Always feels a bit funny once you go through immigration.....it's like you've been jailed. Where do you belong?? You've 'checked out' of Australia and haven't been accepted anywhere else as yet. You can't leave without boarding that plane...... Anyhow..... We are sitting waiting in the business lounge....feels a bit de Ja Vue since we were only here exactly 7 weeks ago. See you all in a day or two. The next blog topic will be 'Two Fresh Expats in India'.....
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Sunday 4th January 2015.....this date signifies the day we left our family, friends & home in Australia to venture off to discover that 'something' we've been looking for. We had a 'send off' entourage at the Hervey Bay airport. Glad to say there were no tears. Staying in Brisbane overnight then to catch our flight early afternoon Monday the 5th January. We are not sure the exact reason we've been guided to this area of the world, but from the day 2 years ago when Bruce came home and half jokingly suggested we move to India for his work, the universe has been guiding us there. There has been many challenges along the way to actually get to this point and I'm quite certain there will be challenges once we arrive and during the settling in period. For some reason we have been ushered there so let's make the absolute most of it and embrace what most people only dream about.....living, learning and being a part of a different culture overseas! We are very fortunate to have been chosen to do this. Enjoy our journey..... Today is the day we leave our home, family & friends to flit off to the other side of the world for our adventure we've been planning for approximately 2 years. Our bags are packed and now for the countdown until we leave later on this afternoon. Today we fly our first leg of our journey to Brisbane where we'll stay overnight before catching our early afternoon flight on Monday 5th January 2015 to Bangkok then onto Mumbai followed by our final leg onto Vadodara. Last night was a fun night reuniting with my Sister and her family from Emerald and my parents. A very quick cup of coffee with some friends this morning and a quick catch up. Watch the following days to see what unfolds for us. We did the 5 hour drive back to Brisbane on the Sunday after Christmas. Bruce worked his final days in the Brisbane office prior to our move to India. I put my 'Sadie The Cleaning Lady' outfit on and cleaned our rented apartment from top to bottom making it sparkling and shinier than before we moved in. On Wednesday afternoon we once again made the 5 hour drive north to spend our final days in Australia with family and friends. We've packed (in a fashion)..... Always those last minute bits-n-pieces to throw in.... Having a big family get together tonight before our first flight tomorrow back to Brisbane. Back to our own home for the Christmas period. Went out to Mum & Dads beach house for Christmas lunch. Feasted on freshly caught crab, salads, meats and wicked deserts. Was a beautiful day sitting on the deck watching the goings on of the Sandy Straits overlooking Fraser Island and families playing on the beach. Today we braved the crowds of the Boxing Day sales and bought 2 giant suitcases capable of carrying our belongings and memorabilia for the next few years to the other side of the world. Started my list of things to do for the next week. Heading back to Brisbane tomorrow to finalise the cleaning of our apartment & Bruce doing his final 3 days work in the Milton office before handing over the keys on Wednesday and heading back up home for New Years and the days to follow prior to departing. We've enjoyed living in Brisbane....we are so privileged to have experienced the time there. Life was never dull....always did something exciting on weekends and thanks to the internet, would find little gems otherwise hidden. Such a surreal feeling filled with mixed emotion leaving a job that's basically been your life. I use to day dream about leaving and of course when it's not reality you conjure up images of freedom, relief, overwhelming joy......well yes I am very exitited about our next chapter about to unfold but it's also sad leaving what I've known for the past 20 years. But...it's time to take the plunge! Two weeks ago, I submitted my resignation letter to my manager. Who would of thought I'd be holding back tears! (I'm not a cryer at the worst if times)....but I think it's primarily the thought of not being a part of that community anymore. During this past week, my Brisbane work pals have been great. I've had heaps of support & taken out to breakfast. The company presented me with a beautiful gift for my time with them also. I think it's been helpful too that Christmas festivities are in full swing....it's the little things which make a memory and I'll always cherish my last days at SNP with the memory of Christmas Carols blaring, sitting next to my beautiful Christmas Grinch Billie, sitting across from Leanne & Sharyn struggling to hold back a burst of carol madness, and the abundant food constantly being forced into ones tummy. Our little group at work also exchanged Christmas gifts (seperate to the office secret santa).... It was so nice to receive such sweet gifts from everyone and feel included only after 5 months since transferring to Brisbane. One by one, staff have been leaving for the Christmas break, so goodbyes have been spread out...much.easier I think. Tomorrow marks the last day of my career with SNP.....let's see how it goes! |