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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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Today I wanted to offer my congratulations to dear friend Wendy Watson and her colleague Tania Shipp, on their new venture - The Rec Café, in Fratton. Having lived and worked in Fratton for four years, I like to keep up with events there, and was delighted to come across an advertisement in The Portsmouth News, announcing the reopening of this café, after its closure in 2021.
Wendy is a fantastic friend with a big personality, and I always enjoyed her company as a patron of The Newcome Arms, when I worked behind the bar. I have many happy memories, of fun times with her and others at this local pub; it was the main stay of the local community, just as The Rec Café takes on a similar important role.
After hearing about Wendy's recent health concerns, I messaged her to give her my love and best wishes, where I also learned of her new endeavours. There comes a point in all our lives, when a change of scene and direction, is just the tonic we need, to move forward positively in life. Wendy and Tania are embarking on a new course, with all the enthusiasm you would expect, and I would like to wish them both well. I will continue to follow The Rec Café with interest and look forward to hearing about their journey together.
Fratton was an important, life affirming time for me; I worked extremely hard during some pretty challenging times. I also learnt much about other people, as well as myself, and grew exponentially as a person. Fratton is a place where you sink or swim and despite being surrounded by some wonderful characters like Wendy, ultimately, it wasn't where I was destined to end up.
I am so grateful for the friends I made while living on the south coast of England and always look forward to hearing from them. Social media has allowed me to remain a part of a community I love with all my heart; one day I look forward to once again walking down those hallowed streets of Fratton, and of course visiting The Rec Café - until then, I can, at least, view from afar.
Good luck Wendy and Tania, you'll smash it!
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This week I had a check-up at my local surgery; this isn't something I often do these days because of the costs involved, but sometimes you have to do what is necessary in order to gain peace of mind. Making an appointment to see a GP here in Perth is actually a joy compared to the UK, but it does also have its downsides.
I remember back in Portsmouth, not that long ago, the difficulties I used to have arranging a consultation with a Doctor, and the mad rush, normally on a Monday morning, to phone my local practice, trying desperately to speak to a practitioner. Of course getting to see a GP was a rare occurrence; after being triaged via a telephone conversation with a receptionist, who generally thought they knew more than a Doctor, you were passed down a very long line of officialdom, and finally, if they thought necessary, an eventual chat with someone on the phone. Generally, the Doctor would phone you back in a few hours and fob you off with more medication, rather than investigating your symptoms properly.
For me, It was a fact of life, sitting on the phone for hours on end, sometimes, in excruciating pain, being told I had indigestion. As an individual, I knew my own body and I understood when something wasn't right. This went on for months, and if I hadn't screamed as loud as I did, I never would have got to the root of the symptoms I was experiencing.
I lost count of the number of times I was called a hypochondriac, not only by professionals, but also my own extended family. They had no idea of the pain I was going through, and should never have judged me in the way they did. In the end, after nearly a year and a half and demanding tests and answers, even during the pandemic, I finally got some answers. I had to have my gall bladder removed, and slowly my life got back to normal; I could live again and was just happy I had persevered, even during the most challenging of times.
Sitting here in Australia, I can see just how much of a mess, the NHS back in the UK is - I watch it on Sky News every day. Things have got progressively worse since I left, and most people wouldn't push as hard as me, to get the treatment they need. I think I heard, yesterday, that there were over seven million people on the waiting list for operations - that figure shocks me to the core and makes me think how lucky I am to be in Australia.
Here things are very different - on Monday morning I phoned my local GP surgery, and was given an extra long face to face consultation that very same day. Of course, there is a difference in Australia - I have to pay! I can see the horror on peoples faces already, just thinking they would have to pay to see a Doctor, and to be honest, I used to be just the same. The appointment cost me $120.00; for that I was given unlimited time with my Doctor, who was able to interact with me on a level, that just doesn't exist in the UK.
For a few months, I have been experiencing weeping sores on my head; several of them underneath moles, that have changed in recent weeks. In Australia, skin cancer is a big deal, and if you notice something untoward going on, especially with moles changing colour, size and consistency, it's time to make an appointment, which I duly did. Having a bald head and venturing out on hot summers days without a hat, as I have in the past, is something I shouldn't have done, and I am fully aware of the consequences now, after my visit to the surgery.
My GP gave me a thorough examination and skin check, explaining the different types of moles, lumps, bumps and cysts on my head. He explained that as far as he could tell, there were no problems, but a reoccurring issue on my face could be a cause for concern going forward. With immediate treatment this could be kept in check without any issues in the short to medium term, but there could come a point where treatments don't work, and the outcome could be more serious.
Now I am fully aware of the consequences of my actions, I know what to do to protect my skin from the ravages of the Australian summer, so should be far more prepared this year. I can't help thinking, however, that my past lifestyle choices may well have been responsible for the issues I have today. I lived in Australia before and Spain, and didn't look after myself as much as I do today. Any future problems could well have started years ago, resurfacing later in life; that is of course the same for every one of us.
All of us should think twice before venturing out in the sun without protection, and it's something I need to take notice of, especially now. On top of my healthy lifestyle, exercising and looking after my metal health, I will now have to factor in the harsh reality of the climate down under. It's almost strange to think how unfit I used to be and just how lucky I am to still be alive, let alone living in Australia, and enjoying a life others can only dream of.
Things are very different in Australia; I'm not in the Doctor's surgery every week as I was in the UK, but I also don't have the health issues I had in Portsmouth. Unlike Britain, my concerns aren't dismissed or brushed aside, they are listened to, by a supportive health system and a network of family who only want to see the best for me. Now I am finally in a good and prosperous place, I want to live a long, fruitful and healthy life; I can do that here. As I continue to build a new life down under, I am happy to pay for things that I wouldn't have paid for back home. Getting the best standard of care comes at a price, but for me, it's a price worth paying and a price all of us will have to pay eventually, no matter where we live in the World.
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