The first 14 days have flown! It has been 2 weeks since we left the UK to move to Australia. Two weeks is a typical UK holiday length, and to be honest we expected some of this time would feel like a holiday. None of it has, other than perhaps the plane journey.
Drama unfolded after our goodbyes with a family member in an accident resulting in an ambulance and a week-long hospital stay. Should we even be leaving crossed our minds a lot. Encouraged by family, we decided to fly off. But before we got on that plane, we were not at all ready or packed properly. We abandoned our house like the Mary Celeste and unfortunately left a lot of work for my eldest daughter and other kind family members to clear up for us. Hugely guilty feelings abound with continued confusion of where did that ‘insert name of object here’ end up.
When we arrived in Australia, we stayed in an excellent little voco Hotels in Brisbane on the river and it was just what we needed after 23 hours in economy. Of course, jetlag hit thus I found myself swimming alone in their rooftop pool at some ungodly hour. It was just the tonic I needed to wash away the drama, the trauma and the flight. It set me up for two weeks of self-care including few socials and lots of walks. I intend to continue that for sure.
After a few days in Brisbane sourcing mobile phones, opening bank accounts, and other life admin we moved to the Gold Coast. Life admin has continued in spades, as has house hunting, however we have made time for enjoying a sunrise and several walks on the beach.
The reality of moving to a place is so different to holidaying in a place. Instead of where are the restaurants, it’s where are the supermarkets. Instead of the holiday luxuries, it is the everyday normalcy. Yet it is all amazing. We have wow moments every time we see a new animal or plant, taste a new flavour, or experience anything new. I cannot believe I live here now.
I have lived overseas before and I know that it will not be long before I stop seeing and noticing the new. The new will become less wow and my eyes will adjust to regular. Wherever we live we are guilty of not seeing. I’m reminded of Niall Gavin‘s encouragement to hashtag#LookUp. And I am mindful of how I don’t want to forget to see. The same happens in businesses. We simply stop seeing. We normalise everything and we don’t notice with fresh eyes. I’m going to try so hard to keep seeing.
Whilst Kairos Modern Learning continues to serve my UK clients, the most exciting new thing happens tomorrow: I start work with the City of Gold Coast in their Career Development team for Paula Johnston. I’ve deliberately chosen to see how work works in Queensland. For me, it feels so important to understand so I will have my eyes and ears open. I don’t want to miss a thing in learning about business in my new home city.
Photo: Taken at sunrise on Burleigh Beach
The first 14 days have flown
