Who’d have thought this day would come upon us so fast? We flew out of Sydney a year ago. It’s one of those strange sets of circumstances where it simultaneously feels like we’ve been here forever, and like we only just got here. Time has passed in the blink of an eye, yet has taken so long for some events to pass or come to fruition, that we thought they’d never arrive. We’ve learnt and grown so much, and yet, there is still so much further to go.
As my first semester of Dutch language class draws to a close, I realise there is still a long way for me to go. I try hard not to feel inundated or intimidated, and remind myself that I’m still learning and refining my use of the English language every day. Some days I’m a better self-motivational speaker than others. I plug on.
The things I miss aren’t material. Well, perhaps that’s a small lie. I’m grateful for everyone who is kind enough to send me vegemite! Because of them, I don’t miss vegemite! It is those people I would like to wrap in a hug though. When events happen, good or bad, it’s difficult knowing that I won’t be there to share the moments and emotions. Skype and email makes it easier. Living in an era when you can just flick a switch and see the people you miss makes it easier. Family and friends who understand make it easier.
Every now and again I wake up on a weekend and I think, “Oooo! I could go for a toasty at Buzzz Bar on King St! I wonder who else will be there …” before my brain catches up, I wake up a little further, and I remember that King St might be a bit of a stretch for a Sunday walk. So we go up the Jordaan. It’s similar.
Or I’ll be planning dinner, and want a specific ingredient, which I can’t find. But I know it would be just there, in Harris Farm, or Market Place. So I change the menu.
I’ve felt this way before too. I still feel the urge to walk up to Duck Reach from the Gorge every now and again. I know it dulls with time. And there have been so many new adventures and explorations to see and do here! I wouldn’t have been happy living my life just doing the same things over and over again.
For me it’s a perfect time to reflect on just how many wondrous things we have seen and experienced. How many welcoming, helpful and friendly the people we have met are. And just how many things we still want to do, which was why we moved here in the first place.
Our lives are so rich, and we are so grateful.
Without the love and support of each other, our families, our friends, both old and new, none of this would have been, or continue to be, possible. So on this, the anniversary of one of the biggest decisions of our lives, I’d like to thank you.
Yes YOU!
Thank you for helping us make all this possible.
ghoti industries 
Congratulations on one year! So many changes, adventures. I understand some of what you mean about what and whom you miss and how you miss it and them. There are moments when I catch myself thinking, “I need this and it would be so easy to get it if I were there” or “on a day like this, I want to go to this place or other.” The places and people are what I miss more than the things and some days the missing, the longing is a bit more painful than others.
Thank you for sharing your adventures and stories. It’s wonderful to have a window into your daily life there, to see and hear how you’re adapting and growing and thriving. Bon courage for the Dutch lessons and keep up the great posts!
Daw! Thank you!
I’m glad you’re enjoying reading my/our adventures. It’s been so much fun having them that I just have to share!