Settling into Australian Life!

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We left Thailand on the Thai Airways 7.20 am flight to Perth on Tuesday. Despite getting to the airport early, having got up at 2.30 am, the queues were already building at the desk. Luckily for us, we had already checked in online, and it was a relatively quick process to get through. All the panicking with cabin allowances, and they didn't even look at our luggage, which was a bit annoying, but it was still a weight lifted, and less to worry about as we went through passport control.

The flight was much as I remember and expected. Flying from Asia to Perth is always turbulent, and we were strapped in our seats more than not. This is the part of flying I hate, and I must have spent the next several hours grabbing hold of the chair for dear life, not that would have made any difference; if you are gonna crash, nothing is going to save you, that's for sure.

As ever, Thai Airways was perfect in every way. We were fed well on the flight and nothing was too much trouble for the cabin crew. Thankfully it was only six and a half hours to Western Australia, so I even managed to relax a little and watch a few films, which is unusual for me, since I can't normally concentrate on a plane.   The only strange thing about all the Thai Airways flights we have been on, is they didn't actually serve alcohol at all. I can only assume this was because of the countries licencing laws and I really could have done with a few beers, but hey ho, it wasn't to be.

We arrived in Australia dead on time, after leaving an hour late from Thailand. They must have made up the lag during the flight. I felt pretty good, but nervous; Australia have very strict laws about who can and can't enter, and with a small criminal record from my student days in the 1990s, I was scared they would reject my visa to enter Australia. To make things worse, whilst filling in the landing card, the very question of criminal offences was highlighted.

In the UK, the convictions I had were very minor, very minor indeed, and after six years they became spent or removed from official records anyway. However, in Australian law, there is no such thing as a spent conviction; a conviction stays with you for life. At first, I was in two minds about being honest and declaring them, but at the last minute thought better of it and told the truth, as The Real Truth Blogger should.

Whilst Darrell went ahead, I gathered all my paperwork, including my enhanced disclosure, which showed the convictions in detail and made my way to the customs boarder, attempting to go through the 'E Gates.' Not likely; I was rejected straight away and sent to talk to a person on a desk. Sweating profusely, I explained my circumstances, and she called over a member of Border Force, who took me to one side. In a private office, I was asked to explain my history.

I handed everything over, held my hands up and spoke the truth. The guard looked at me over her glasses and gave me a menacing stare. I thought, Christ, my time is up, I'm being deported. How wrong could I have been; Her grimacing look turned into a broad smile, and she thanked me for being so honest. The offences were so minor, it didn't matter in Australia's eyes - I was free to go!

She did however say, that had I been dishonest, I would have been refused entry and according to her, Border Force Australia had that information on me anyway.... Talk about Big Brother watching; I'm just so glad I told the truth, didn't panic and make a mess of the situation.

We were picked up at the airport by Beth, a friend of Darrell's, who drove us to King George Street, where our apartment was situated. Initially we had a bit of difficulty locating the place, but when we did, I was a little taken aback. The style was decidedly 1970s Prisoner Cell Block H, and it looked as creepy as hell. This is an old Australian condominium; It has its own laundrette down below and is relatively basic inside, but the views from the lounge are to die for.

Despite my initial reservations, it is actually a lovely flat, ideal for quarantine. The furnishings are very comfortable, and I am sleeping like a baby. The area of Victoria Park is delightful, with many restaurants and café's and of course Woolworths; yes good old Woolies.

I remember shopping at Woolworths when I was last living in Australia in 1998. It always brings back fantastic memories of working in its British namesake, when I first left school. Of course, they aren't the same shop at all, over here Woolies is a supermarket and Big W is the equivalent to the UK's Woolworths of old.

As soon as we unpacked our essentials, having no jet lag from the flight, we went for a walk and shopping trip to the supermarket and on the surface it hasn't changed much, but my God, the prices have. I was literally shocked at the cost of consumables in Australia, and you think you have it bad in the UK. Obviously, with the pound tanking in Britain, my savings taking a battering and my pensions becoming worthless, I was more than a little worried. This is not a cheap place to live, but despite this, it really did feel like coming home, and I was happy to be back. The familiarity of this place has remained with me, and little things, places and circumstances continue to pop up every so often, jogging a happy memory from twenty-five years ago; I'm finally home again!

In the evening, after a long month of travelling, we could finally just sit down and relax, looking at the more salubrious view from the balcony. Perth really is a beautiful, clean and inviting city. I wish I had stuck it out all those years ago and stayed here. If I had, maybe my life would have been very different today. However, there is no point crying over spilt milk, I just have to make the most of it now and be thankful for the friends I have made!

After a great night's sleep, we spent the day in the city, walking from the apartment on King George Street, along the river and into the centre. The walk is lovely and very picturesque. This is Perth as I remember it, but for the first time, I can actually appreciate it for the jewel it is. Unlike the UK, the water is crystal clear and the sky is always blue; even now in Spring, the temperature is thirty degrees, and I am enjoying sitting in the sun; I have a good feeling about being in Australia this time and I just hope it works out!

Darrell showed me the new quarter in Perth, Elizabeth Quay, and it was very pleasant walking around admiring the view, for a far as the eye can see.  There were parrots flying around, Australian Darters with their wings out, trying to keep cool, and surprisingly the streets were as empty as they were in 1995.

There are only two million people living in the whole state of Western Australia and despite the capital city of Perth doubling in size since I was last here, the streets still remain quiet. Back then, I hated it. I wanted the bright lights of London and the south coast of the UK, now I suddenly feel well and truly at home. This city has changed out of all proportion, and it has become a very special place.

In the city, we visited London Court, as I did twenty odd years ago. This little piece of Britain, similar to Winchester, a pastiche of British life, is a gorgeous place to visit and sit and watch the World go by. I bought a new Australian phone from J B Hifi in the centre, and Darrell went to the 'Driving licence and Vehicle Department' to exchange his Spanish licence for a West Australian one!

It is interesting to note that the whole process took about forty-five minutes to complete, unlike the three-month wait in the UK. It cost over a hundred dollars to do, but will be well worth it. We can now get a car, which will making getting around Perth a lot easier; oh, and he got to keep his Spanish licence.

Today was another successful day, my tan is getting seriously darker by the day! (That isn't the reason for our successful day, just thought I'd mention that one.) We spoke to a solicitor this morning, and they are confident my application to remain in Australia will be fast tracked due to us being together for twenty-seven years. There doesn't seem to be any bar to us stay together in Perth. After a few months I should be able to come and go as I please, but for all intents and purposes, I will be an Australian resident. It has been a long time coming, but I couldn't be happier. We are not out of the woods yet however, with a lot of paperwork to do and a bill for $18000 to pay, but otherwise, we should be home and dry!

We took a walk to the bank early, where we opened up a new joint bank account with Westpac. To my surprise, they still had records of our last bank account together from the mid 1990s, still on their system, when we lived at Midsummer Circle in Ellenbrook. That was kind of reassuring and quite emotional at the same time. All those years have passed, and we are still together. Account open, we are all legal again; what a journey it has been getting here.

Finally, a trip to Coles Supermarket, which was so much cheaper than Woolies. It really is shocking how different prices are between supermarkets in Perth. Nevertheless, I still prefer Tesco in Britain, which is markedly cheaper.

I haven't been so successful getting a COVID booster so far; not having a Medicare Card or IHI (Individual Healthcare Identifier) number is an issue. It is important I get this done as soon as possible in order to protect Darrell's Mum, while she is treated for cancer; we'll just call that one work in progress. For now, we are just looking forward to a quiet night together in front of the TV, watching Kath and Kim and eating home cooked food. You just gotta love Australia, when things go right, at least!

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