The Future Is What You Make It!

This week has been pretty thought-provoking in many respects; after living in Australia for nearly a year, I've had a lot of information to process and interaction with friends, both here in Perth, and in the UK, has been important for my well-being and sense of direction.

Last weekend we popped out to the Swan View Tavern with a friend, Joy. Joy has been a great source of comfort in what has been a very confusing time. Moving to a new country is one of the biggest life-changing experiences you can go through, so having someone like Joy around has been important, as I have adjusted to my new life. On Sunday, we were all able to sit, chat and discuss the future - a future that even today seems uncertain.

Darrell and I have been building a new life in Midland, after spending nearly a quarter of a century living in the UK. For the most part, we have been extremely successful over the last year, and both of us our grateful for the opportunities we have been given. We have fantastic jobs, and managed to buy a house within just a few short weeks after Christmas. We are also saving for the future and aiming to pay down the mortgage in ten years; on the surface, at least, we are doing remarkably well. Darrell said to me only yesterday, how he can't believe the success we are currently enjoying, and both of us are just waiting for the first thing to go wrong!

Our financial success, although welcome, masks the difficulties we are experiencing in other areas of our life. Friendships in Australia are hard to forge, especially at our age. Both of us are approaching our mid-fifties, and we have immigrated to the other side of the World later than most. This is unusual in itself; most people move abroad when they are younger, so for the most part we are playing catch up. It's true to say, we have a measure of financial success and protection, but we don't have the bonds that we had in the UK or indeed Spain.

Luckily, we are in contact with friends back in Britain on a regular basis. I am blessed by the number of people we FaceTime and video call each week; each of them lift me up and give me hope and determination for the future. Links to the past are important, because it makes my life today relevant. I am in Perth because of adverse circumstances, but taking that step into the unknown has paid off, and we finally have the security we always wanted.

I try as hard as I can to speak with my dear friend Jules every week, as well as my little daughter John; these two are the most important people in my life and interacting with them has been instrumental in keeping me here. They understand we are better off in Perth and recount just how bad things are in the UK right now. The fact is, I am in an enviable position, and I know it. However, It doesn't detract from the fact, that success and money doesn't necessarily give you the sense of satisfaction, and happiness, that we both crave!

Speaking with my old colleague Sue this week was a joy. I felt like I was back at work, chatting with someone who was always there for me. One has to remember we worked closely together during the pandemic and had an unbreakable bond. That is the kind of interaction I miss - it isn't something I have here on the same level. My job prevents me from forming close friendships at work - as a Manager, I have to remain the voice of authority and reason. Equally, I don't have a busy social life, due to the long hours and lack of amenities nearby. I do not drive, and with distances between suburbs much bigger than the UK, it makes it near on impossible to travel to pubs, clubs or restaurants. In time, when I am more sure of my surroundings, I am confident that will change. For now, I have to knuckle down and keep working hard!

Yesterday, both Darrell and I took a break from working and headed to The Guildford Hotel for a spot of lunch. They have changed the menu since the last time we went, and I opted for the Brisket and Speck pie. This wouldn't be my number one choice as a rule, especially because it was served with mushy peas, but it was the tastiest meal I have had in a long time. The size of the pie was just perfect, and it was full to bursting with flavour; pleasantly surprised, I would actually go back, just to taste that dish again, it was truly lovely.

Sitting in this historic Hotel, it felt great to relax after such a busy week. Both of us are constantly on the go, so we do try and go out for a meal at least once or twice a fortnight. Followed by a few beers, it is the quintessential way to unwind and if I could do it more I would. Guildford has definitely become our go-to place. Its distinctly colonial feel, laid back vibe, and sleepy atmosphere, is just a joy to absorb after a packed week. I could just sit and pass the time of day for hours, but with a day to fill, we took a drive to Ellenbrook and our old home in Midsummer Circle.

Darrell and I lived here in 1997, 26 years ago, with a friend Natalie. As we drove through this relatively new suburb, I was surprised at how little I recognised. Ellenbrook had changed out of all recognition; it has turned from a new subdivision on the edge of the bush, with a single local shop, into a vast community. Bustling with life, shopping malls and people, it is an idyllic location.

Driving up to Midsummer Circle, I could barely recognise the place. Shrubs and greenery, trees, flower and fauna had sprouted up all over this neighbourhood, and it was unidentifiable from all those years ago. I mean, a lot has happened in the intervening years, but really I should have remembered some of the area, shouldn't I? Nevertheless, it was lovely to drive there and revisit an important time in my life, which did bring back memories of my last stay in Australia, even if I didn't remember Ellenbrook itself.

I can't help thinking to myself how different my life would have been, had we stayed in Australia in 1997, but then I wouldn't have enjoyed the years I did, spent with friends in the UK and Spain. Although I would probably be far wealthier and better off had I remained on Australian soil, I have no regrets about the way my life progressed. Back then I wasn't ready to live in Perth permanently, today I am.

From Ellenbrook we made the short drive to The Swan Valley, surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards. Apparently this is the drive we used to take to the city, twenty-six years ago, but could I remember, could I hell!

Despite my absent memory, I was just happy to be away from the city of Midland, driving through some beautiful scenery, breathing in the clear air. I am a village boy at heart, and enjoy the countryside, away from the urban sprawl. Having lived in densely populated areas since leaving home, I find myself once again drawn to country living at my time of life. Of course, settling in the Swan Valley would be highly impractical, so it is nice to just dip in and out at will.

We stopped off at The Ugly Duckling Winery for an ice cream and, of course, a glass of red wine. After tasting this full-bodied red, I was immediately hooked and bought a bottle to take home with me.

As someone who loves red wine and is quite partial to a bottle or two of Rioja, Ugly Duckling wine was a serious eye-opener. The taste is exceptionally smooth, and it went down very well, as we sat outside listening to live music, enjoying the sun. This is what weekends should be about and me and Darrell need to do it more often

.... I was delighted to find two pieces of crested china in a local antique shop while in Guildford, yesterday. In true form, these were placed at opposite ends of a shelf in the dusty, dark shop. For anyone like me, who has lived on the south coast of England, you will know about the rivalry between these two cities. It was quite apt to find these at the end of a wonderful day, they were a poignant reminder of my time living in the UK. Sitting proudly together in my home, I now have a tangible reminder of the past, something I didn't have until now. Leaving one's life behind for a new adventure down under is a daunting task, but just like the two small pieces of china, there will always be reminders of a life once lived, wherever I am in the World. The important thing is, to make the most of the opportunities you have been afforded, and finally build something great!

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