'Home, Definitely won't leave the UK at Christmas xx'
Kimberley Linehan
Kimberley Linehan
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Things are most definitely not going to plan at the moment and if I am honest I have considered getting up and leaving. This has always been a tough country in which to succeed, but currently it is extremely exhausting. These first few weeks in Perth are a hundred times harder than the beginning of our new life in Spain, and I am feeling pretty fed up. I think both of us would agree, that we wouldn't have come here if we had known just how bad things were, and I am a little bit put out that Darrell didn't do his homework properly before we flew across the World. Having said that, I think we are both just glad to be away from the UK; the last few months there were particularly soul-destroying and with Britain the way it is, we are probably better off in Australia.
Neither of us have regrets about leaving Portsmouth, as it was something we were going to do in any case, but had we known just how difficult it is in Western Australia, we wouldn't have made the move when we did. Nevertheless, we are where we are, my application to remain in this country is in, and we aim to make this place home, at least until one of us throws our dollies out the pram and decided otherwise.
We aren't getting enough time together; the cramped conditions we are living in, is contributing to our current state of mind. Both of us are feeling negative, although I would call it realistic, and living each day as it comes. We have been told by lots of people that things will change, and we just need to ride out the stormy waters and keep ploughing our energy into long term future goals. As I said to Darrell today, the time for running away is over, it is now important to stay put and fight hard. This was the last international move I intend to make, so we just have to bloody well get on with it for a change.
We did get a break from all the paperwork and uncertainty last week, going with Darrell's Cousin Tash and her boyfriend on an afternoon of Dirt Biking. It isn't something I would have usually considered watching in the past, not being a fan of motorbikes in any sense, but I did thoroughly enjoy myself. If anything, it was a break from the drudgery of officialdom, and it allowed me to take my mind off pressing matters.
Tash and her partner are an absolute joy. She is honest, up front and says things how they are; just the sort of person I love to be around. Her boyfriend is equally frank and direct; as a Kiwi from New Zealand, I was wondering if it has anything to do with his nationality. A friend told me several years ago about their friend from New Zealand, and how truthful and plain-speaking he was. To be honest, that could also be said for Australians too, who I seem to be getting on better with this time, compared to 1995 and 1997; Only time will tell how that pans out.
While Tash and her boyfriend did their thing on their bikes, Darrell drove their distinctly large four-wheel drive, Australian Ute, behind them. The terrain in Gnangara Pines was pretty treacherous, with the ground full of potholes. But this was the only time, since arriving at Darrell's Mothers, that we have actually had time to ourselves exclusively, so despite the bumpy ride, it was welcome. It does rattle me somewhat, that we have to resort to this kind of outing, in order to have a conversation, but that is just part of the course presently; we literally have to take anything we can get, just to have a chat.
After a few hours biking, Tash drove us around Perth, along the beautiful beaches and into Fremantle for a hot dog and finally home. It was a shame that the weather was so bad on Sunday, the rainiest day since we have been here, but everyone except me seemed to enjoy it. My guess is they don't get it that often, and it is clearly preferable biking in the rain than in hot dusty conditions. It didn't detract from the lovely day, however, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
The whole point of a personal blog is to record feelings and emotions, which at the moment, is more important for me than ever. I do have good and bad days, more bad than good currently, but I am busy keeping myself occupied. I am still collating information for my bridging visa in December, and intend to lodge it just before Christmas. You may well think, why the hell are you doing that, when you are feeling the way you are? Well whatever I am wrestling with deep down, what ever happened in the past and whatever disagreements and arguments I have had, there is only one thing I am focused on, and that is finally being happy with Darrell, and that has to include Australia. I am the one holding Darrell back from making yet more knee-jerk reactions, and I am the one who is determined to see this through to the bitter end; I just hope the outcome is worth it!
No, I haven't hit the bottle yet, but I may well do in the future at this rate. We were lucky enough to spend another day in Perth, not at The Shoe, as usual, but this Friday, at The Belgian Beer Café, on Murray Street.
The food was great, and it was wonderful to have a few pints of Stella again. Despite the difficulties ahead, we are at least making time to chill out, even if it is with a bar full of people!
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'I'd love to in Australia with my best friend again. Been there once for Christmas and I loved it, in the 35+ degrees xx'
Donna Pike
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This year, I will be spending Christmas in Australia, far away from the traditional Yuletide in Britain. Roaming Brit would like to ask readers where they would spend the festive season if money was no object. With the World in turmoil, war in Europe, the cost of living crisis and recession looming, it is important to keep aspirations alive!
Do you dream of a deserted tropical island, New York in the snow or a chalet in the Swiss Alps? Maybe you have already had a special Christmas abroad, with family or friends, maybe in another part of the country or just a few days away, from the usual festive fray. Whatever it is, we would love to hear your thoughts!
Please send your Christmas thoughts for 2022 to me, here in Australia.
@: lukemartin.jones@mail.com
Tel & Text Australia: +61 414409832
Tel & Text Britain: +44 7999663360
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'Away in Benidorm; my next Christmas, I shall be living my best life there - can't wait!'
Julie Adams
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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!
Guildford Hotel
