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January 27, 2009 | Filed under Australia, Travel
I’m back in Melbourne. Those who have me added on Facebook (I’m not hard to find on there, honestly) will know that I’m not happy about this – there’s no sense of “I’m glad to be home”. Rather, it’s the opposite – I no longer feel that Australia’s home, and rather want to spend the rest of my years in Europe, or England more specifically as a consequence of language barriers.
I recognise some facets of this depression as the post-holiday slump that I go through every time I return to Australia after having been overseas, but for the most part, I think its a burgeoning recognition of my own mortality that’s driving these emotions. I’m not going to be around forever. I shouldn’t be stuck at the bottom of the world forever, relying on annual three-week holidays to satiate my thirst for adventure and new experiences. Time is running out.
As a result, I’m looking into opportunities to move over there – whether for work, study, or otherwise. My soul is old, and I need to feel enveloped in the history that only a country like England can offer. The relative youth of Australia makes a mockery of what I feel like I need in order to be content. Melancholy, I know.
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So you’re back in Melbourne. I’d trade with you… live in Australia for some time, where it’s sunny and warm :)
I think I added you on Facebook once but you’re not my “friend” so I guessed you only know people you REALLY know ;)
You want to move to England? Or GB in general? Nice. That’s a big step but it sounds like you really wanna do this.
Tracy on January 27, 2009 #
Welcome home!
I probably would have felt the same way about Tokyo when I came back from my visit there . . . but I ended up getting tonsillitis there, so, uh yeah.
But hey, if England is calling you, then go for it! Like you said, we are mortals, we won’t live forever, so let’s do what makes us happy! And if England is it for you, then so be it. :)
Tara on January 27, 2009 #
I always knew that Australia sucks. :)
Nellie on January 27, 2009 #
That would be fantastic. :) As you know, my spare room is available any time.
Tanya on January 27, 2009 #
Glad you’re home! I don’t mind if you move to England (apart from the fact that i’ll miss you badly) but it also provides an excuse for me to visit :D
Alexandra on January 27, 2009 #
I so agree. I’ve never been to Europe, obviously, but in Canada half the country is “old” (not nearly as old as England, but older than the rest of Canada), and my half is a young 102 years old. D: I am a big history nut, and my true home in Canada is Old Quebec City– surrounded by canon-lined walls to keep out the English, and the glorious French architectural style from the 1600s. It’s smaller than my city, but not too small, and I simply love it there.
I’ve also been an Anglophile since age 3, so I can’t wait to go over there. The only problem would be that I may not ever come back. Eep.
Aisling on January 27, 2009 #
Wow, sounds like you’ve really got some soul-searching to do. You sound really unhappy where you live, like you really need a desperate change, just for your own well-being. The way you described it, I’d say, absolutely go for it ! Move to England if that’s what would make you content, it sounds like it would. You have your whole life, start a new adventure!
CJ on January 27, 2009 #
Come back to the dark side…
If I move to Brighton later this year you can come stay with me :)
Lil on January 27, 2009 #
So the experience didn’t make you discover how happy you are to live in Australia? Whenever I visit Egypt, I realize how lucky I am to live in Canada :P
I can understand what you’re saying, though, and I hope you do get the opportunity to live where you’ll be happiest :)
Kaylee on January 28, 2009 #
Come here come here come heeeeeere!
Stephanie on January 28, 2009 #
I know how you feel. Sometimes, you know deep down you don’t connect to a place and you have to get out before it’s too late.
Are you planning to stay in the UK permantly or just for a few years on a visa? I’d imagine it may be hard to get into the UK permantly (caus’ everyone comes here) Perhaps getting a working visa is easier than permenant stay though. And after living here for 5 years you can apply for ciitizenship :D
hehe… and where would you go? *hint* Come to Manchester!! :P *hint*
Catherine on January 28, 2009 #
I hope your old soul will find peace soon… In England where you can be near those French boys.
Felisa on January 28, 2009 #
My boss felt the same when he came over from Australia… Eventually after moving a few times (to the US, NZ, etc) he finally settled in England and loves it here. I’ve known a lot of people go from England to Australia but not so many go the other way.
I agree with everyone else – if you really want to be here – and it sounds like you do! – then we’ll gladly have you :D I must admit I do like living here and although I’ve never been down under, I’ve been to the US and to Europe a few times and I just feel like I don’t fit in. I’d do what Catherine suggested – get a working/studying visa and then apply for citizenship if you so desire it :)
Amelie on January 28, 2009 #
I know exactly what you mean, albeit the place where I feel like I “belong” is Hong Kong. Even though I am currently studying in the US and want to travel abroad and live in other places, ultimately I want to end up in Hong Kong again, and whenever I try and “map out” my education and future, I always try to ensure that all the paths I take lead back to Hong Kong.
If living in England is what you want, go for it. As corny as this sounds, the opportunity to follow a dream is hard to come by, so when the chance presents itself, take it. :)
Manda on January 28, 2009 #
I always feel that way when I come back home. But I see no possibility of getting out…ever. Best bet is the other side of my own country.
marilyn on January 28, 2009 #
I felt the same when I came back from England a few years ago.
I was pretty close to moving back there last year ( I was born there), but with the economy turning to crap didn’t want to risk unemployment, and decided to do postgrad and stay put in boring nz for another year :(
iago on January 28, 2009 #
It’s so nice to know that I’m not the only person who wants to LEAVE Australia. My Dad thinks I’m nuts.
Jordie on January 28, 2009 #
The grass usually does look greener on the other side. I think once you have moved there permanently you might find things which are lacking in that country that might cause you to feel like moving again. I would love to live in Australia though.
Wendy on January 28, 2009 #
Don’t they say that the grass is always greener on the other side? Visiting a country for a holiday is so much different than actually living there.
Chans on January 28, 2009 #
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