January was a promise of a fresh page. February was a second chance as the first month of the year drifted away before we had even started to live up to our expectations. Then March came along, and the world changed forever! On top of that, last month we ended our beautiful Australian adventure, relocating earlier than planned, back home. It ended abruptly with a very different farewell than we had ever planned for. However, we will carry the lessons, memories and relationships with us as we get used to this new normal, not just on a different continent, but in a different reality. 

I think it’s fair to dedicate this post to three lessons, three memories and three relationships I will cherish as I look back on almost three years in Australia. 

Three lessons:

“What will you bring to the role after having worked in Australia?”, I was asked.

Top of the list, ‘no drama’, the Australian version of that! I felt that Australian culture really focuses less on the problem and the worry, and more on getting to a solution, whatever it takes.

Secondly, surely a more adventurous self. After living in Australia I would say that if Americans are all about work and Europeans all about art, Australians stand out in being adventurous, “young and free” as they sing, loving the outdoors and beach life!

And finally, living away from home has given us the possibility to live at a slower pace. As hard as that will be when the lockdown is over, I hope to be able to maintain the sense of unhurried life which does away with anxiety, stress and a frenetic heart.

Three memories:

So many of them, but three I wish to hold on to would be:

Landing in Australia – I hope to remember my first evening in the country as a reminder that life is made up of seasons, which offer you the chance to start a fresh page, and that as familiar as they do become, they do come to an end at some point. 

Getting the most expensive fine ever – Yes I did get fined a fair amount in the first few weeks of driving in this new country. I spent the next months trading Facebook time for learning the stricter driving code of conduct. Australia has surely made me less Mediterranean and more disciplined on the road and in other aspects of life. 

A typical morning run which took me over the Sydney Bridge and around the Sydney Opera House. It’s a beautiful scene, especially when the sun is rising over the harbour. Let it remind me to appreciate the beauty around me and to make mornings count. 

Three relationships:

Last but not least I look back on the relationships that came to be. I will cheat here and list three categories. 

Ex-work colleagues that trusted me to join the team in Australia, challenged me along the way and helped me grow. 

The communities we were so lucky to be part of at some point or another. Several of them, mostly related to Church. One which stands out was our son’s school community of parents and teachers. Surely they have made us better people. 

And to conclude, the random relationships that came to be – some we’ve met on random occasions and stuck to all along, some old friends who coincidentally happened to be in Australia at the same time, and work relationships that have evolved outside of the office.

Australia, you will be missed. Promise, we will be back when all this is over. Stay colourful!