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    Ten Months in Australia, Twelve Months of Change!


    It really does feel like I’ve been here years, but in reality, today is my ten-month anniversary living in Australia. When we completed our trip to ASIA, neither Darrell nor I could have envisaged where we would be today; a far cry from our life in the UK. A year ago, living in Portsmouth, we were planning our move to Australia in record time. Both of us, would have preferred more time in Britain before leaving in the most difficult of circumstances, but nothing worked out the way we planned and the turmoil that was plaguing our life, finally forced our hand. At the time I was angry, bitter and totally hurt by what had transpired; today I am thankful to family members who really showed their true colours and ultimately released us from a life that only heald us back. Today we are free and it is all thanks to them.

    Our trip to Croatia, to see Darrell's family, was the tonic both of us needed after spending so long surrounded by vitriol, hostility and contempt. Vlatka and Marin, our Croatian Cousins, were welcoming, accepting and full of warmth; we spent a week reconnecting with people who we hadn’t seen for what seemed like a lifetime; rekindling important family bonds was an important part of our journey.

    Our time in Dalmatia, offered a breathing space to think about the new life we were embarking upon and the future we planned in Australia, that still seemed uncertain. We were very fortunate to have such valuable time with our Cousins; it was them who put everything into perspective and made us remember there was life after disaffection and happiness after rejection.

    After Croatia, we travelled to Thailand, which afforded both Darrell and me, a welcome break, during a period when we needed it most. This was one of the most memorable holidays we have ever been on and offered an opportunity to relax, regroup and rebuild, ahead of a gruelling few months in Australia. Neither of us knew what the future held, so it was important to just savour the moment, forget about what had brought us to the other side of the World and just enjoy Thailand and the wondrous sites that surrounded us in Bangkok. Darrell and I let ourselves go and gradually the bad memories faded; the sites, sounds and vibrant colours of Asia were the distraction, dreams were made of – a precursor to a new life together!

    Returning to Australia was a challenge; I had tried to live in Perth twice before, without success, so I was extremely apprehensive about this next big step. Despite my fear for the future, I was aware this was a last chance for both Darrell and me, if this didn’t work, I had no idea what would happen next. Neither of us wanted to return to the UK, so the same determination that allowed me to shed 25 kg a year before, would be the basis for my focus, as I adjusted to living in yet another country, the third in five years.

    Australia was the chance to do things right, to make up for all the stupidity and raucous behaviour of the past and create a more prosperous future. There were no guarantees; judging on previous experience there was only a slim chance of success, but with nothing to lose I personally threw my heart and soul into this adventure and did everything I could to stay. Of course at fifty-one years old, under normal circumstances, I really shouldn’t be here. When my application for permanent residency was lodged, I was mindful of just how lucky I was to have the chance to settle down under. Not many people my age are afforded the opportunity to do that. At the back of my mind, after all the paperwork, documentation and legal wrangling, I was still unsure what my fate would be. After all, at my age, any number of issues could stop me from achieving residency; my life now rested with the Australian Government – I wasn’t feeling particularly hopeful.

    It took two and a half months to get permanent residency; it would have been shorter, if I hadn’t made mistakes during the application process. Nevertheless, surprisingly, my route to eventual citizenship was secured. After a comprehensive physical exam, no health issues were detected, and my past indiscretions as a teenage boy most certainly weren’t an issue with the Department of Home Affairs. After 28 years together, Darrell and I could finally start living again.

    The months since I was grated indefinite leave to remain in Australia have been kind to Darrell and me. I suppose this has been the most productive period of my life. I am Manager of a large retail outlet store, selling Manchester. (the Australian word for bedlinen) I am earning more than double what I did in the UK and with Darrell also on a similar wage, we no longer have the worries we did. We managed to put a large deposit down on a three-bedroom villa, and we are now the proud owners of a lovely new home. Saving money, saving for a pension and thinking about buying another property to rent out is top of my priority list. As I establish myself in Perth, for the first time in my life I have a purpose, a reason to live and a goal to reach. Australia has opened doors that Britain never could, and for that I am truly grateful.

    Despite my new zest for life away from the doom and gloom of the UK, there is still a feeling of sadness. I am upset at the way we were treated in Portsmouth before we left, by people we used to love, but most importantly I am grieving the friends and my Father I have left behind. Dad has become very important to me since leaving Britain, he is the only real family I have left, so our weekly chats are important. His encouragement to continue focusing on the future has also been instrumental in us staying in Australia; his support has been a great source of comfort.

    Equally, friends have become the linchpin that keeps us grounded in our new life. Letters, messages and phone calls have all been pivotal in the success we now enjoy. Words of love, video calls from the close and a collective network of friends from back home have been a link to people who enrich and continue to enhance our life thousands of miles away. Our future is in Australia, not because we wanted to leave, but because ultimately it was where we are meant to be. Our destiny was always to return to Perth one day, the future is here for the taking, it’s up to us to make it work!
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    .... And then there was one!

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    It has certainly been a sad end to the week, seven days that have not been the greatest of my life, but an ending that unfortunately had to happen. When we adopted Picante and Marigold, there were no guarantees that their new life with us would work; I think both Darrell and I were fully aware, that this may not end well, and yes, we were proved right. Today, hope turned to a realisation, that both of these beautiful oriental cats would have a better life elsewhere.

    From day one, Picante and Marigold never got on with Pippa; it was more than just a few snarls and growls - there was a distinct dislike between all of them and even though we did our best to make their coexistence work, it just didn't. Oriental cats are notoriously difficult and feisty, where Pippa was far quieter, nervous and submissive. If I look at it now, it was clear she was being bullied by the new additions, and she spent most of the time hiding under the bed.

    This week we had to take Pippa to the vets, after we discovered a swelling on her tail; after an examination it appeared that the lump was the beginning of an abscess, and she was prescribed a course of antibiotics and painkillers at a cost of $200.00. Initially the medication was given in pill form, but these were just two large for her to swallow, even when broken in half, after all, Pippa is only a small cat and the vets should have seen this. Mid-week, we returned the pills and were given liquid antibiotics instead, at a further cost of $70.00, for what 'Vet West' called a dispensing fee. Darrell was particularly angry about this extra charge and told them, in no uncertain terms, he would not be returning. The lack of care at the vets, and their dismissive attitude, was palpable, and we won't be returning there in future.

    It appears Pippa was being attacked while using the litter tray and was left in a bit of a state. The consultant told us, Marigold just had to go, since she was the culprit; after liaising with the breeder Sue, we returned her on Saturday evening, believing Picante would remain with us, and we would try and socialise her and Pippa over the next few weeks. However, nothing ever turns out the way you plan. That same evening, Sue called and asked if we would consider returning Picante, since Marigold was extremely distressed and anxious. Darrell duly agreed, and we said farewell to Picante this morning.

    I am in two minds about letting Picante go, especially with her disability. She had the chance of a good life with us, and I'm not sure any other potential adopter will take these two together, as a bonded pair, in the same way we did. There aren't many people who will take on a disabled cat. The hope is, they will find a forever home as a bonded pair, but I'm not sure if that will happen anytime soon; I feel deep down, Picante should have remained with us, in a homely, warm environment, and cared for lovingly. However, it just wasn't to be and Darrell and I are devastated.

    We have both decided not to get another cat and just concentrate all our efforts on Pippa, who needs a lot of care. In time that may change, and we may introduce a kitten, rather than a cat, but certainly not two cats at once. This has been a sharp learning curve for us, and we just hope we can get a semblance of normality back once again!
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    A terrible sense of foreboding, as the cost of living crisis begins to bite!

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    There is most definitely a feeling of unease, right across Australia, at the moment. Traditionally, this country doesn't suffer from recessions in the same way a nation like the UK does, but this time, things feel decidedly different. Australia has a wealth of natural resources, the extraction of which, has helped cushion past recessions. Unlike the UK this has helped us weather previous downturns, but today this country is feeling the effects of a prolonged period of stagnation, high inflation and high interest rates. Like everyone else, Darrell and I are beginning to feel the pinch.

    I have spoken much about the high cost of living in Australia and there seems to be no let up, with prices spiralling out of control. When I arrived on these shores, nearly nine months ago, we were paying about $150.00 a week on food. Today, after our weekly shopping trip to Coles, my supermarket of choice, we spent $305.00; this is a huge increase and something that isn't sustainable long term!

    Both Darrell and I are particularly canny with money these days, it really is a case of having to be. So far, despite the constant mortgage rate rises, we have managed to more or less double our mortgage payments, and my hope was, we would pay the mortgage off within twelve years. However, interest rates are rising each month, and I am not sure for how much longer, I can continue to increase payments at such an exorbitant rate. With all our bills, insurances, house renovations and savings, we are looking at monthly outgoings of around $8000.00, which isn't small. Thinking short term, things will have to change, and we, like everyone else, will have to make cuts in our budget. Rather than waiting for things to take a turn for the worst, we are doing what is necessary now and hopefully preparing for what comes next!

    I work in an industry that is likely to suffer first as any recession takes hold. Selling luxury goods, I am mindful of what could happen going forward, and I am trying to do what I can to protect us. As a person who suffers with anxiety, I am apprehensive about the future, and not sure whether I will be in the same job, six months from today. This is a source of great consternation for me, as I plan for our future in Australia. The long term plans I have are still there, but the reality is, I have put them on the back burner for now.

    Working in retail, I am aware of people's spending habits and have seen a distinct drop in the money they are parting with. Everyone I speak to has concerns about the cost of living and are not afraid to speak their minds. Australians are very vocal compared to those in the UK; as a person who loves to listen, I am discovering that not everything is well in my home town. After only a short period living in Australia, I am fully aware of the difficulties on the horizon. Taking soundings from the locals has been a great way for me to prepare for the future here in Perth. In the past I was never keen on taking advice, today I am happy too, especially from people who know just what is about to happen.

    As we move from the autumn into winter, there really is a cold chill in the air. The black clouds are circling over Western Australia, as recession looms large. If I am perfectly honest, I am concerned for the future and what lays ahead, but like so much that has happened in my life, I have no control over the outcome. Living at my Aunts in the UK I was sheltered from the worst life could throw my way; in Perth, saddled with a mortgage, and all the responsibility that comes with it, I am very much at the centre of the storm. I am conscious of my current circumstances and fully aware of what I need to do, in order to survive. The difference this time, is the lack of help from the state should I need it and the small network of friends, compared to those in the UK.

    Darrell and I are very much on our own now, and that suits us perfectly. It has always been us two against the World, even more so in Australia. Today I remain positive in the face of adversity and nothing is too much to overcome. Thankfully I am a realist and can foresee the future, as I've been here before, for that reason I have been able to consider the difficulties ahead. Darrell and I are far more fortunate than most; our bills remain low, we don't live on the poverty line, and above all we don't live in Britain. Foodbanks, cold banks, utility bills out of control, strikes and discontent just do not happen here.

    The cathartic nature of writing allows me to see the raw reality in front of me and keeps me grounded when deciding my next move. Reading over blog entries offers a unique insight into my current thinking and solutions to complications that have happened in the past and may crop up tomorrow. Now is the time to batten down the hatches, cut costs, and dream of future endeavours when times are good once again!
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