There comes a point in all great adventures when the novelty wears off and the reality sets in. Life becomes less exceptional and more mundane. Once the honeymoon stage ends there is an awkward pause of uncertainty as we question if everything is really all that we made it out to be.
I find that I experience the same timeline of highs and lows when I move to a new place. The initial few months are exciting, challenging, and awe inspiring as I wander foreign streets and uncover the hidden gems of my new home. Each new day brings about discoveries that quench my inability to settle for the familiar. My heart feels full as I chase the unknown.
As days turn to months the novelty starts to wear off. Tram routes that used to end in wrong destinations become second nature. I have my phone number, address, and Australian nicknames memorized. The green grocer knows to expect my tired face every Monday evening to stock up on my weekly supply of apples and spinach. The standard three month lull of comfort seems to have hit again and I don't know if I love it or hate it.
I hate to love staying in one place for too long almost as much as I love to hate it. The incessant pull onward cannot be ignored, however, neither can the satisfaction of having a home once again. It's a classic case of Jekyll and Hyde as my heart drifts between flights to India or new bedding, teaching in Japan or gaining sponsorship, challenging myself or settling, life or responsibility.
While I cannot begin to think of the future, I do know that right now, in this very moment of my life, I am loving living in Melbourne. This city has not been voted the most livable city five years running for no reason. The CBD (aka downtown) pulses with life as buskers serenade passersby as they meander down streets lined with shops, cafes, and Asian cuisine. The Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Malaysian, Thai, Indian, etc. food is on par with that of all major cities and could very well by my favorite draw. The coffee culture in this city rivals that of Seattle, and I have spent my fair share of gold coins trying a small percentage of what is on offer. The Yarra river drifts lazily through the city, providing me with a daily shock of beauty during my commute home as the setting sun reflects brilliantly on the water.
As far as my personal life goes I couldn't be more content. My home is nestled a 15 minute tram ride north of the city in a quaint neighborhood that smells of flowers, sounds of birdsong, and feels nothing like what I expected of living in a 4 million person city. I was lucky enough to secure a job working for Saxton Speakers Bureau which challenges me in the best way and is opening my eyes to a world of possibility. I am in contact with professional athletes, businessmen, adventurers, and inspirational people every day who serve as a reminder that I can do/be anything I dream of. Friends have crept into my heart as we spend days lazing in parks, having pop up dinners, or treating ourselves to lunch and a bottle of sparkling wine simply for the sake of it (love you, Deb).
This is my life and I am proud of it. Five months ago I landed with nothing except a backpack and a shattered sense of self. My financial, physical, and emotional states were in dire need of a change. With the help of some truly incredible individuals and a determination that surprises even me, I created a life for myself from the ashes.
So while my days are full of trams, emails, and the mundane instead of planes, blogs, and the extraordinary I am foolishly content. This is my newest home away from home and I love it.
So while my days are full of trams, emails, and the mundane instead of planes, blogs, and the extraordinary I am foolishly content. This is my newest home away from home and I love it.
For now.
