

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Wednesday Morning Chat!

4/1/2023

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The Casa on the top of Heart Attack Hill!

2/1/2023

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We must have been driving around for what seemed like hours, all the while trying to find free Wi-Fi, so we could contact the letting agent; frustrated, I threw my hands in the air, in the back of the cab and asked the driver to stop and drop us off in the centre of Gran Alacant. By this time I was red with rage; no one seemed to know where the house was, and worst of all, all the bloody street names were exactly the same. What sort of place was this? Even the taxi drivers didn't know where they were.

It was early on Monday morning, the sun was shining, but it was cold, not 'British cold,' but chilly enough to shiver. Now, when one considers moving to Spain, one never actually believes it is cold in winter, but it was the 1st February and the chill was biting. Stood by the kerb side, phone in hand, frozen, tired and thoroughly fed up, I shrugged my shoulders with despair; can this day actually get any worse?

As I walked up and down the pavement I managed to get a signal, and after a bit of frantic googling, to my surprise, I discovered the real estate agent was literally just around the corner, and luckily for us, he had just opened the shop. I must have looked a right state that morning, as I traipsed in to the OP Group office with Jamie and two suitcases in tow, but as I collapsed on the chair in the office, a smile crossed my face; we had done it, finally done it, moved to Spain, away from a life that had kept us trapped for so long, and I couldn't be happier.

In the office, I took a large wad of Euro's out of my handbag and handed them to the gentleman behind the desk, apparently this is how they like to do business in Spain. Cash was king and to be honest, I was finally relieved to offload it. Luckily for me, the contract was in Spanish and English and seemed self-explanatory, but then I never bothered to read the small print anyway, just wanting to get to the house and finally start to unpack!

Our Agent was English, having moved to Spain with his Spanish wife, and he was pretty knowledgeable about the area, full of useless information and the odd word of advice. Right from the get go, I realised this place was going to be very different to what I imagined, and I could tell an element of 'ducking and diving' was called for. Nevertheless, this wasn't Britain, and I didn't really care how challenging the next few weeks would be, I was just glad to be in Spain, a country where Darrell and I had always wanted to live.

The drive to our casa in Calle Canarias was short, probably about ten minutes, but it was up hill all the way. We drove through most of Gran Alacant on route to the house, and the views were spectacular, as far as the eye could see. Turning left at Sierra Mar Square, we drove the short distance to where we would be living. Up until now, we had only seen a photograph on a web page. Heading down a small side road, we arrived at the top of 'Heart Attack Hill,' appropriately named by the local Expat community. Our casa sat proud on the left-hand side, overlooking Carabassi and Alicante beyond. As he stopped the car, still nattering away, I was struck by the most awesome view I had ever seen. Opening the car door, gingerly walking towards the wooden fence, the only barrier between us and death, I stood there for several minutes, just looking out at the vista before me and fell immediately in love.

Through the gate and up to the front door, we walked inside the small terrace house, or quad as they are called, with a tiny backyard, no bigger than a cupboard and a smell of damp like you wouldn't believe. The agent said an airing would sort that out, but I seriously had me doubts. There was no central heating, insulation or ventilation; the windows were single glazed and the floors were marble; the house was colder, than anything I had lived in before.

After saying goodbye to the agent, practically throwing him out the door, still talking away, we started to explore, what little there was to explore. Essentially we were living in a two up, two down, which was a lot smaller than I was used to. The saving grace was the rooftop solarium, which took two flights of stairs to reach. As I pushed open the door at the top of the house, a freezing cold gust of wind nearly blew me off my feet. Once again I stood there aghast at the stunning, panoramic views; this time I could see right out towards the sea. The stale, mouldy odour throughout the house paled into insignificance as I took it all in. Despite its many faults, this house at the top of Heart Attack Hill felt like home already, and I was happy and content in a way I hadn't been before, living in Britain!

We lived in the house for a little over a year, by which time, the novelty of the views had really worn off. In winter the windows leaked like a sieve and I would often come home to a deluge in the lounge. The mattress in the front bedroom was so damp, it had to be replaced, and the condensation was horrendous. Worst of all however was the freezing cold winters, of which we saw two. The lack of heating was so bad, I walked around with a duvet wrapped around me and our two cats, Precious and Lily, wouldn't leave my side, draining my body heat away faster, than I could make it. This was like living in the UK, back at a time before central heating and double glazing, akin to my childhood in 1970s Britain.

Despite this, the summer was amazing, hot, up to 45 degrees, but with each small urbanization having its own swimming pool, it was easy enough to cool down. My enduring memory, will be the amount of times I climbed up and down that mountain to get to the bars in Carabassi, no wonder it was called Heart Attack Hill. Climbing back to the top, filled with cheap Spanish beer, was always a challenge, especially on one notorious evening where I stumbled and fell, hitting my head on the edge of the chasm, waking up moments later half hanging over the edge. Just one step closer and I would have been a gonna.

One of the locals said to me one evening, after a few too many sherbets, that the amount of people who went missing in the mountains around Gran Alacant was incalculable. Of course, I didn't believe a word of it, as they winked, just before my expedition back up the hill. It was a reminder, however, of just how different this place was, and as much as I complained about it at the time, today that tiny little casa has more memories within its four walls, than I would have collected in a lifetime. This house will always be a part of me and vice versa, and I look forward to the day when I can finally visit Gran Alacant once again. As humans, we do form emotional attachments to homes, and despite moving over thirty times since 1992, my first Casa in Spain is the one I will remember most. It was a brutal introduction to Spanish life, but it was also a positive one. When I dream of Gran Alacant, I dream of the house on Heart Attack Hill; memories that will live on in perpetuity!

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Happy New Year 2023!

1/1/2023

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Well that's it, another year over, and I couldn't be happier to see the back of it. I think, looking back to the death of The Queen, I realised just how bloody dreadful a year it had been. Her passing just emphasised how bad it was for me and Darrell. Despite the difficulties we experienced as a couple, the saving grace was of course leaving Britain at the beginning of September, on our adventure of a lifetime. I can't actually believe that was four months ago now. Walking away from everything was just what we had to do, for our own sanity and peace of mind. Despite missing friends and colleagues from work and my Father, I haven't really looked back since, happy to lay 2022 to rest!

I didn't see in the New Year last night, as I would have done in Britain, in fact I was in bed asleep by ten o'clock. I did manage to welcome in 2023 from Sydney, but with Perth being three hours behind, I decided to go to bed. There are so many different time zones in Australia, it makes you realise just how big this country is.

This morning, I was awake by 6 am as usual, so managed to welcome in 2023 from London. In a way, this was like the final goodbye from a country I had called home most of my life, but a place I have certainly fallen out of love with in recent years. Whether it's the state of the economy, the God awful endless, discredited Tory Governments or the difficulties at home on a personal level, I am just thankful, I can put this horrendous period to the back of my mind and move on. There was however a twinge of sadness, as the festivities played homage to our late Queen Elizabeth, reminding not only me, but all of us, that 2022 was definitely the end of an era!

Of course, not everything was bad, and I am glad I made so many wonderful friends in Portsmouth before I left, who will always be in my thoughts. Whether from Tesco, The Newcome Arms, or Cancer Research, all of these weird and wonderful characters will share a special place in my heart, wherever I am in the World. Without them, the 'Pandemic Years' would have been that much harder to bear!

I would like to wish all the readers of Roaming Brit a happy and prosperous 2023 and hope you all get everything you wish for in life. Thank you for continuing to support this blog, sharing your thoughts and ideas, and now being a part of my new life down under. Happy New Year!

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Cockatiels at the lakes!

30/12/2022

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Year in Review 2022!

27/12/2022

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Wow, what a year it has been for both me and Darrell. So much has happened in such a small space of time, I just don't know where to begin. I suppose I should start at the beginning - Darrell had been back in the UK for just a few short months and both of us were planning a future together in Portsmouth, in the aftermath of a pandemic that had conspired to keep us apart for nearly two years.

We were pretty happy and sorted at the beginning of 2022. Both of us were working in jobs we loved and were discussing the possibility of buying a home together for the first time in many years. The pandemic had been kind to us at least, and we had saved up a substantial amount of money for a deposit, but it just wasn't enough for somewhere big enough for our needs. To be honest, when I look back, I don't think either of us really wanted to live in a pokey one-bedroom flat, in a city we just couldn't call our own. I'm not sure if that sounds completely right, but what I am trying to say is, it never really felt like home. It didn't have the memories needed to form an emotional attachment. Although I had some strong friendships, keeping that connection alive, ultimately it wasn't enough to keep us in this famous naval city, on the south coast of England.

Darrell was working hard at Cancer Research in a job he loved. His boss and my friend Zerina was instrumental in keeping us both in Portsmouth for as long as we were there. She is one of my closest and dearest friends and a lady I hold in the highest regard. She has helped both me and Darrell out more times than I care to remember. Her advice has been invaluable, and she was a huge presence in both our lives. I don't think I have ever seen Darrell so happy in his work, as he was there, and he really put his heart and soul into a position he loved. Back then, I was sure we would stay in Portsmouth for the rest of our days.

Equally, I was thoroughly enjoying my position at Tesco, as I had done since I started there in 2018. In many ways, I had become part of the furniture and had settled into my role with ease. For the first time in many years, I had formed close friendships with some truly remarkable characters. These were the lifeline that kept me going when Darrell was away, and they held me together, while living a rather frugal existence in Portsmouth.

My colleagues on the Customer Service desk where I worked were such a close-knit group, it was always going to be a wrench leaving them behind under any circumstances, let alone what transpired later in the year. Together with my closest friend Jules, this was the World I wanted to keep, grasp tightly and not want to let go!

Jules was normally the first person I saw every morning, forever smiling, consistently welcoming and invariably so full of life. We talked about everything and anything, and he is the nearest to the Brother I have never really had. Our bond grew especially close during my last year in the UK, and I really don't think I would have survived those final days in Portsmouth without him. He was a shoulder to cry on, an encyclopedia of advice and always, just always that little bit 'extra gay'. Every morning we saw one another, we would always have the biggest bear hug and make sure to end our morning natter before work by saying those immortal words 'be extra gay today,' as we did every day, bringing a little bit of sunshine into an otherwise drab, dull world.

Of course nothing was quite as it seemed and although my work life was the best it had ever been, things at home were not working out. I had lived with my Aunt for four years and thoroughly enjoyed my time there. She was, in all but name, Mum, especially after my Mother died in 2019. My Aunt, Darrell and I all got on well in the same house, and it was an arrangement that worked perfectly for the most part. I suppose I became complacent and took our living situation for granted, believing things would carry on very much in the same vein, even when the danger signs were there.

Her son and my Cousin moved back into the family home in the middle of the year and despite a rocky start, things worked fine. I have always had a close bond with my Cousin, and in many respects he reminds me of myself. I'm not saying everything was a bed of roses, but we all learned to live under the same roof amicably and life continued as it had done before. Darrell and I did keep ourselves to ourselves a lot more, but I believe deep down we already knew it was time to leave.

Things came to a head after an uncalled-for family intervention. This was an unnecessary interference into what was essentially a personal matter, problems that just needed to be ironed out and boundaries set. As is the case in many families, talking seems to take a back seat, as situations spiral out of control, everyone burying their head in the sand, hoping issues will just go away. Both Darrell and I are as guilty of that as anyone. Sometimes it takes an argument to brings things to the fore and make us realise there is more to life.

My Cousin Rachel is one of the most honest up front people you will ever meet and despite a rather heated exchange of views, both Darrell and I were glad things were said as they were. This was a row that all three of us would have sorted out, no matter what the outcome, and we just expected things to return to normal. Like best laid plans of mice and men, it didn't work out that way, and an unwarranted text from someone who had not even witnessed the argument, suggesting Darrell and I should consider our position in Portsmouth, finally put the nail in the coffin.

We both decided, after receiving the text, that it was time to go. When people start digging the knife in, without a thought for no one but themselves, let alone two people who had done nothing but help, we knew our time was up. For our own sanity and peace of mind, we had to leave. There was no point staying somewhere where neither of us were wanted. This was a sad ending to our time in Portsmouth, but it also gave us an insight into what some people are really like. When a leopard finally shows its spots and the abuse starts flowing, it is time to head for the hills and not look back.

I will forever be thankful to my Aunt for taking me in at a particularly difficult point in my life. I will also always love my Cousins Rachel and Joe and their respective extended families. However, when I look back, I suppose I was never really a part of their lives anyway; I lived very much on the side lines, and both Darrell and I were quite happy to go back to 'us against the World,' and avoid family ties altogether - it's how we work best.

Initially we just walked away from a situation that had become toxic, but after a chat with my Aunt we returned to see if we could repair the damage that had been done. Despite getting closer to my Cousin Joe, spending a memorable last few months with him, we just couldn't see a future in that house with my family, and we decided to return to Australia and give this place one last chance. This was not an easy decision to make, but as I watched the decline of Britain on the news, and my own personal issues bubbling away, the warning signs were there; I knew it was something we had to do.

I spoke to my employer, who was amazing and fully supported my decision to take a 'lifestyle break' for a year, leaving the option to return to my job on the table, should everything fail down under. I couldn't thank my Manager Sammy enough for all she did for me at that time. Without her, I would have just walked out of Tesco and been left high and dry in the worst of circumstances. Her advice and help ensured a smooth transition to a new life in Australia.

The last month in Britain was a double-edged sword. This was a time I cemented friendships in a way I hadn't before. I had so many leaving parties, I lost count of the number of times I said goodbye, but these were people who wanted to give us a memorable send-off and show just how much they cared. I was on an emotional rollercoaster, and many tears flowed over the weeks before we left. Many of those who waved us on our way have kept in contact and continue to wish us well. All of them made our departure that much harder, and there were times I really thought about staying, but pulled myself back from the brink and continued to strive for a better future in Perth.

The hardest person to leave behind was Jules, tears really did flow on my final day. After all the planning, arranging of flights, hotels and travel, nothing can prepare you for actually saying goodbye to someone close, akin to family. Jules will always be in my life, I will make sure of that. I video call him when I can and message him often. My life is a little darker without him in it, and I wish things had turned out differently and our friendship could have grown into something even more special than it already is. It wasn't meant to be, and I will keep the flame of friendship burning bright from the other side of the World. There will always be a special place in my heart for the best friend who kept me going in the worst of times; of course I will always have regrets, but I also have to look forwards to the future.

We left Portsmouth on a rainy Saturday morning, after a series of emotional farewells. On that final day, Zerina turned up on the door step, just so she could wave us off. She did what others didn't, people who should have been there, and for that she will, like Jules, remain a friend for life. She also continues to phone, message and video call; as Darrell said to me, just the other day, she would have been his reason to stay. Zerina, along with Jules and my dear friend John, were the family we should have had, the people who truly loved us, and we loved back. You certainly can't choose your family, but you can evidently give it a damn good try!

Sitting at the airport, waiting for our first flight to Croatia, I was able to reflect on my time in the UK. I had, and still have, a feeling I won't be back any time soon, definitely not to live again, and it was time to let go of the past. At great milestones in my life, I have always thought about the 'what if's' and 'buts.' Our almost knee-jerk reaction to up and leave, had brought home the nature of what we were doing, we were leaving Britain for good, saying farewell to friends for the last time, but happy to leave the crap behind. In a few hours we would be with loving family in Croatia, with people who we cared for deeply, far away from the pain we were leaving behind.

Our trip to Australia was always about saying au revoir. With the UK becoming a distant memory, it was now time to connect with our Croatian Cousins before continuing on to Thailand. Marin and Vlatka had been in our lives since 2008, when Darrell went to Croatia to see family for the first time. We continued to go there year after year, and had many special memories to take with us on our journey home to Oz.

It had been a few years since we last saw them, and we hugged just like it was yesterday. Spending ten days with them at their home in Makarska was a joy and made us realise what family was all about. We had had such a torrid time before we left, we forgot that there were people who actually loved us and within a few short hours of arriving, we were comfortably at home, looked after by people who only had our best interests at heart.

Spending two weeks in Croatia was just what we both needed. We spent time visiting the Dalmatian Coast, relaxing in one of the many cafés and bars along the Makarska Riviera, gazing at the icy blue sea and just enjoying the peace and quiet. Vlatka and Marin prepared home cooked meals, and we sat talking to the early hours, catching up on family life in this beautiful Dalmatian town. I always feel like I am home when I am in Croatia, and this trip was no exception. This is a family like no other and the love they show is certainly unparalleled in my life; leaving is always the hardest part

Sitting outside a bar in Makarska, drinking a pint of Karlovacko, I heard murmurs from the tourists walking along the promenade. It had become apparent that HM Queen Elizabeth had died back home in Scotland. This amazing lady, the best public servant the UK has ever known, had quietly passed away, leaving a great gaping hole in all our lives.

My respect for the Queen goes back to my childhood, she is the only Monarch I have ever known. I became emotional, as I would if it had been a member of my own family. The Queen was the constant in my life, and she was now no longer there; words can not describe how upset I was.

I suppose in a way, it was quite poignant that she passed away as we were leaving the UK for a new life down under. An era was well and truly coming to an end, and her passing just reinforced the decision I made to leave. I was at least able to toast her passing, and made a promise to myself to watch the funeral from Thailand on the next leg of my journey.

Leaving Croatia was a wrench, as it always has been, but the time we spent with family was invaluable. We promised not to leave it so long in future and both of us know our family ties are always a reason to return to Europe, as we will do as soon as we are able.

Flying back into London to catch our flight to Bangkok was a rather surreal experience. The death of The Queen was palpable. Walking through the terminal after our arrival, there were TV screens and poster boards everywhere highlighting Her Majesties 70 years on the throne. I had returned to a country in mourning and a very different Kingdom. There was a quiet calmness about the place, as people reflected on just what Elizabeth II meant to them, deep in thought, glazed expression and respectful repose.

I would have loved to have laid flowers in her honour, but with our connecting flight less than 24 hours away, I was lucky enough to have a friend do it for me. Little John was heading to London that day, I was supposed to meet him, but with delays, it had become impossible, and he put a bouquet down in green park from him and me; a gesture I will never forget. This is what friends are for, and that's what made leaving Britain so hard.

Our two weeks in Bangkok were amazing, more than what we both expected. This was a city we both fell madly in love with, and a place we want to return to as soon as we are able. Bangkok is where modernity meets traditional Asian culture, sitting side by side, down every street, around every corner. There was so much to do and see, that we couldn't have possibly fit in everything we wanted to do. From the BTS Sky Train, Statue of The Golden Buddha and the many Royal Palaces, we weren't disappointed!

We spent the first part of our trip in the notorious Patpong district of the city, and this colourful area really did live up to its reputation. Patpong was an eye-opener in every respect, and we enjoyed some rather fun fuelled nights in the bars and restaurants down Silom Soi 4, where all the gay venues were situated. This rather hedonistic introduction to Bangkok, left us aghast on more than one occasion, but I am certainly glad we ventured into the dark depths of the city, even for just a short while.

Here I was able to see The late Queen Elizabeth's funeral on my laptop. Sat in The Siam Heritage Hotel, surrounded by oriental splendour, I was able to pay my respects to Her late Majesty and remember with fondness, her legacy and significance for me. It did feel strange being away from the UK at this time, but then this was just the beginning of our new life and as I watched from afar, the penny finally dropped; in all probability we will never live in Britain again. Our life was firmly on track towards our new home in Australia.

From Patpong and the Siam Heritage, we travelled across the city to Samsen Road, one of the oldest parts of the city. Here we settled into our luxurious hotel, where we enjoyed a more relaxing time. Close to all the major historical sites, we spent our time exploring this stunning part of Bangkok, visiting everything we could.

Darrell and I had firmly removed Britain from our thoughts, preferring to concentrate on the future. Travelling has always helped us forget some of the more difficult periods of our life, and this European/Asian adventure was the tonic we both needed. After several months of hell, we were now able to sit back and enjoy our favourite part of the World, free from pressure and stress, doom and gloom.

Surrounded by the beauty Bangkok offers, we immersed ourselves in the culture of a country that was so far removed from our own, yet strangely felt familiar and homely. This was a place where we both felt at ease, reassured and untroubled.

Opposite The Nuovo City Hotel, where we stayed, sat a small family run restaurant, 'So Samsen.' This became our go-to place and every evening we would go there for dinner. The food was exquisite, cooked by hostess Aom and her colleagues. Aom's credentials were impeccable, having helped set up a Michelin Star restaurant here in Perth, Western Australia, and at a reasonable price, we were able to taste the best of Thai food at a fraction of the price.

The ambiance was perfect; after each meal we sat looking out across the street where we were based, just chatting about the future, stroking the resident cat and soaking in the atmosphere. The girls, at So Samsen, would often sit and speak with us, adding to the friendly 'family' vibe. Both Darrell and I needed 'So Samsen' at that point in our journey, it reminded us, that there were good people out there, and a whole World to explore. I have never felt so secure somewhere in my life, and I know we were both reluctant to leave this pretty little restaurant behind. Its significance will remain a part of us always, as we continue our travels across the World.

.... and so to Australia where we are today, preparing, hopefully, for the rest of our life together. This has unsurprisingly been the hardest part of our journey. When I left the UK five months ago, I never believed my life would be where it is today. Back then I thought I would get somewhere to live pretty quickly, settle down and continue doing the same job I did in the UK. However, nothing ever turns out the way you want it to. Australia has changed out of all proportion since I was last here in 1997 and the differences are clear to see.

Back in the late 90s, finding somewhere to live was easy, today nothing but. After the worldwide pandemic, property is few and far between, and we are still, after three months, living was Darrell's Mother. This has of course made life very difficult, and we are continuing to battle very much as we did in the UK. This is the worst part of life here in Perth; everything else, however, seems on the surface at least, to be going in our favour.

My application to remain in Australia is in and in a couple of days, on the 28th December, I will finally be 'legally illegal.' My 'Bridging Visa A' will be activated, and I can live and work here unhindered. So far so good, but one has to remember this is only a temporary visa, before my final Spouse or Permanent Resident Visa is issued at some point in the future. Nevertheless, all the fees and solicitor costs are now paid, and it is now a waiting game, to see if I am accepted or not.

I completed my medical assessment several weeks ago and this will either give me the green light to stay, or signal our departure towards pastures new yet again. The results I have received back so far are good, but the major one isn't back yet. As part of the process I had to undergo a chest X-ray and as an ex smoker for the last thirty years, I am hoping nothing too major is flagged up, but only time will tell if that is the case. Everything else is perfect and good to go, I just hope this final hurdle is crossed without too much difficulty.

I have also got a job, one of the first I applied for, and will be starting as a Senior Manager for a large corporation just ten minutes from where I live now. The pay is double what I was earning in Britain, and it looks like this could be the job that secures my future in Australia.

Also on a positive note, we should now be able to buy a property early in the new year. We have both built up substantial savings and with a dual income, we have been told we can borrow up to $500,000. This will allow us to finally have a place of our own, not waste money on rent, and finally, after 27 years together, settle into Australian life.

The decision to leave The UK was always about taking a chance at a new life and as reluctant as I have been in the past, I am glad I threw caution to the wind and grasped the opportunity with both hands. I suppose the last few months in Britain showed me I had nothing to stay for, except the few friends I had made, and of course my Father. These important people will always be in my life wherever I am, here in Australia or in the UK, they will always have a pivotal role to play.

At 51 years old, I am glad to have made a decision to restart and reboot my life and hope everything turns out for the best. Both of us are travellers at heart, so in the worst case scenario, we will just continue what we enjoy doing most and take off on another impromptu expedition, looking out for another place to settle. We only get one chance in this World, and as my Father said to me recently, before I left, I have to make the most of my time and go where my heart desires. Whether this is my final destination or not, is irrelevant, the fact is, we are doing what we love; the hope is of course that the outcome is favourable, and we can finally leave the past behind!

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Boxing Day!

26/12/2022

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Christmas in Australia!

25/12/2022

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You can definitely tell you are in Australia, when you bump into a Praying Mantis on the Christmas decal outside the front door. They are actually quite harmless, but it did give me quite a fright, as I left the house for another walk on Saturday morning.

I am gradually getting more acquainted to the sounds and sites of Australia, which are so different to The UK. The colourful parrots resting on the overhead telephone wires, unfamiliar squawking and bird song, and of course, the different insects that are a big part of this place; even the ants are four times as big as those back home.

It has been a bit of a culture shock, being back in Perth, even though I have lived here twice before. Nevertheless, it is something I certainly need to get used to, which I am sure I will in time. Of course, the hotter it gets, the more creepy crawlies I am finding. No less than our resident 'Sally Spider' in the back garden. Still I am beginning to accept the differences and if I am honest, enjoying the experience, apart from the rather oversized cockroaches, which I will never get used to!

Once again, I took a seven-mile walk around to Woodbridge Lakes, which is quickly becoming one of my favourite places to go. Even the people there seem to be more friendly than elsewhere I have been - all of them passing the time of day and briefly exchanging pleasantries, as I walked around this stunning natural reserve just outside the City of Midland.

Since it was Christmas Eve, I treated myself to a couple of pints of Carlton Draught in the afternoon, while out with friend and neighbour joy. We had the last of the Christmas shopping to get; luckily everything was fairly quiet, as we quickly grabbed a few last minute items from Midland Gate!

It was nice to wish the girls at The Swan View Tavern a Happy Christmas, since we hadn't seen them for quite a while. All of us have been so busy, that we just haven't had the time to pop into the pub to see everyone. They were as lovely as ever and I know we will be back before the year is out.

In the evening, we popped around to Joy's house for a few beers. This will be the first Christmas I have not been around my family in four years and despite the differences I am glad of the change. Mine and Darrell's life has always been full of variety, differences and alternative endings, so for us, it is just part of the course, it makes us who we are. Lucky enough, we adapt to situations pretty quickly and although invariably things never turn out the way we would like, we are happy enough to do the battling to get where we want to be.

This isn't the way I would personally celebrate Christmas, I am typically British when celebrating at this time of year, going all out to have the most enjoyable, over the top experience I can; this is a new level of commemorating the great day, and one I will have to get used to. Christmas is celebrated very differently over here, as it should be. Likewise, when we lived in Spain, we enjoyed the differences, in the same way we do today.

Of course, this was us looking in on someone else's festivities and not our own special day. Next year we would hope to do things as we would want and bring a little bit of Britain and Spain to Australia. A cold Christmas Dinner isn't particularly something I would do for myself, but with temperatures over 30 degrees, it is easy to see why! I mean, who the hell wants to be cooking in a kitchen when it is so hot anyway? Well, maybe next year that's exactly what I will do; for now I'm just happy I wasn't the one slaving away for a change!

I did do my best to add a little bit of home to the festivities and despite my aversion to spending a fortune on chocolates and cakes, I did manage to pick up a distinctly Australian tin of Cadbury's Roses for $15.00, half the usual $30.00 they were on sale for at the beginning of the month. They are a little different to their British ancestors and actually taste far better, so definitely worth the money.

I also managed to get plumb pudding, Christmas cake and my favourite Stollen from Aldi. Everything here is far more expensive, but I have discovered this isn't too much of a problem, especially when you see turkey's being sold in the UK for £147.00 (Bird Flu, has apparently increased prices across the board.) All it really means is you buy less stuff to eat, think quality rather than quantity, and you don't over eat!

We did exchange a few gifts, as we would in the UK. Rather than the over the top, bags and bags of presents, which really have little or no meaning, (just a sign of greed and gluttony, especially at a time of economic crisis, if you ask me,) we did give and receive a few select items, which had special meaning for us and meant for a more poignant occasion.

Equally, Christmas Dinner consisted of traditional turkey, ham and other meat, but there wasn't hours spent preparing and cooking; it was more of a buffet, and we could pick and choose what we wanted to eat, or even if we fancied anything at all. Remember, it was hot, very hot, so eating is the last thing on peoples minds.

Spending time with family and friends is of course the best part of Christmas Day. Darrell's Aunty Alice, his Mother, neighbour Joy and friends Pete and Leanne; a group of lovely people, whose company I thoroughly enjoyed, made for an enjoyable day! Sometimes it's just nice to spend time in adult company, rather than having hoards of kids running about. I have never been a person who appreciates the company of children anyway, so it was nice to avoid that side of Christmas altogether. I have done my years, spending Christmas with Kids and all the tantrums that entails, I am just far happier doing what I want and not what others expect of me. This isn't a day for just kids, it is also a time for everyone to spend together and appreciate each other, without the arguments and outbursts that tend to come with larger family gatherings!

With Dad at my Brother's in Basingstoke, there was no Christmas Day call, but then there never usually is anyway. We have never been that close, no matter how much I love him.

However, it was lovely to hear from the two people who have been there for Darrell and me throughout our journey, when we left the UK at the beginning of September. My dear friend John, who is really my family in every sense of the word. He has always been there for us, especially in recent months, and gave me a good laugh on a day when I needed it more than most. Like Darrell and me, John has very little family left now, so he will always be one of the most important people in our life, as he proved on Christmas Day.

I also heard from my dearest Brother from another Mother, Julio, who once again is the family I never had. We have kept in contact since leaving the UK, and he is so important to my sense of well-being. If I could have taken him with us, I would have; I miss his witty banter every day. He always put a smile on my face, and we have never had a crossed word in all the years I have known him. The hope is, both him and John will visit us in Australia at some stage. Along with the over two hundred messages I received yesterday, I am just so glad to feel loved; people truly care. This was a different Christmas day, but it was significant to end it was the two most important friends from the UK; this made my day perfect and one I will never forget!