Taking Time for Ourselves!

19/10/2022

The process of obtaining a visa to live in Australia is daunting and a full time job in itself. The kitchen table is covered in paperwork, as I gather together the necessary documents for our solicitor. With the housing crisis biting in Western Australia, our cramped living conditions are also a source of constant angst, as we try and find solutions to living in such close quarters with Darrell's Mother. Don't get me wrong, she is more than happy for us to be here, but it is a strain on all of us, as we search for a place to live.

Luckily we had some good news last week, Darrell has got a job after being in Australia for only a few weeks. This is a great start; eventually we will be able to rent a property, hopefully, with relative ease. Yes there is a housing crisis, with homelessness on the rise in this country; even with substantial funds to pay for accommodation, there are just too many people chasing each apartment. Agents can pick and chose who they rent to, and without a job, we don't have a cat in hells chance.

Despite our difficult circumstances, we are both determined to stick it out and not run back to the UK at the first sign of problems, as we would have done in the past. Whatever country we live in at the moment, there are extreme struggles to overcome. The cost of living is spiralling out of control across the World, and we would rather be here than somewhere even more precarious.

Perth

It is extremely important that Darrell and I take time out for ourselves. We have very little privacy, so days spent together are welcome. I try and set money aside at least once a week to do something, while we are waiting for my bridging visa. Once that comes through, I will be able to work unhindered. Until then, we are visiting a few of the attractions here in Perth and making the most of the free time we have, because that won't last.

Last week we spent a lovely day in Perth, visiting places we both love. London Court is a particular favourite of mine - sat down with an ice cream, in the relative cool of the outdoor precinct, keeping out of the hot sun. I bought a few souvenirs to send back to the UK and most importantly, both of us were able to relax, away from all the pressure we have at the moment. Looking at unnecessary things I'd like to buy if I had somewhere to put them, keeps me focused on the end goal, while this waiting game continues.

We had lunch at The Shoe in Yagan Square, as we normally do when we go into the city. It's great just sitting in the centre, people watching and enjoying the hot day with a beer and bite to eat. Looking out across the square, I was reminded why I want to stay in Perth. It is an extremely isolated part of Australia, which would be a problem for many of those I know, but I am ready to take that leap of faith and make a new life for me and Darrell in a quieter, more congenial environment. It is true to say, our emotions are on another one of those rollercoasters we are famous for currently, but that is an inevitable part of forging a new life. I hope to God we don't end up back in the UK, especially at the moment, but you can never be totally sure with us, only time will tell!

Caversham Wildlife Park

With more time to kill this week, we took a trip to Caversham Wildlife Park. Apparently I visited this place when I was here in the 1990s, but in all honesty I can't remember a thing about it. Nevertheless, I had heard all good things about the place, so was more than happy to go once again.

Caversham isn't that far from where we used to live in Ellenbrook, very close to the bushlands that surround this city. We took a train from Midland to Beechbro and then a bus to Caversham, taking a half an hour walk through the bush, to this spectacular wildlife park. It was extremely hot yesterday and as we strolled across the open plain towards the reserve we had a generous helping of flies to keep us company. If I am honest, it wasn't the most pleasant walk in my life, but we were out, enjoying the day; who could ask for more.

The park was vast and sprawling with every native animal you can imagine and much more besides. It felt strange having close contact with wildlife I had only seen on the television before. Getting up close and personal with a Wombat and Koala was a lifetime dream, something I never thought I would be able to do. Being at the park is yet another aide-mémoire, that I am in a very different country now. I don't have the fondest memories of this place, but this time, on my third visit, I am determined to do and see as much as I can. I really want to fall in love with this country, truly I do, and if my exploring does the trick then I couldn't be happier!

After walking around the many animals and exhibits, we approached a large clearing in the centre of the park. To my shock, there were Kangaroos of all shapes and sizes wandering around. Some were sleeping during the heat of the day, others feeding, and many more caring for their young Joey's. It really was a site to behold; I was quite overcome with emotion as I knelt down, stroking these amazing, friendly animals, observing the Joeys in their Mother's pouch, coming up to me, nuzzling around my legs. I couldn't believe we were so close to these majestic creatures, invited to live in their World for a brief few hours; they were fascinating to watch.

While videoing one of the albino Kangaroos, a baby joey fell out of its Mother's pouch. Mum, used her paw to push him back towards her side, and he made straight for the safety of her pouch once more, trying his best to get back inside. It was touching watching the interaction between Mother and baby; I was just sat there in awe of this privileged experience. There aren't many people I know, who have been fortunate enough to see this first hand and I just feel extremely lucky to have seen it. This makes me want to see more of this vast country, while Darrell and I decide where our future lies.

Caversham Wildlife Park was a break from the huge burden we have to contend with presently. Both of us need more days like this and with Darrell starting work next week, I will start investigating this vast state on my own. As a seasoned traveller, I relish the opportunity to traverse Western Australia, even if Darrell isn't with me. Caversham has given me a taste of Australia, and I want to look under the surface. Unlike the other two times I was here, I intend to leave as an Australian resident with happy memories and above all a reason to return!