Tags

  • Published on

    It's been a bloody difficult few weeks if I am honest!

    Australia Britain Events Friends Colleagues Southampton blog
    Picture
    Darrell and I have just returned from the city, after spending a lazy Sunday, Christmas shopping and having lunch. This is the first time we have travelled to Perth in about two months; we have been so busy that we just haven't had the time. Of course, the CBD is now adorned with festive decorations, lights, and a large Christmas tree opposite the railway station; despite the sweltering summer heat, even I am starting to feel a little bit Christmassy!
    Image description
    Temperatures have been particularly hot, compared to 2023, and I am told this year's summer will be even hotter than the last — that suits me perfectly. However, I am all too aware, of the difficulties of living in Australia, in such a severe climate.

    Darrell has just given up vaping. This has been hard for him since he has smoked or vaped for many years, but this time it is a case of having to!

    Darrell has been diagnosed with Macular Degeneration, which in part is to do with his smoking and vaping, but also the weather here in Western Australia. With the sun incredibly bright, and without 400 UV protective sunglasses over many years, he has paid the ultimate price. Both of us are staying positive and hoping the rate of deterioration can be stemmed for now. Of course, only time will tell — weekly monitoring and regular eye tests will help — changing old habits will help a hell of a lot more!
    Picture
    With Christmas just two weeks away, the last Christmas card I received from Mum when she was alive is on display. I always think of my Mother at this time of year. Speaking to my Father, back home in the UK tonight, we reminisced about Christmasses past, and how much we used to enjoy them, unlike today. 

    Things have changed dramatically over the years, and although I still love this time of year, it just isn't the same. Living in the Southern Hemisphere has changed my concept of Christmas. Oh, I still put up a few decorations and a tree, enjoy sending Christmas cards to friends and family, and buy presents for our nearest and dearest — that's something that will never change. However, I am aware, that for the most part, it will just be me and Darrell celebrating together — so different to years gone by. 

    There won't be a large Christmas roast, just cold meats, and salad around a neighbour's house. Nobody wants to be cooking a three-course British Christmas Dinner on the 25th, least of all me. This year, I will be putting my feet up, and letting someone else do all the work. This will make a pleasant change, since I am the one who usually does it all.

    Both Darrell and I remarked, earlier, how much we miss Christmas with friends in Southampton. We truly had some memorable times, with some remarkable characters; not traditional celebrations, but rather unconventional in nature, partying with like-minded individuals and enjoying the festive cheer. 

    Things are very different now and that can be hard to come to terms with!
    Picture
    The past two weeks have been somewhat difficult if I am honest. After Darrell's news about his eyesight, I was due in hospital for a procedure, that had been planned for several months. This wasn't something I was looking forward to, but an absolute necessity, especially at my age. Thankfully, living in Australia, I didn't have to wait too long, and it was carried out quickly, without incident. Nevertheless, the procedure did throw up some concern, after two small tumours were removed.

    This was completely unexpected, but after a follow-up meeting with my GP, to discuss the histology report, I was hopeful it wasn't anything to worry about, at least in the short term. I will have to have a follow-up hospital appointment in February, but for now, I am putting it to the back of my mind, along with the anxiety I suffer from, on a daily basis.
    Picture
    Picture
    None of us are getting any younger, and I am more aware than most of impending old age creeping up on me, faster every day. In truth, I don't like being 53, and I am not enjoying middle age. I have, however, worked hard to stay fit and healthy over the last four years, and I am doing everything I can to keep my weight under control.  I understand the damage I have done to my body over the years, and although I can not reverse it, I am hopeful I can at least stop the rot in its tracks. 

    This week I heard from a friend back in the UK, Julie, who I used to work with at The Newcome Arms in Fratton. Sadly, her long-term partner had passed away; naturally, she was devastated. I didn't know Bill very well, but he was a wonderful character, who was always kind, and courteous towards me, and an absolute pleasure to know.

    I felt so upset for her and her family, losing a loved one, especially at this time of year. Bill wasn't an old man, but his sudden passing made me realise, just how fragile all our lives are. 

    There are times I feel down and depressed, but I am so grateful for the life I now lead. It may well be quiet and uneventful, like most people's lives in Australia, but it is successful, fruitful, and extremely productive, who could possibly ask for more. 

    When someone dies, you often think about your own mortality. I was close to Julie at work and have frequently thought about her. The death of Bill will affect many of those I knew in Portsmouth, and I am just glad I got to know him, and all those from The Newcome Arms. With Christmas just around the corner, it is so important to remember the good times, because those were the occasions that got me through my worst days. People like Bill were the fabric of a neighbourhood that welcomed me with open arms, and that is an aspect of life I miss, living in Australia,

    Hopefully, the next few weeks will be better than the last, and Darrell and I can look forward to another happy Christmas together. Putting personal issues to the back of my mind, it's time to look positively towards the future, and put the last few weeks behind us! I will be glad to see the back of 2024, as I'm sure most of you will. This has not been the happiest of years, so lets hope 2025 surprises all of us and is the start of something better!
    Picture
  • Published on

    34-Year-Old Friendship Rekindled — The spectre of growing old!

    Australia Britain Events Friends Colleagues Memories Of Fareham Visits From Friends blog
    Image description
    Age came rushing head long into my life this week, and, thankfully, not for the wrong reasons. A friend from the UK who I haven't seen in 34 years was in Perth, and I knew I had to see him.

    Back in the dim and distant past, Wayne and I had a very close friendship, established during our time working together in the Civil Service. Despite losing touch for many years, I was determined to reconnect, and rekindle what is an important relationship. After not seeing each other for so long, I was worried by what could happen. Would he still be the same person? Would we still have a connection? And can you really rebuild a friendship after a decade and a half apart!

    Wayne and I met in 1990, at a time of great change for me. I was evolving from being a shy teenager, into a deeply sentimental young man, with the weight of the World on my shoulders. Wayne was someone who taught me much about life, and for a period of time we were inseparable. Of course, a lot has happened between then and now, but when someone leaves significant footprints on your heart, you know you have to make the effort!

    Back in the early 1990s, I had a small group of friends from college. After the odd afternoon out at The Jolly Sailor, our local hostelry of choice, they would drop me off at Wayne's house in Gosport, where I would try to sober up, before heading home. Wayne looked after me in some terrible states. He made sure I was fed and watered, and we formed a close bond. Our friendship was brief on the scale of things, but it was also very important. Sadly, we lost contact, as Wayne moved away, and my life took me to University in Southampton.

    Of course, a lot happened in the intervening years; I met Darrell and settled down, and With the birth of social media, I tried my luck, to see if I could find Wayne, initially on 'Friends Reunited.' I successfully found him, after a long time searching, and we finally got in touch once again.

    Now comes the weird bit — during the time when Wayne and I weren't in touch, like me, he had relationships, different jobs, and oddly, he was living in Spain, at exactly the same time I was. Even more mind-blowing, is he was in a relationship with one of Darrell's best friends from school. Of all the people in the World, this was an unexpected connection, that fate appeared to be responsible for. You have to remember, during this period, Wayne and I were not in touch, and we only found out this mutual link relatively recently… Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs, just to keep you on your toes.

    This was a bizarre twist of fate, that on the surface at least, appeared to be just too much of a coincidence. However, it was, and here we were, 34 years later, chatting about it, sat outside The Belgian Beer Café, in Murray street, ten thousand kilometres from home, where I first met him, just after leaving school…

    ​This brings me nicely on to my vlog this week. After seeing Wayne, I realised just how old I was. Wayne was still the same person I knew all those years ago, I could tell instantly from his smile; our conversation was just like picking up from where we last left off, but we were both older, much, much older, and different in so many ways. Age, for me, is quite a traumatic thing — it is a sore subject, that I do my best to avoid. I never want to admit my age to myself, but, seeing someone from your past, allows you to reevaluate just what growing old means.

    Those 34 years have gone so fast, yet It really does feel just like yesterday and in many respects, it scares me that I am now in my mid-fifties. In another 34 years, in all likelihood, I'll be dead… We really are on this planet, for such a brief period of time, just the blink of an eye!

    Despite my own feelings on age, It was nice to see someone from my past. I guess that is the point you realise just how far you have come in life. The 1990s were great years for me personally, and I look back with fondness at a time that allowed me to finally come out and be the person I was always destined to be. I am not in contact with many friends from that period, so it was even more important to cement a bond that would otherwise have been lost — Social media really does have a lot to answer for. It can be responsible for conflict, abuse, bullying and resentment, but it can also bring people together in a rewarding and tangible way. It's good to have Wayne back in my life, even if it has made me question for fast approaching, inevitable and challenging old age. Furthermore, it is the reopening of a story that I had believed was over, and the beginning of another chapter, and a second chance at a friendship that I had thought had gone away!
    Picture
  • Published on

    Destination Perth!

    Australia Events Milestones My Life blog
    The last seven days have been busy, certainly the busiest for me, since I arrived in Australia. I have had determination in my eyes, as I sought so secure a new job. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the job I have, but I am well aware that it is time to move on. Of course, these days I have no fear of the unknown; after traversing the World for a number of years, I have no qualms about leaving my current circumstances behind, and heading forwards, towards adventures.

    Over the last week or so, I have literally blitzed the job market here in Perth. There are many positions on offer, and I have been inundated with interviews, and indeed, offers of employment. Trying to juggle interviews, conducted on Zoom from Sydney, has probably been my biggest challenge. Attending an appointment at seven o'clock in the morning isn't ideal, but luckily for me, I am an extremely early riser, and these days at least, I am at my best in the early hours.

    With several firm job offers under my belt, I believe I have made the right decision for me, at this juncture. I have decided to accept an offer of more money and allowances, in a business closer to home. It will also allow me to continue with a lifestyle, I have become accustomed to. This wasn't the position paying the most, but taking travel and commuting into account, this option affords me the best opportunity at my time of life.

    I can't stress enough, just how different the pay rates are between the Britain and here. We are paid substantially more down under, meaning I earn well over and above the average wage in the UK and Australia. This is probably the first time in my life, that I have absolutely no financial worries; so despite my moans and groans about this place, I am well aware where I am better off.
    With employment top of my list of priorities, you would think I haven't had time to do anything else, but both Darrell and I have found the time to relax and enjoy everything Perth has to offer.

    Last Sunday we travelled into the city for a meal, and show at the Perth Concert Hall. I had booked a table at The Italian Street Kitchen, in Raine Square, Perth. I have been past this restaurant many times before, but never had the pleasure of eating there. From the outside it is just an ordinary building, but inside, the ambience, feel, and atmosphere is uniquely Italian, in every respect. This was not another pastiche of Italian culinary delights, this is as authentic as it gets down under, and for me, it was a delight. I was transported back to my time in Naples and Sorrento, and I was impressed by the staff, standard of service and the quality of the food.

    The Italian Street Kitchen is a little more expensive than other places we have eaten, but that was only to be expected. Nothing is cheap in Australia anyway, so if you have to pay $60 more for a meal, then I can live with that. You do get what you pay for, and I was not disappointed and will certainly be back.

    Image description

    From The Italian Street Kitchen, we walked the short distance to Perth Concert Hall. This homage to Brutalist architecture, is not a place I have been to before; as I entered the building, I was impressed by the sheer size of the building. The atrium was light, bright and airy — here I bought a few books signed by Mariam Margolyes, the Australian/British national treasure we were there to see. This was a show I had been looking forward to, and I wasn't disappointed.

    Darrell and I had seats very close to the stage and a great view of Miriam. This was a one woman show, with a female journalist host — for all intents and purposes, interviewing Miriam, or at least asking her questions. This was not a set-up I was used to, but it worked well, and I was impressed by Miriam's candour and frank conversation.

    Miss Margolyes spoke about everything, from her life to politics, and even gave several readings from Charles Dickens.  As usual there was no holing back, as she spoke in raw, uncensored language, in her own unique way. She has a voice you just can't forget; it is a voice I have known for many years, growing up with her on the television, in films and of course the theatre. She was an absolute joy to listen to, and I was glad I had booked the tickets, despite Darrell's initial reluctance.
    The bush fires have been engulfing the area around Midvale this week, showing just how vulnerable the area around our home is. You could see the smoke rising behind the houses on the opposite side of the road, and it was quite scary to observe. The people in the hills around Midvale really do suffer more than most, and with high winds, the flames were well and truly being fanned.

    Luckily we are far enough away to feel protected, but nevertheless we do get a lot of smoke settling in the suburb. This can cause major throat issues for me — sore throat, coughing and wheezing are just some of the symptoms all of us suffer from. For those who have asthma, the difficulties are even worse. This is one of the major downsides to living in Perth, but one that I'm sure I will get used to over time.
    This weekend we were once again back in Perth CBD for the annual Japanese festival. Both Darrell and I love all things Asian, so this was a must-see for us. If I am honest, it was rather disappointing. There wasn't mush to see or do, so we left after an hour, walking back into the city for lunch at The Shoe, in Yagan Square. This is a place we used to frequent often in the past, but we haven't been there in a while. The food is bog-standard Australian fodder, but the staff are lovely, and it is always a joy sitting on the balcony looking out over the city — even with all the construction work going on at the moment.

    Perth is the most isolated capital city in the World, and at times it really does feel that way. There are things to do in the city, but not on the same scale as London, New York or Sydney. I do find the lack of amenities here frustrating at times, especially when the city closes down at such an early hour. It does feel like I am living in a time warp, back in the 1990s, with similar shops, businesses, and restaurants also shutting prematurely.

    When you move to Perth, you must be prepared for the difference in lifestyle. This is a very quiet state in all respects, especially when you consider its vast size, in comparison to its population. When events and occasions happen in the city, it is important for me to grab those with open arms. Listening to Mariam Margolyes is a positive connection to my childhood and life back in the UK; being able to dip in and out, whilst living the quiet life, is a blessing. It allows me to return to my rather routine, mundane lifestyle, happy that I have at least been reminded of happy times back home.

    Perth, as a capital city, probably needs to do more for the people who live and work here. They need to encourage big name acts to come more often, and they need to rethink some of the more archaic laws that seem to hold this state back. I am happy to call this place home, but I would also like to play an active role in this diverse part of Australia, in the same way I would in Sydney or Brisbane, for example. This city and state has much to offer, and much more to give, so please give us a reason to celebrate, a reason to feel satisfied and a reason to feel alive!

    Picture
  • Published on

    Weekly Blog — Finally able to type!

    Australia Cats Events Pippa And Akira Weight Loss Health blog
    Picture
    So here goes, after a month break I'm finally going to do some typing. To be quite honest, my fingers are feeling a little stiff, but that can only be expected after so long. I have lost a lot of muscle mass in my left hand as well, which initially was cause for concern, until I spoke to my hand specialist this week. She explained that that was just part of the course. When your hand has been in a splint for so long, the muscles will become significantly weaker. With time and hand exercises, the hope is, I can build up the muscles once again and return to normal.


    This week I have had a wonderful four-day weekend. With Christmas well and truly over, I am back to having a Saturday off from work, once a month, and with Australia Day falling on Friday, I was able to take some well deserved time for myself. These extra few days have been much needed, especially after Christmas, and with my hand in a splint, it just feels good to relax, unwind and just take it easy for a change.

    Yesterday we travelled to Scarborough beach, here in Australia. Now, this Scarborough is as far removed from its British namesake as you can get — the pure white sandy coastline was a joy and there wasn't a fairground, donkey, or stick of rock in sight. This was the first time Darrell and I have been to the beach, since we arrived in Australia in 2022. Both of us just haven't stopped working, and haven't had a chance to spend any time on the coast. That isn't too much of an issue for me, since I have never really enjoyed getting covered in sand, but for Darrell, it is a great source of annoyance. I think if I am honest, we would both love to live near the coast again, as we always have, but the costs involved in Australia are astronomical, and certainly not something we would consider right now.

    Darrell and I had lunch at a lovely restaurant called Bay Bay's; the food was delicious and actually reasonably priced for Australia. The weather was decidedly cooler down on the coast compared to inland Midland and as I sat there drinking a few pints and eating my lamb shank, I really was transported back to our many times in Croatia. I have missed that European feel, and Scarborough was as near to that continental ambience as it gets in Australia. For a country with such a beautiful coastline, you would think they would make more of it — more bars and restaurants, please!

    Today, I have just got back from a rather long walk —  about six miles in total. I thought it was about time, I got back to doing what I do best, since I started my weight loss campaign in 2019. Losing weight has always been difficult for me, and this is the longest period I have managed to keep the kilo's off. Today, my weight hovers between 73–75 kg, up from a low of 71 kg. With this in mind, I believe it's important to get back to a level I feel comfortable with. I am aiming for 68-69 kg, so have about five or six kilos to lose.

    People keep telling me I am fine as I am, but I know my own body and want to get to a weight I personally feel happy with. It is a bit of a tall order, but I hope to do it by the time I go on to Vietnam in April. Planning for a holiday is always a great excuse for me to get fit, especially because of all the food and drink I will be consuming, while I am away. The only thing I need is motivation, that has always been my stumbling block, but unlike the past, I am surrounded by positivity, which makes the task that much easier.


    With my arms starting to ache, I think it's about time I stopped typing now. My Doctor has told me to limit the time I spend on the keyboard, so I don't cause any more damage. It really has felt good to be typing again, and I hope to eventually be blogging with gusto, as I did in the past. Until then, this was a great first step, and I am personally happy with what I have achieved today!
    Picture
    Picture