16.11.11

Back in Oz

So, yes. We've moved back to Australia. It's something that I've been dreaming about for such a long time but I was never quite sure it was going to be possible. There seemed to be so many obstacles; jobs needed to be found and visas applied for, not to mention the uneviable task of finding a new house and the logistical challenges of moving across the world with a 4 month old baby.  It all just seemed too hard. And then it happened. Just. Like. That. 

Well that's how it seemed anyway. In truth it was many months in the making. Matthias and I actually applied for our jobs way back when I was still pregnant. But these things always take longer than you think and we sat around wondering whether it was going to become a reality until the end of October. And then we were offered jobs and a few days later Matthias' visa came through and we looked at our diaries and said, "Well, really, the most logical thing is to be in Australia in three weeks". Yes, we really did say that. And truthfully even if it was not the most logical choice there is something to be said for doing these things fast. Moving is never fun and perhaps if we'd had more time we would have procastinated more and had boxes and endless 'to do' lists floating around for ages. When you move in two weeks there's no time to 'umm and ahh' about whether you keep your sister's ex-boyfriend's crappy birthday gift (it got ditched) or your 'Boston winter coat' (kept). You make decisions fast. You pack up and you leave.

And now we're here. Temporarily calling my parent's spare bedroom home.
Emilia 4 months-4.jpg
In case you're wondering, Emilia coped splendedly with the flight right up until about the 18 hour mark. Like almost everyone she'd had enough. She screamed pretty much solidly for the next six hours with intermittent bouts of sleeping on my shoulder, whimpering as she slept. One week on she's still jetlagged. If anyone has any tips on curing baby jetlag I'd love to hear them.

18 comments:

Marty Mason said...

I'm thrilled that you are safely 'at home' again....and Emilia will never, ever remember the hardship! As for the baby jet-lag, haven't a clue!

Kristina said...

yeay, "welcome home"!! I have arrived last Sunday and already busy with house / apartment hunting... was not successful yesterday though. now focusing on st kilda and south yarra, even if the first one is quite a long drive to work for my boyfriend. but the ocean is just tooooo tempting!!! do you have time to meet for a coffee next week?? would be lovely!! :)

Liesl said...

I hope you are loving your new home back in Australia! I have to say, it is one of my favorite places to visit and the people there are so friendly! Beautiful pictures and how lovely that Emilia enjoyed her first flight!

Liesl :)

Tara said...

Wow! How neat! Can't wait to read all about your journey!

Bells said...

that's amazing but I think you're right about doing it at lightning speed. Something to be said for ripping off that bandaid and just doing it. Welcome home. :-)

Justine said...

wow that did happen very quickly, where will you live? what job will you do? it all sounds great and sounds like you are very happy. Emilia looks very happy too!

Carla said...

Welcome home. I am sure Australia will be great.. Emilia is divine. So beautiful.. I suffer from terrible jetlag when i go back to Australia. Poor Emilia.. Carla

Annika said...

I am very happy for you and slightly jealous that you simply moved to where you wanted to be. Good luck with everything that still needs sorting! :o)

Jane said...

It's wonderful to have you back here, Clare. But oh, I feel your pain about the crying-in-plane scenario - I've been there too many times ☺. Emilia is such a doll. J x

Anonymous said...

exciting news - enjoy being back home!

Anika said...

Sounds like things happened very serendipitously. Glad to hear everything is coming together so well. I bet your parents are quite happy to have the little one about too ;)

Allana said...

Oh Yay! Welcome home! What an exciting move for you all. I bet your parents are excited to have you and sweet Emilia around!
I knew there was a reason I had been holding onto your parcel for sooooo long - cheaper postage haha.
Please, please give me your new address and I PROMISE to post said parcel THIS WEEK :)

Siobhan said...

It must be lovely to be back home again. Wishing you all the best with your lovely baby and curing her jet lag. Looking forward to seeing photos of Oz!

Stephanie said...

Wow! What a big change, Clare. My roommate and I were sort of like that when we last moved - moved in about two and a half weeks after applying for the apartment. It certainly made it easier to just get everything done. I'm glad it worked out for you, but sorry to see you leave the wonderful Berlin! Can't wait to see the pictures you take of Australia though!

Franca said...

oooh, how exciting! I was not expecting that!

Simon said...

So happy for you Clare. I think you've implied your wish to be in Australia enough times for me to "catch on" over the past years. Think of all the wonderful changes in your life in this past year.
As one who sells real estate-I think your description of packing in short order is spot on. Taking longer just delays the nasty job.
Enjoy your new homeland-and best to you in finding your very own home.

Katyha said...

Oh how lovely to have you back, your family must be beyond happy. I hope your dear sweet girl feels better soon & all the luck in the world in finding the most perfect little home :D

Stella said...

Wow, go you! It must feel so nice to be home! I can very much relate, only three weeks left until we are staying in my mum's sleepout until a permanent abode is found... Yay all round!